Rambo
Well-Known Member
Went to our local show on monday for some 'fun' classes with kids pony and for some slightly more serious BSJA with Bo and Trike.
The going wasn't too bad considering the amount of rain that had fallen in the previous 36 hours...although there was some standing water in the main jumping ring. They also lay sand on the take-off and landing sides of the jumps which can be a little off putting
Anyway, the first class was the lead rein pony and we ended up being late in to the ring
We weren't alone though... It was a cold and windy day and my youngest lad was far more interested in the bouncy castle than some silly showing class
The pony behaved herself really well though...despite the flapping tent awning that was being erected right next to the ring
Let's just say the judging was 'interesting' at best....but we came 6th (or last if you prefer
). I can only assume the judge HADN'T been to Specsavers recently
Littlest son was pleased with his rosette though and the fact that he could now get onto the real fun....the fairground lol!
Trike was entered for the British Novice next, which we'd missed the coursewalk for due to the l/r class. It was a straightforward course though although seemed to be causing a few problems with spookiness. Trike warmed up well and was looping the loop ove the practice fence so I felt sure he wouldn't touch anything. We were last in (only 5 starters
) and he entered the arena nicely....then spooked big time at the wall as we came past. The bell went and we came round to the 1st fence....then he saw the fair....and the deck chairs....and the fence with the huge grandstand behind it
Then he put the brakes on lol! Gave him a little look at the scary filler and a smack, then came again....but he wasn't having any of it and so we were eliminated at the 1st fence...how embarrassing
I did manage to pop another fence on the way out...although even then he nearly ground to a halt
And that was the end of Trike's day as I hadn't entered him for the Disco. He did get to meet the bloodhounds later on though and was totally unfazed by them which was good as OH has her sights on taking him hunting next season
Back in the showing ring eldest son had taken over the reins and was doing the First Ridden class. This being his first time in the ring alone and the ponies first time in the ring off the l/r. She was a bit of a madam but Will did his best and told her off (quite loudly
) and they came 6th (but NOT last !) again. It was another odd class though as to our minds you don't canter in First Ridden classes (and ponies are usually no bigger than 12.2hh) but the judge was expecting them to
Oh well...that's local shows for you I guess...
Bo got his turn next in the 1.05m Open. Again the course looked fine but there was some stiffer competition in this class as a few faces had appeared for the Area qualifier later. We warmed up and I was pleased to feel the horse I had ridden at Pyecombe on saturday was still with me....although he does find Bexhill quite an exciting show
We went in and he jumped a lovely clear round
We ended up with 3 in the JO and us drawn last. The first horse had a pole in a quick time while the second went clear in a slower but not slow round. So we went in thinking we'd move on a bit but not take any silly chances. Came home clear....but just half a second behind the time, so got 2nd place
Will was doing his second class...the in-hand by now, and I didn't actually see much of it, but he got another 6th place (out of 8) which he was a bit miffed with lol! Seems the judge preferred Shetlands in this class
Still, both boys got some ribbons and at least dad was covering the cost of the diesel (if not the entry fees
)
We were supposed to have a break next while they ran the Newcomers....so had a bit of a shock when they called people to walk the Area ABC Qualifier course...apparently there was only one NC horse so they pulled the class. The course looked fine for a 1.15m...hopefully a sign that this height is starting to feel comfortable for us now, and I knew that this would probably be my best chance of qualifying (Top 5 qualify but must jump clear in the 1st round) so I was keen to do well...there were only 7 starters ! We went in first and everything was going well to the line planks at 7 to a combination at 8. We hadn't perhaps been quite as smooth as in the earlier class but he was giving them plenty and a clear was in the bag....or so I thought
Then the muppet on top fell asleep and got him too backwards at the planks...this left us short for the 3 strides to the combination...I saw 4 ! He jumped in over the first upright but I knew we were in trouble and could only kick on.....he took the back rail off the middle element and the last part too....argh ! Jumped the final line sweetly enough but that was little consolation as our chance had gone
I was really annoyed...with myself...as I was completely to blame for that. Bo tried his heart out for me and would have been quite justified to stop in the combination but didn't.
So, we had a good day generally and the rain that threatened us all day held off. It's a real shame more people didn't turn up for the BSJA classes as you do wonder how long they will continue to run them on that basis and they do work hard to make sure the going is as good as possible and it has a nice atmosphere
Thanks for reading, and sorry it's so long
The going wasn't too bad considering the amount of rain that had fallen in the previous 36 hours...although there was some standing water in the main jumping ring. They also lay sand on the take-off and landing sides of the jumps which can be a little off putting
Anyway, the first class was the lead rein pony and we ended up being late in to the ring
Trike was entered for the British Novice next, which we'd missed the coursewalk for due to the l/r class. It was a straightforward course though although seemed to be causing a few problems with spookiness. Trike warmed up well and was looping the loop ove the practice fence so I felt sure he wouldn't touch anything. We were last in (only 5 starters
Back in the showing ring eldest son had taken over the reins and was doing the First Ridden class. This being his first time in the ring alone and the ponies first time in the ring off the l/r. She was a bit of a madam but Will did his best and told her off (quite loudly
Bo got his turn next in the 1.05m Open. Again the course looked fine but there was some stiffer competition in this class as a few faces had appeared for the Area qualifier later. We warmed up and I was pleased to feel the horse I had ridden at Pyecombe on saturday was still with me....although he does find Bexhill quite an exciting show
Will was doing his second class...the in-hand by now, and I didn't actually see much of it, but he got another 6th place (out of 8) which he was a bit miffed with lol! Seems the judge preferred Shetlands in this class
We were supposed to have a break next while they ran the Newcomers....so had a bit of a shock when they called people to walk the Area ABC Qualifier course...apparently there was only one NC horse so they pulled the class. The course looked fine for a 1.15m...hopefully a sign that this height is starting to feel comfortable for us now, and I knew that this would probably be my best chance of qualifying (Top 5 qualify but must jump clear in the 1st round) so I was keen to do well...there were only 7 starters ! We went in first and everything was going well to the line planks at 7 to a combination at 8. We hadn't perhaps been quite as smooth as in the earlier class but he was giving them plenty and a clear was in the bag....or so I thought
So, we had a good day generally and the rain that threatened us all day held off. It's a real shame more people didn't turn up for the BSJA classes as you do wonder how long they will continue to run them on that basis and they do work hard to make sure the going is as good as possible and it has a nice atmosphere
Thanks for reading, and sorry it's so long
