Competing - how frequent?

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walker1234

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I recently started increasing the amount I compete and I want advice on how often other people compete to alay my fears I am overdoing it. I attend a jumping clinic on a thursday and wouldnt go to a jumping comp on a Friday. I then jump again in a competition on a Sat or Sunday, usually doing 1 or 2 clear rounds then a class or at a big push 2 classes. Next week I'm hunting him during the day on Thursday and competing again on the Saturday.

Am I overdoing it?
 
I aim to compete every other weekend. This is mainly due to finances and the fact that if I go everyweek my horse gets very tired. She is super fit but there is a lot to take in and she can be highly strung and she is mentally worn out. It really does depend on the horse, some horses like to be out doing things all the time.
So long as your horse is enjoying it then I dont see a problem, just make sure that occasionally he has a break or an easy week so he doesnt turn sour.
 
I compete every weekend, sometimes both days. And I have the odd lesson during the week. But I have 3 horses to choose from! I wouldn't personally compete one of my horses so often, but I think its all down to your horse. If he enjoys it all then it shouldnt be any problem.
 
well latly is just been ever other week but the nxt month i got one every week for 3 weeks but helga loves going out she a different horse when she comes home full of life and love watching everyone lol
 
They aren't big competitions, 2'9 on average but I agree I think fortnightly would be fairer. He seems to be enjoying himself and has improved considerably but I would hate to undo any of the progress we've made by overdoing. Theres just so much on at the moment and I want to do them all whilst my confidence is up !!!

He's had the whole of this weekend off and we've got TB next weekend following the hunting and ODE on 24th (assuming ground drys up before then - the course hasnt even opened yet!)
 
I always aim to give my horse one day off after an 'event'...so you should be fine with that. It depends on the horse really, how fit and how they fair mentally...you know your horse best.
 
I used to compete every weekend, but alternating between BD & BSJA with the odd bit of xc or jumpcross if I was feeling very bored of being alive...

I don't think I'd have done every weekend if I'd been just jumping or just dressaging in case he got bored.
 
When dol was at her peak fitnes and we were doing PLs Squad Training etc,
she would be doing something every week, sometimes 2/3 times a week!
This would include weekend training sessions and 3 day comps away!
She would always have a day off after long comps but then with her she could compete after a day off snd be no different!
I think it depends what you are doing and how fit you and your horse are!
One thing i would never want to do, is travel a long distance and compete the same day, so we would travel the day before!
Dol certainly told us when she was tired and then she would have a few days off!
Play it by ear, the only way you'l find out its to much is to do it and see!
Have fun!!
 
when i am at home we compete every 2 weeks and sometimes every week, but it depends on whats on in the area and how Honey is going. But will mix up the showjumping and dressage. There have been occasions where i have competed saturday and sunday.
 
Thanks for your replies, I generally give him a day off after competing or at worst we'll have a light hack round the block just to stretch his legs. He's been stabled for what seems an age as our fields as awash still and even the bridleways round here are thick mud which makes giving him a good lung clearer really hard so at least he's getting some decent exercise at a competion. We do BD and u/a sj together with xc so he does generally get a good mix, but been concentrating on sj during the winter so its been quite focussed. It has done his attitude and confidence the world of good mind.
 
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