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Spring 2: Spring Series Update: A Smarter, More Efficient Hunter Schedule

At Beverly, continuous improvement is not a slogan—it is an operating principle. Each show gives us data, feedback, and real-world insight into how our program performs for riders, trainers, and families. With the completion of Spring 1, we’ve taken a close, analytical look at our hunter schedule and identified an opportunity to refine the experience further.


Main RIng Flow for All Levels

Spring allows us to venture outside, and, with the addition of our grand prix ring for the jumpers, our hunter riders can compete in the main ring. This elevated the overall experience—bigger space, improved flow, and a more polished environment—and we are pleased to continue this format going forward.

The Operational Reality

Our internal timing analysis from Spring 1 confirmed a fundamental reality of the format: A full hunter schedule, when all divisions are offered, requires approximately 7–8 hours to run in a single ring.

In a one-ring format, time is the fixed resource—and offering a complete schedule means that day length follows.


Importantly, we are committed to keeping all divisions. Our goal is not to reduce opportunities, but to ensure that every rider has a place to compete.


With that commitment in mind, we are focused on refining how the day flows within that structure to create a more predictable and enjoyable experience for all.

The New Hunter Schedule Format

Beginning this spring, we are implementing a top-down scheduling model, aligned with the proven efficiency of our jumper ring.


1. Start with Performance Divisions (Morning Priority)

We will begin the day with our more experienced riders, including:

  • 2'6" and above divisions

  • Child/Adult Hunters

  • Green Hunters

  • Thoroughbred Hunters

  • Working Hunters

Why this matters:

  • Allows us to build a fully dressed, professional ring with complete course elements (filler, lines, presence) from the outset

  • Matches rider expectations at this level for a consistent, high-quality environment

  • Creates a predictable early schedule for performance-focused clients


2. Transition to Entry-Level Divisions

Following the performance divisions, we will move into:

  • Short Stirrup

  • Long Stirrup

  • Flat Equitation

  • Pleasure divisions

Operational benefit:

  • Eliminates the inefficiency of starting simple and building complexity throughout the day

  • Instead, we move in reverse—simplifying the ring as the day progresses

  • Creates a smoother, more controlled pacing for newer riders


3. Build Back Up Through Low & Limit Divisions

From there, we will progress into:

  • Low Hunter divisions

  • Limit divisions

This “down-then-up” structure creates a natural rhythm to the day, allowing:

  • Better spacing of rider levels

  • More consistent ring resets

  • Improved overall time management

Designed With You in Mind

This is not a static change—it is part of an ongoing refinement process. Our goal is to build a schedule that supports:

  • Competitive riders preparing for rated shows

  • Developing riders progressing through the Beverly Pathway

  • Families and trainers managing full, complex show days

Your feedback is a critical input into that process.

We Want to Hear From You

This schedule is designed to serve you—and it needs to work in practice, not just on paper.

Please share your feedback, observations, and suggestions as we implement this update. Positive feedback, in particular, helps us validate what is working and continue building in the right direction.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the ring this spring with an even stronger, more efficient program.



10 Comments


Laura
2 days ago

Hi would you consider having low & limit after the other hunter classes before moving to Short stirrup, etc.

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Laurie Guffey
2 days ago

A significant downside to hunter riders with the top-down format is low and limit rounds are frequently used as warmups for 2’6. Many adults and teens do this.

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darrin172
2 days ago
Replying to

Thank you for your feedback, Laurie! We appreciate it.

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Sarahk
3 days ago

If there is a flat office fee for entries you’d have a better idea of class numbers.

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darrin172
2 days ago
Replying to

Hello Sarah! Yes, we have an office fee.

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Guest
3 days ago

Will the hunter ring continue to start at 10am? Ideally it would start at 8 or 9 at the latest. Will there be a schooling break for the smaller height jumps? The 2ft riders can't school in the morning if the jumps are set for 2'6/3'.

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darrin172
2 days ago
Replying to

The Hunter ring will start at 8:30 am. Please see our most recent email for the latest timing update! :) If you are not subscribed, the subscription form is on the bottom of our website.

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Guest
3 days ago

Agree with previous poster to go from up to down. To go up to down to up is too hard for people to gauge timing (particularly low and limit riders) and will lead to additional frustration and non-participation. Why not split to two days or use more than one ring?

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Contact Us

Thanks for submitting!

YEAR ROUND

7120 Beverly Lane

The Plains, VA 20198

(310) 339-9296

info@beverlyequestrian.com

WINTER SEASON

 

Hunter/Jumper: Beverly South Florida

14392 Rolling Rock Place

Polo:​ Beverly South Forty

4772 Pelham Circle

Wellington, FL 33414

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