Eek - competing against trainer on Saturday!!

[Flicker]

My trainer is a showing enthusiast and would far rather be bowling round a massive WH course than tiddling around with dressage. However, she does the odd comp during the winter to give her horse something to think about.
I love my dressage and am slowly working up from Prelim to Novice.
I've just found out that on Saturday we are competing in the same Prelim class. My horse is usually always placed in Prelim. Hers can be quirky at times and this is reflected in his marks.

Is it bad form to be placed higher than your instructor?

Should I make a wrong turn somewhere in the test to knock my marks down a bit? Maybe tickle my horse behind the saddle to make him buck?

As if my bluddy nerves weren't shot enough from this competing business!

 

[PaddyMonty]

Not bad form at all to beat your instructor.
I used to love competing against my pupils. It was always a win / win for me.
You see, if I beat them then its because I'm better, more experienced, advanced etc etc etc. If they beat me it was because of my brilliant instruction.
Like I said, win win

 

[riding_high]

i agree with JunoXV, i wouldn't do anything to deliberately lower my marks and if anything i'd be more determined to do my very best!

relax, don't worry and have fun!

 

[Flicker]

Thanks! At least I will have her very calming presence in the warm-up arena with me

 

[pip6]

Added bonus she knows exactly what the copetition was like & how you did. Will be able to give you more accurate feedback & help you in your next lesson.

On knocking your marks down, if you do something like that I'm sure she'd spot it a mile off & probably be more annoyed you did it.

 

[JenniferB]

I've competed against my trainer a fair bit in showjumping. If he beats me then it's to be expected, if I actually beat him (doesn't happen very often granted, and if it does it's usually a pole rather than on time!) then it's taken in good humour! As mentioned above it's good to have your tainer there as they know the level of competition etc. Good luck, here's to a trainer/pupil 1/2 regardless of the order...

 

[Flicker]

Good luck, here's to a trainer/pupil 1/2 regardless of the order...

Thank you - that's lovely