'Double clear required to qualify for final'?!!

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dexnem

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Taking my old loan pony showjumping for the first time this year. Assuming we do the open class (if he's feeling up to it), it says 'Max height 85cm in first round. Double clear required to qualify for the final. Rosettes to 6th place' . What does this mean?!! I did show jumping all last year but my aim was just to get round. Also, as another unanswered question, how is the best was to ride the round and the jump off (again assuming me or him doesn't have a freak out!) as in speed over going clear? Obviously the first round we will ride to go clear but for the jump off are we best trying for a quicker round through cutting corners as he's not very fast and risking a fence down, or to go steady and aim for clear? Cheers all! Feel as though I've forgotten a lot over winter :/
 
I'm assuming That there is a jump off if you go double clear, and then your time plus faults (if any) will determine your placing.

Go as fast as you Can go clear. Favour clear over speed. Practice at home so you know what your pony can or can't do.
 
IMO, it's not so much speed in a jump off anyway - it's steady but tight turns (but still aiming for a clear) which often wins it, going fast (as in fast canter) increases the risk of clipping a pole hugely. Basically, see how other people get on in the jump off before you, hopefully you won't be drawn first. If you're drawn near the end then obviously be tactical so if no clears up until then, just go for the clear (but still don't hang about too much in case)! Practice jumping jumps on angles at home as that can be really helpful time-wise and getting through gaps afterwards that some people can't make. To be honest though, if you haven't been out for ages then I'd just go for some fun and not put too much pressure on the pony as it could blow his mind a bit.
 
I think I'll just ride as to how he feels and forget about their system. Its a very popular local show so there's a bit of pressure on as equine and non equine folk will be there! I have a small problem with practice as I only get to ride him every so often; he's being loaned by an older lady but she rarely rides him :( so I'm hoping to get a practice tomorrow and try some from angles and set up some across from each other so that I have to do a serpentine to ride them. Here's hoping!
 
Remember the fastest way round is the shortest number of strides with the proviso that you must not stop going forward. Stopping and turning is always slower than keeping the forward momentum in a good rythmn. Good luck and if double clear qualifies then never risk a fence.
 
It will mean they have a champs at the end of the year- so jump double clear first and qualify for that.
 
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