First ever x-country schooling on my mare

[DBrasnett]

I am going to a x-country schooling event this weekend with my mare. WE have never been to one before and I am somewhere between nervous and excited. She is an amazing and brave jumper, but she can get very excited and rush at everything. I am hoping my nerves hold out.

Any advice?


This is where we are going - http://www.greenwoodfarmonline.com/virtual_course_walks/farm_tour.htm

 

[lisan]

That looks fabulous, the beginner novice look very inviting. You will have great fun!!

 

[Fiona]

Neckstrap and a bit you can stop in in an open space.

Enjoy it and let us know how it goes!!!

Fiona

 

[DBrasnett]

I have a hunting breastplate I like to hold on to

 

[pinktiger]

wow that looks lovely, you'll have a fantastic time. let us know how you get on

 

[SunshineTallulah]

Looks perfect for your first session!

Hope someone is taking a camera.

 

[Nic]

Good luck, What a fantastic venue!

 

[DBrasnett]

terrible news. We have snow forecast for the next 2 days (it was 23oC yesterday - just love Texas weather!!!!).

I am hoping the ground will stay good enough for us to still go schooling!!

 

[DBrasnett]

Due to snow and lots of rain the schooling was postponed for 2 weeks :-(

We had a great weekend in the school though and my confidence is boosted.

 

[DBrasnett]

So we did it, we did our first cross country schooling together. It was a blast. We jumped drops into water, steps, coffins etc and she was amazing. I had a moment of insanity and jumped a bending 3 stride with 2 huge logs. My trainer said they were 3ft 9in (1.2 meters) and on the training level course (between pre novice and novice in the UK). They were the highlight for me.

I came off while jumping a really simple upright. I actually came off 1 stride after the jump - we aren't sure why!!!

However much fun we had I am still disappointed with my riding. I fall on my mares neck, I am not wrapping my leg around her and sometimes I get left behind.

We are schooling at another venue next Saturday and then showing in our first ever ODE on Sunday. I hope to have some photos from there.

 

[DBrasnett]

So we did it, we did our first cross country schooling together. It was a blast. We jumped drops into water, steps, coffins etc and she was amazing. I had a moment of insanity and jumped a bending 3 stride with 2 huge logs. My trainer said they were 3ft 9in (1.2 meters) and on the training level course (between pre novice and novice in the UK). They were the highlight for me.

I came off while jumping a really simple upright. I actually came off 1 stride after the jump - we aren't sure why!!!

However much fun we had I am still disappointed with my riding. I fall on my mares neck, I am not wrapping my leg around her and sometimes I get left behind.

We are schooling at another venue next Saturday and then showing in our first ever ODE on Sunday. I hope to have some photos from there.