Are we being too precious

[StableMum]

My daughter has entered her youngster in a local RC ODE to give her what we hoped would be a nice easy low level run but we've just walked the course and its obvious that until very recently there have been cattle on the site. There are cow pats everywhere, some dry, on top at least, but most are wet and sloppy. They are in the show jumping arena, throughout the cross country and likely in the dressage arenas as well. She's now wondering whether to go as she's worried that landing on one from a jump or on a turn could be risky or knock her mare's confidence if she slips. Her mare is just 'getting' cross country and enjoying it. Are we being fussy when other people will just get on with it.

 

[be positive]

It wouldn't bother me on the xc as you can take things slowly, should not be turning sharply anywhere and even if you land on one after a fence it will probably only be one foot and momentum should stop any slips, I have frequently gone xc in similar conditions and never had an issue.
It is annoying but at the lower levels it is to be expected, the farmer has probably been struggling for grass and giving up his land for the local RC to use may have meant moving them out later than usual, I would go but be prepared to pull up if the horse felt as if it was concerned but most don't seem to notice as much as we think they might.

 

[StableMum]

Thank bp. Perhaps she should give it a go then and take it as it comes. As you say she can always pull up and it may not even be a problem.

 

[tda]

Considering the weather forecast (tomorrow) it's gonna be wet anyway

 

[Molliex]

(Speaking from experience) cow pat is VERY slippy! Took my horse SJ so was only going a steady canter but as I went around corner my horse slipped and ended up on top of me! Obviously it’s a freak accident and although there were many horses slipping through the day there was only my horse that actually fell- but I just wouldn’t want to take the risk again personally.