Am I mad to even be considering this....

[MizElz]

I am the most stubborn person I know, and, as such, I swore I would never get to this point. To cut a long story short, Ellie and I used to show jump a fair bit; we were reasonably successful at local BSJA competitions, and our highlight was being Reserve Champions at Trailblazers in 2002. Then, we both had a nasty fall during a lesson one day, and although Ellie was perfectly fine, I never recovered my already-less-than-perfect nerve when jumping. After I had physically recovered from the fall, we did have a couple more outings, but I found I was so nervous I was beginning to drop her at the bottom of the first fence practically every time, and chickening out in the middle of combinations (our fall occured during gridwork). And so we gave up jumping altogether in 2004.

I swore from that point onwards that jumping made me so stressed, I would never put myself through it again. After three years of happy hacking, we decided to give dressage a go last year - with very little success (but much humour!) Ellie simply isnt a dressage horse, and I lack the finesse of a dressage rider - we are still both show jumpers at heart, as many who know us would testify. Earlier this year, we went on a sponsored ride with a friend, who gave us a lead over some jumps - our first in four years! We had such a great time that we plan to go and have a potter round a local XC course at some stage - just for fun, but it is something Elz and I have never really done before (I was always adamant that she was a showjumper, and ONLY a showjumper

I've grown up a bit now!)

Yesterday, I got the schedule for Cricklade Show, one of my favourite events of the year. Last year, we went and did some dressage and a bit of showing (not very well, I may add!) I think I will avoid the dressage this year, and may do just a couple of in hand classes as she shows better naked than under saddle. However, the thought occurred to me today that I might, just might enter one of the show jumping classes.....

Am I mad? I dont want to have a lesson, I dont want to practice, I just want to go and see how I feel on the day, and if I want to jump, then I will enter......is this totally bonkers? Ellie loves to jump - this much I do know, so any problems lie with me, not her. Basically, if I give her the right messages, she will go - there is no question, and the fact that she hasnt jumped for so long does not really worry me.

My worries are numerous: what if I fall off and get hurt? A self preservation instinct seems to have kicked in with me - as much as I know I could fall off any time out hacking, I cannot deny I have felt a lot 'safer' since I gave up jumping. Also.....the smallest class I am eligible for is 2'9, which, although huge, is not exactly small (the 2'6 is restricted to combinations who've won less than £20 in any single jumping competition, and seeing as Ellie and I have won five times this in our time, and were quite well known in our local area, I wouldnt be able to risk entering this.) And also.....what if I show myself up by falling off/getting eliminated due to nerves? I'm pretty out of touch with the horsey community now, but even so, I dont want to purposefully make myself look a fool.

Good lord, this has turned into an essay

I havent even voiced my idea to my mum yet - she gets very excited at the prospect of us jumping again - I guess I just want to know what you guys think. If I am bonkers, please feel free to tell me!!! I'm just doing a bit of soul searching here: one half of me says, Do it! You'll have a great time! whilst the other half says, Don't make yourself look like a tw4t!

Help! Please!

 

[rara007]

Sounds a good idea to me!
Have fun!

 

[Weezy]

So bloody what if your nerve goes mid course or you get eliminated...who is judging you?

I think it is a damn fine idea. Go, see how you feel and if you want to jump then cool! There is bound to be a Clear Round you can pootle round, so my vote is stop worrying about what other people think and have some fun

 

[ttt]

Go for it and have fun. Cricklade has a range of different riders from first timers to the more experienced who are always placed.
My daughter will have a couple of ponies in the 2ft 9 and 3ft so we will keep a look out for you.

 

[Flibble]

It all depends wether you want to sit in your rocking chair at 80 thinking if only!

Why do 2' 9" why not do a smaller class HC ?

If a horse has its confidence knocked back you would take a step back to build its confidence so why dont you have that right. When I really bottled it I went to show and asked the secretary if she would let me jump in the kiddies ring HC!

 

[lauraheads]

Do it, do it, do it, do it....!

 

[hellspells]

Go for it - I don't think you're mad. I use to love jumping with a passion - then I on the other side of a fence with the horses rolled on top of me. I lost all my confidence jumping and its really only in the last year I have properly started at home again. I did a WH a few months ago and was ridiculously nervous - BUT I went in I did it and felt so much better in myself for doing it.

I've always said I need to find a off switch cos I think about the 'what ifs' like you do. I now try to picture anything before I go in - it stops me twisting it and producing a negatice thought. If you have to think of anything - just think that each jump you get over is a bonus. You have nothing to prove to anybody, you are no longer doing this affiliated - this is for FUN not because someone is stood over you making you do it. We spend enough money on this hobby - We should try and enjoy it!!! Easier said than done I know!!!

good luck
xxx

 

[Geraldine]

You know you want to.............................

And whatever the outcome, we'll all be very proud of you both!!!

 

[meandmyself]

Go for it!

Good luck!

 

[Madam_max]

Go HC in the smaller classes and have fun.x

 

[Mrs_Wishkabibble]

See how you feel when you get there so that way you won't feel under pressure.
Do the clear round and if you get on ok then do the first class HC.
Don't worry what people will think if you don't get round, jump as many as you feel confident doing and I think once you get in there you will be fine.
I used to be a nervous wreck after having a really bad fall

but am back out doing BSJA now.
You can do it, just don't pressure yourself.
Let us know how you get on

 

[Fiona_C]

Go for it

(then you can give me kick up the a$$ to do clear round jumping end of this month - minimus)

 

[MizElz]

Oh my word, thank you every one! That's a vote of confidence if ever I've seen one - not one person has questioned my sanity!!!!

I think the idea of doing the Clear Round first is a good one indeed - at least I will know whether or not I can still stay on over a fence! LOL! And I could go HC I guess, although each class is £10 so I need to consider that....but I will see how it goes on the day, I think!

Thank you, HHO! I cannot make any promises, but I will not discount the idea yet....

 

[foxhunter2000]

Go for it you will feel great WHEN u come out and it is successful!

 

[PeanutButterDragon]

Pop over the Clear Round course and take it from there - you can always decide how you feel after having jumped that. Though I have a sneaking suspicion you'd be okay taking the plunge and entering a class

 

[Hullabaloo]

Do you think you'll enjoy it - if you will then go ahead. That's not to say you won't feel nervous and sick - but that's all part of the fun

Agree you could enter smaller class HC and if that goes well you can always do 2'9
I assume they'll take entries on the day so why not walk the course and see how you feel about it then.

 

[Geraldine]

[ QUOTE ]
although each class is £10 so I need to consider that....

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're brave enough to be thinking of getting back on and trying I will gladly chip in £10! We can't compete so I'll sponsor you for a class.

 

[MizElz]

[ QUOTE ]

I assume they'll take entries on the day so why not walk the course and see how you feel about it then.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well you see this is the other thing - Mum and I have actually been asked to oversee the course alterations between classes (not actually course build - I think we just need to supervise when/where extra poles/fillers need to be added as the course gets bigger - show organiser is reluctant to leave it all to the Scouts!). So I should have a fair insight into what the course is like, which may help a bit!

I know I will be nervous - even before my fall, I used to feel sick with nerves before every class, but I remember only too well the buzz when I came out of the ring!

 

[MizElz]

[ QUOTE ]


If you're brave enough to be thinking of getting back on and trying I will gladly chip in £10! We can't compete so I'll sponsor you for a class.

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[missshell]

I think you should go, see what you feel comfortable with on the day and most of all HAVE FUN!! Who cares what strangers think?! Its the taking part that counts!

 

[laurasj]

good luck if u go for it, most importantly try and enjoy urself!

 

[lilym]

i think that ios a good idea to enter on the day, can you not do a smaller class HC??
i think you have to try to visage yourself doing a nice clear round, rather than worry about falling off, good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Hullabaloo]

[ QUOTE ]

I know I will be nervous - even before my fall, I used to feel sick with nerves before every class, but I remember only too well the buzz when I came out of the ring!

[/ QUOTE ]

For me there is nothing to beat that buzz - its worth all the feeling sick beforehand! Maybe some people do get the same thrill from dressage but its never done it for me.

Go with an open mind and do what you feel is right on the day - and good luck. I can't remember if you said when it is, but maybe we'll make it along and give you a run for your money (prizes to date - 1 easter egg!)

 

[Geraldine]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


If you're brave enough to be thinking of getting back on and trying I will gladly chip in £10! We can't compete so I'll sponsor you for a class.

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

Honestly I will. I've had a cr@p 3 weeks but today has been personally ferkin ace leading to a small amount of spare cash.

I would love to SJ but can't as a) El Vetio advised against it b) Bob has a cavernous jump when cahooning around and it scares me sh*tless just watching him!!! So we'll sponsor a class on the condition that a) you do your best to enjoy and b) pics please!!!

 

[Brandysnap]

Hi Mizelz,

Loads of support from everyone! I've always felt sick, and spent ages on the loo before any competition, and worried that either my horse or I, or both of us, would somehow be killed in the ring! You're obviously very competent, it's just a bad experience that's still haunting you. I agree with other advice, just do what you feel happy doing at the show, enjoy it, leave it on a good note, and come home happy! You'll be BSJAing again before long.

Thing is... you WANT to jump! So please enjoy the show, and tell us how it went. We're all with you!

Good luck, and enjoy! BS x

 

[saskia295]

MizElz, why don't you just do the 2'6" but enter as HC? Then there is no pressure and it's a smaller course that you may feel more comfortable with.

Best of luck! Remember, we ride because we ENJOY it! So have fun!!

 

[Zoobie]

OMG I feel a beginning on the horizon. Go for it. x

 

[xspiralx]

Regardless of the entry fee, if you are entering just to have fun, then does it matter whether you can win?

I would enter the 2ft6 HC to see how you feel, and you can always do the 2ft9 properly if you feel confident after your first round. You could do a clear round to start as well, I usually do anyway just as a warm up!

 

[annunziata]

go for it have a great time!!!

 

[MizElz]

Wow wow wow thank you all sooooooo much! Golly, I feel quite buoyed up already, and the idea only popped into my head yesterday!

Hullaballoo - the show is on Bank Holiday Monday, would be great to see you there!

Sharon - that is uber, uber generous and incredibly sweet of you, thank you!

Thanks to everybody, and I really do mean that. I will keep you all informed......my word, I feel now that if I dont do it, I'll be letting the whole side down!