1st show jumping comp advice please

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hamish1

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I'm going to my first showjumping comp next week, im excited but bit nervous. we're doing the 2ft 6 course which we are jumping at home fine but not as a whole course(dont have enough jumps lol)Not expecting to win anything but just want to get round and have a good experience-any advice much appriciated :o x
 
Aw, congrats!

Most importantly HAVE FUN! Theres no point doing it if you and pony don't enjoy yourselves, so make the most of it, keep calm and remember to give pony loads of hugs, it'll relax both of you! Xxx
 
hamish1 said:
I'm going to my first showjumping comp next week, im excited but bit nervous. we're doing the 2ft 6 course which we are jumping at home fine but not as a whole course(dont have enough jumps lol)Not expecting to win anything but just want to get round and have a good experience-any advice much appriciated :o x
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Oh fantastic, I hope you have a great day. My advice would be to enjoy yourself and do not feel pressured, arrive in plenty of time and give yourself and your horse time to settle. Take your time walking your course, and watch several people go round before you go in. Try be relaxed and jump as if you were at home, I am sure you will do well and have great fun! You will have to post some photos on here! Good luck! xx :)
 
Arrive with plenty of time
Walk the course and make sure you know it!
Watch other riders and see if they can teach you anything
Don't over think things, just ride like you do at home
 
thank you both for your comments-i hope i can stay relaxed! will hopefully get some good pics-there's a photographer there so will hopefully buy a decent one.just hope i dont get too many butterflies on the day :D and yes will make sure i get there with plenty of time so im not running round like a headless chicken x
 
what if i get called to do it first nooo lol, knowing my luck I will aswell.hope i do get chance to watch other riders first, like to watch and learn :)
 
hamish1 said:
what if i get called to do it first nooo lol, knowing my luck I will aswell.hope i do get chance to watch other riders first, like to watch and learn :)
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I find even watching other classes is useful, as it lets you see which parts of the arena have good ground etc
 
another pointer would be not to do too many practice fences - you both know what you're doing, so five should be sufficient. make sure you end on a good one so you both go in feeling positive and remember to breathe!!
 
can you do that rudey :D ?
I hope we know what we're doing Maletto :eek: yep must remember to breathe. ahh thanks for the advice about practice jumps hadn't even thought of that...fingers crossed we end on a good one,hope my confidence dosnt go to pot as he does get his confidence from his rider. Im just gona try and have fun and hopefully he will too :)
 
Hi,

I take it that it is unaffiliated? Have you got an experienced friend to walk the course with you? I'm sure you know this already but it is about identifying your lines as well as just remembering the course. I used to wing it far too much when I was younger.

Breathing is always a good piece of advice.

Is this his first class? If so expect him to go a little green and don't get cross with him. Just make sure you have your leg on to every fence and look up, sit up - I've seen lots of people throw their pony into the bottom of the fence and just expecting it to jump!!

Are you just in one class? Is there a clear round ring too as it could be a great way for you to ride a course and get your confidence up?

You will get nervous but that is natural! Have a good breakfast as by the time I'm at the show I get nervous and go off food!!

Smile, enjoy it. xx
 
Have you practiced plenty of different fillers and spreads at home? These are often what catches people out when they first start competing. If you haven't got any fillers then try putting various (safe) objects under your jumps to accustom him to jumping things that look a little spooky. Things like stuffed feed sacks, plastic barrels, etc.

If it is possible to enter a smaller class beforehand or do the clear round jumping, then that may be a good plan, as often ponies don't always jump as well at a show as they do at home. If the first course you do is tiny, then you can encourage him to jump them anyway even if the approach is a bit sticky!

Another tip is not to stand next to all the other horses and ponies whilst waiting your turn to compete, as this result in your pony being nappy and not wanting to leave the others. Stay in the vicinity of the ring, but walk your pony around instead, until it is time for you to compete.

Good luck and I hope you have fun!
 
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