Getting Started - For The Organizer
The following outlines the steps to begin CCE at a new venue. Previous experience organizing an equestrian competition is useful, but not necessary. Organizing a CCE competition is typically simpler and involves fewer inputs than a similar-sized schooling show. CCEA’s goal is to help organizers and venues get started running CCE competitions, then provide the support to keep them simple, easy, and viable for organizers, so CCE is affordable and available to horses and riders everywhere.
The First CCE
A new venue or organizer uses a Workshop Competition format to get started, which includes educational or “workshop” components and a simplified “competition” for direct experience. Workshop Competitions cover the fundamental aspects of CCE for everyone involved, including competitors, organizers, and support roles.
The Workshop Competition is listed by CCEA, and entries usually open approximately one month before the date. Preparations are made beforehand, including sourcing miscellaneous items, occasionally pre-staging the course, and providing important information to participants and promotional material for the organizer to use.
A Workshop Competition begins with a preparation day in which the course is set and aspects of organizing, officiating, and course design are covered. The following day starts with a briefing and course-walk. While competitors prepare to ride, the obstacle judges, scorers, timers, and other volunteers are briefed as needed.
The competition is conducted with a lenient approach. Mistakes are expected and used to explain or demonstrate a concept or rule. Any issues regarding obstacle judging are handled as they occur. Scoring and timing are recorded, and final placings are determined. The CCEA provides prizes and awards.
The primary objective of a Workshop Competition is for all involved to understand the basic concepts and be eager to take the next step in CCE. Typically, an organizer can progress to running Training Competitions after one or two Workshop Competitions, while most competitors are ready after only one.
Venue Requirements
CCE can be readily adapted to a wide range of venues, including those with limited facilities or obstacles. A venue and its facilities usually reflect the interests of the regular participants. All CCE competitions can be structured to correspond to the circumstances present. However, a venue with a reasonable obstacle inventory and plenty of open space is preferable when introducing CCE to a new area, as it will allow more features of CCE to be included. An ideal venue has full cross-country courses at the levels expected to attend and a set of show-jumping fences. Arenas with all-weather footing and riding trails are not necessary, but are often utilized.
Competition Formats
The actual competition format is chosen based on which Stages (components) the venue and schedule can support. The preferences and abilities of the expected participants are also considered to ensure the CCE appeals to local riders. A Workshop Competition may include one or more Stages and is typically run over one or two days. Competitors choose which Stages to enter, and are not required or expected to participate in the entire competition. A CCE clinic that combines riding instruction with the Workshop Competition can be added and scaled to suit the demand.
Organizer Requirements
The organizer should be familiar with the venue, available facilities, and other factors that could be involved in setting up and running the competition at the venue. Ideally, a small support group is ready to assist and ensure important jobs are completed. CCEA does a substantial portion of the planning and organizing for each competition, including handling all entries. A CCEA representative attends and directs the set-up and competition until the organizer no longer needs the on-site support.
Officials Requirements
There is no requirement for officials at Workshop Competitions, but the primary roles are explained. Officials are needed for Training Competitions, but they can be unlicensed. Whenever possible, people from the local area should fulfill official roles. Ideally, those interested in becoming officials or volunteers attend and fulfill those roles for the competition portion.
Volunteer Requirements
The need for volunteers is specific to the competition. The scale, schedule, competition stages, venue layout, and facilities will determine the minimum number needed. Small CCE competitions have been run with as few as four volunteers, but having more is always easier. Typical roles include obstacle judges, scorer, time-keeper, and stewards. The schedule of a Workshop Competition generally permits a small number of obstacle judges to cover the entire course. Two-way radios (Walkie-talkies) are virtually essential.
Participation Levels
Natural caution toward anything new will usually limit turnout initially. However, modest attendance is preferable given unfamiliarity with CCE and the need for a flexible schedule. Depending on the format, viable turnout can be less than 30 competitors. The format and schedule will determine the upper limit for participation. Auditors and those wanting to observe and learn about CCE before participating should be welcomed.
Price-point, Value, and Return on Investment
We attempt to keep entry fees equal to or less than a comparable schooling show to maintain an attractive price-point. The entry fee includes whatever the organizer and CCEA need to cover their respective costs. Participants are invariably pleased with the value of CCE. At the first CCE, the on-site inputs from CCEA and modest turnout limit the profit margin for the local organizer when maintaining the low price-point. However, small increases in participation and reducing direct CCEA inputs at subsequent competitions raise profit margins quickly.
Promotion
Encouraging people to try CCE when they are unfamiliar with it requires promotion. The most successful Workshop Competitions have engaged and trusted people actively encouraging others to participate. Usually, people just need a little nudge or want reassurance that their friends will be there too. Developing an outreach strategy tailored to the CCE is recommended. Promotional materials and a general marketing plan are available for organizers to customize.
Interested in starting CCE at your local venue?
Starting CCE is easier than you might think. The built-in flexibility means it can be adapted to most situations. The first step is getting in touch with us.
Tell us about the venue and facilities, the local competitor base, and what would be most attractive to them.