Start the Season Right: Your Team Chasing Prep Guide

Start the Season Right: Your Team Chasing Prep Guide

First things first—make sure you’re a registered BTC member. It sounds obvious, but it’s one of those things that’s all too easy to forget when you're busy getting horses fit, kit cleaned, and lorries road-ready.
While you're at it, take a minute to update your contact details, horse info, and team name if anything’s changed.

It’s far easier to tick it off now than scramble through it in a flap the night before an event—and if you get stuck, just give us a shout at admin@britishteamchasing.co.uk. Membership runs from 1st January to 31st December, so there's absolutely no reason not to get it sorted. One quick job done, one step closer to that start box—and one less thing to worry about when the adrenaline’s already doing its thing.

Check Your Insurance Cover

It’s also a good idea to check your insurance cover. BTC membership currently does not include public liability insurance, so please ensure your provider covers team chasing specifically—it’s not always included in standard equestrian policies. The good news? From next season, PL insurance will be included with your membership. Until then, double-check that you're properly protected.

Kit Check: Don’t Let the Team Down

Let’s talk safety. Your hat and body protector must meet the standards listed in the BTC Rule Book. We’ve got stewards on the ground at every event, and they may check your gear—even after your round. If it’s not compliant, you risk your entire team being eliminated.

So now’s the time to make sure everything’s up to standard and in good condition. And while you're in the Rule Book looking up what qualifies, take a few extra minutes to give the whole thing a read. It might not be gripping fiction, but it’s packed with info that’ll keep you and your team on the right side of the rules.

And while we’re on kit—You need your own number bib, so dig it out and give it a wash. Fence judges aren’t psychic—they need to see those numbers clearly!

Tack Check... Yes, That Includes Cleaning It

And yes—tack cleaning. No one enjoys it, but while you're elbow-deep in saddle soap, it's the perfect time to catch any weak points or damage you’d miss mid-season. Girths, reins, stirrup leathers, martingales—give everything a good once-over. Look out for worn stitching, cracked leather or frayed straps. Plus, there’s something quite satisfying about heading into the first event with everything gleaming (even if it only lasts until fence two).

Exclusive member benefits worth checking out if your kitting up ready for the season: 

🏇 Premier Performance – 20% off with code CHASE20 |  www.premierperformance.uk
🏇 Treehouse Sporting Colours – 10% off with code BTC | www.treehouseonline.co.uk
🏇 Evo Equine – 15% off with code Teamchasing15% | www.evoequine.co.uk
🏇 Equiclass – 5% off with code TEAMCHASE5 | www.equiclass.co.uk
🏇 Rider Eye – 10% off with code SS10 | www.ridereye.co.uk
🏇 LeMieux - Team Kit – 30% off (email admin@britishteamchasing.co.uk for details)
🏇 Equitex – Free delivery and a beanie hat with code Teamchasing | www.thesaddlepadcompany.com

BTC Merchandise

Want to look the part while you ride like the wind? Grab yourself some official British Team Chasing gear. From jackets and hoodies to caps and beanie hats, there’s something for everyone—and you can even personalise it with your team name.
Check it out at J S Teamwear and get kitted out before your first event.
Visit:  J S Teamwear

So that’s it. Membership done. Insurance checked. Hat and body protector sorted. Tack cleaned. Rule book read (ish). Port packed.

You’re ready!