For riders preparing for a long-format event, there is much more to think about than dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. From presenting your horse at the jog to understanding steeplechase and knowing what happens in the vet box, the long format introduces an entirely different set of skills—and learning them before competition weekend can make the experience much less intimidating.

That’s exactly what MSEDA’s upcoming Long Format Clinic is designed to do.

Whether you’re preparing for your first long-format competition or simply want to better understand this traditional side of eventing, the clinic gives riders an opportunity to practice three important pieces of the experience: the jog, steeplechase, and the vet box.

It is particularly valuable preparation for MSEDA members planning to compete at a long-format event such as the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge. Instead of arriving at the competition and encountering these elements for the first time, riders can learn what to expect, ask questions, and practice in a low-pressure educational environment.

Perfecting the Jog

The jog is about much more than a beautifully groomed horse and a polished outfit. It is a chance to demonstrate that your horse is fit, sound, well-prepared, and ready to continue in the competition.

Three-star event rider Suzie Hellard will help riders understand the entire process, from preparing their horse beforehand to presenting confidently in front of the ground jury.

Riders will learn about presentation, fitness, manners, preparation, and what officials are looking for during the jog. Just as importantly, they’ll have an opportunity to practice the process before having to do it in a competition setting.

For first-time long-format competitors, simply knowing where to go, what to do, and what is expected can remove a lot of the nerves surrounding the jog.

Experience the Thrill of Steeplechase

For many riders, steeplechase is one of the most exciting—and unfamiliar—parts of the traditional long-format experience.

Five-star eventer Cathy Wieschhoff will guide riders through the steeplechase portion of the clinic. Cathy has competed at some of the highest levels of the sport, including Kentucky and Burghley, and is an ECP Certified Level V instructor, an R course designer, and an FEI Level 2 Cross-Country Course Designer.

Riders will work in groups of three at the same level for 30-minute sessions, learning how to approach the steeplechase phase safely and effectively.

Beyond simply jumping fences, the session offers riders the chance to learn about rhythm, pace, efficiency, and how steeplechase fits into the bigger picture of a long-format competition.

Riders should arrive warmed up and ready to jump at their scheduled start time, wearing their cross-country vest and helmet.

Understand What Happens in the Vet Box

Once the riding is finished, the learning continues.

Riders will enjoy refreshments while learning the ins and outs of the vet box with FEI veterinarian Dr. Sarah Escaro of Hagyard Equine.

A lifelong horsewoman, Dr. Escaro brings both a rider’s and veterinarian’s perspective to caring for equine athletes. She is an associate in Hagyard’s Performance Medicine & Lameness department and, as a recognized USEF and FEI veterinarian, works with top-level horses at national and international competitions across the country.

The vet box is a crucial part of long-format competition, where riders and their teams need to understand how to properly cool and care for their horses, monitor recovery, and prepare them for what comes next.

Learning those skills before competition weekend means riders can arrive with a better understanding of how to care for their horse throughout the event—not just how to ride the phases.

Prepare Before You Compete

Long-format eventing rewards preparation, horsemanship, fitness, and attention to detail. While you can read about jogs, steeplechase, and vet boxes, there is no substitute for actually practicing them and learning directly from experienced professionals.

For riders considering the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge—or any future long-format competition—this clinic is an opportunity to make those unfamiliar pieces feel familiar before you head through the start box.

The MSEDA Long Format Clinic is open to Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training level riders.

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and experience the traditions that make long-format eventing so special.

Ready to join us? Sign up for the MSEDA Long Format Clinic today.