First ever competition - any advice?

Abi90

Abi90

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After 22 years of riding me and my horse are entering our first competition on Saturday. It's a relaxed one ran by the riding club and at the yard he lives at so thankfully we don't need to travel.

He's a very green, well getting less green, 8 year old who previously only hunted. We're doing Intro C and a 45cm jump class (has to be small enough for him to get over from a standstill if he has a tantrum). He has a lot of potential but he's only ever hunted so he's basically a 4 year old as far as his schooling is concerned.

I've trimmed his feathers (badly but they look okay from a distance) I've got the plaiting bands ready, the blue rinse shampoo (he's grey) and am wearing in my long boots.

So, from all you seasoned types, anything I have forgotten or should do on the day?
 
Keep breathing and remember that everyone else is more focussed on their own worries than how you are going, so have fun!
Smile at the judge (in a recent test with an over-enthusiastic youngster I got a really big smile from the judge back when i got to my final halt; mind you, this might have been relief that we stayed in the arena and didn't squash her in her car).
 
Thank you. We are there for our experience and as far as I'm concerned it's just a bit of fun and doesn't matter... Although I tend to get quite competitive.

I shall get photos and post them after we've don't it :)
 
Just have fun.

Take every little accomplishment as an achievement.
Horse loaded well- awesome
Horse travelled well - fab!
I packed everything I needed - wonderful!
I got on board without horse tanking off- bliss!
We warmed up like pros- go us!

If you got that far, blooming well done :) the rest is just a bonus!

Not having to travel is a bonus :) but there are still other achievements.

Intro C is a lovely test :)
 
Thank you for the advice guys!

Tomorrow is the big day. I'm quite happy with the dressage, I'm hoping I don't fall off in the showjumping!

At the end of the day, it's just a bit of fun and there are only 6 in the class so we're guaranteed a rosette! Aha!
 
Done, clear round on Mr "I hate jumps" and 73% on the dressage. The judge was very nice. Photos on the tack room
 
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