The excitement kicked off this weekend at Munstead with the first-ever XC+ class of the season! XC+ is an innovative, shorter format of eventing that lets competitors take on two out of the three phases of the sport in a single day. Perfect for those looking to focus on specific disciplines, manage time constraints, or simply enjoy the thrill of competition without the full pressure of all three phases. This exciting new format offers a flexible and accessible version of eventing, catering to the diverse needs of our community.
XC+ runs alongside standard BE competitions at BE80 and BE90 levels at select events with the necessary capacity, ensuring that participants still benefit from the same high standards of safety, support, and organisation that British Eventing is known for. This new format is open to all BE members, including Pay-As-You-Go members who have completed a standard class at the same level within the past 12 months.
Entries for XC+ will open one week after the ballot date, with limited availability during the pilot year. The class will be integrated into the event schedule, and at just 75% of the standard class entry fee, it’s an affordable and exciting option for those looking to take part. While the dress code for XC+ is more relaxed, all riders must still meet the minimum safety equipment requirements as outlined in the BE Handbook, ensuring safety remains a top priority.
First XC+ competitor: Natasha Eddery-Dunsdon’s experience
Natasha Eddery-Dunsdon and her 11-year-old Dutch mare, Joletta, were the very first competitors to take part in XC+ at Munstead, entering the XC+ Dressage 90. Natasha shared her thoughts after the event:
“Well, I loved it! The reason I chose XC+ is because my mare is actually a showjumper, so she’s used to jumping big courses and isn’t keen on jumping tiny fences. For her first event of the season, I didn’t want to start her off at 90 because I knew it would overwhelm her. Dressage is something we need to work on, so it was perfect for me to do the dressage and then focus on cross-country, which are the two phases we need to improve the most. Plus, we both love cross-country, so it was nice to skip the showjumping phase and focus on what matters most to us. When we do all three together, I know we’ll be prepared. I’d definitely recommend it, especially if, like me, you don’t want to put lots of miles on your horse, or if your horse isn’t quite fit enough for all three phases at once at the start of the season. It’s a great idea!”
With such positive feedback from our first competitor, we’re excited to see how the XC+ format evolves throughout the season. Don’t miss out on this fantastic new opportunity to get involved in British Eventing in a more flexible and focused way!
Photo courtesy of Joanna Hockly-Andrews
