Brave or stupid...!? *long post*

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NJM53

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Hi all,
I'm really rubbish at making decisions and need some help!

The horse I have on part loan is an ex-affiliated showjumper, but unfortunately she now suffers from ringbone so is almost fully retired from jumping.

Her owner is taking her daughter and her pony to a show next weekend and has asked me if I'd like to take my loan horse and enter one or two of the jumping classes as she's going anyway and has a space in the trailer.

The things I'm worried about are:
1) This will be the first show I've entered in about 13 years!
2) I haven't done a lot of jumping in the past and have lost a lot of confidence as I had quite a big gap in riding.
3) I've never jumped this horse before because of her ringbone, and it's very unlikely that I will be able to jump her before the show on Saturday. She cannot be ridden in the school as the rubber flooring is too deep and has caused her to go lame the last couple of times we've tried, and the outdoor paddock is far too wet and muddy thanks to all the melting snow.

It is only a novice "fun" show, and the jumps will be no higher than 2ft!!

So... Do I go and give it my best shot, or steer clear!?
Part of me really wants to, but I don't want to end up making a complete fool of myself!!!

(obviously all this depends on if she is sound or not on the day. If theres any sign of lameness we wouldn't even consider taking her!)

Your opinions would be muchly appreciated!!

:confused:
 
I wouldn't take her personally. If she was mine, I took her to a show and she went lame I would feel terrible for jumping her. As you haven't jumped her before I'm not sure a show is the best place to start, especially if you are a bit out of practice too. Sorry if it sounds like I am being horrid, I'm not, just trying to say what I would do :)
 
How about taking her to the show, but entering something other than the jumping? (If it is not just a jumping show :D ) I made the big mistake of jumping the Appy over a jump at a show before jumping her at home, made the discovery that she jumped like a stag and was then unstoppable!
Whatever you do enjoy :)
 
I wouldn't do it for a few reasons: if she goes lame in your school, she may do same on the surface where you plan to go, jumping causes impact so she may go lame anyhow, you haven't jumped her before...and that last one is the one you need to really consider. Why haven't you? Cos she has ringbone.

I know that pressure from others causes us to sometimes make decisions we wouldn't normally, and it seems as though you are under pressure from the owner. If the mare is comfortable doing the things you normally do with her, stick to that and don't risk it.
 
If you would like to there is a few things to consider. The lameness issue should be entirely the responsibilty of the owner. She has offered you the option and should be prepared to face the potential consequences. Given that the fences will be a max of 2ft she will not have a huge amount of pressure on her joints and if you feel happy that you could arrive and just kick on and enjoy it then go for it. The horse would prob enjoy the day out!
 
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