First Hunter Trial - so disappointed

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Gorgeous George

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George and I were gearing up for my first ever hunter trial at the end of September at Berwick Farm. Been there to practise over some of the jumps and felt brave enough to have a go at their 2ft beginners class
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Well the schedule has just come out and the beginners horse and pony classes (2ft) are only open to members of the pony club who are running it. The novice class which I am eligable for is 2ft 6
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which is beyond me, I am so disappointed. I don't have transport, but I had someone lined up to take me, and it was a weekend I wasn't working (I work alternate Sats) so it was all looking good.

Sorry, totally selfish post, and a hunter trial is probably no big deal, but it was to me.
 
Could you try bit of 2ft 6 SJ at home to see how you feel about the height? I was avoiding anything over 2ft 3 xc but have found D is actually quite happy jumping up to 2ft8, it was entirely me that had the issues about height.
 
Just an idea- could you call up and see if they'd let you enter hors concours (sp) so you can do it in the competition environment but your score won't count towards final results? It is a shame tho, sorry about that- it's horrid when you're looking forward to something and you haev to cancel for whatever reason.
 
I would phone up and ask to enter as non-competitive so you get the day out and the experience. I have seen a few adult competitors do this at the shows we have gone to.
 
i would be disappointed too
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cant you email them and explain, maybe u could do it but not for competition ???
if not then theres always another time

good luck im sure u can sweet talk them into letting u do it, its gota be worth a try!
 
I think you should just do the 2'6" you and I am sure George are more than capable - I am pretty positive you will not notice a difference (George certainly won't). Go for it!!!

Pop some 2'6" fences at home you'll see there's no difference really. George could walk over them!
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i agree you should give them a ring and see if they can help. organisers normally want to make as much money as they can so i'm sure they'd be willing to let you go HC or something, maybe you could offer to help out
 
Agree with the above, give them a ring. I'm sure that would let you pop round HC. That way you are stll getting out and doing things without all the pressure. No harm in asking x
 
Don't panic just yet!!

Phone up the secretary - the number will be on the schedule somewhere and ask if you can do Class 1 (or whichever one you want to do) HC. This means that you pay full fee, go round the course and get marked/judged etc but (even if you win the class) you don't get placed or a rosette.

Most organisers should be happy with this. Don't push yourself more than you are happy to do - go for a comfortable, stress free (or reduced stress!) round and have a great time!

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ETS: Just realised that a lot of people already suggested this!
 
you have lots of time to practise, couldnt you use this as a reason to push yourself forwards? maybe get a couple of lessons in with a good instructor before hand? I am a nervous rider and whilst 2ft6 sounds massive, trust me when you up in the air it really doesnt feel an awful lot different, whilst I know thats easy for me to say - why not give it a go? good luck if you do, or look for something else to work towards and dont let yourself be put off xx
 
Oh, that's a shame.
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I agree with the others, you've nothing to lose by phoning up and politely asking if you can enter HC in the 2ft class. Best that can happen is they say yes and you have your fun day out after all, worst that can happen is they say no and you have a year to prepare to go out and show them your stuff next year in the 2'6 class!
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I hope they say yes to the HC idea though.
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Though I am sure you and george are more than capable of doing a 2'6 round the 2'6 ht round here can be quite complicated and will often include skinnies, combinations, coffins, trakheners etc etc. I would certainly not have done one as my first one, even though I was regularly doing 2'6 SJ.

There is a diff between 2' and 2'6 and I just think that if you have a problem on course or a stop or whatever it is easier to deal with if the jump you are facing is smaller and well within your confidence and comfort zone.

Give them a ring to do th 2' HC and don't be intimidated by all the small dots on ponies!
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I agree with all the others if 2 foot is where you are happy I would contact the secretary and ask if you can do the 2 foot class HC.

After all they will still get the entry fee and when it all boils down to it the worst that can possibly happen is they'll say No which aint so bad is it?

Ediited because i carnt type
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No your not been silly, specially when that is what you have been geared up for doing and practicing for, but remember none of that will of been a waste, for you know the HT may even get rained off in worst case scenario, so don't get too carried away in feeling dissapointed, you have options!

So you need a plan b, either enter HC like the other have said, or start practicing now so you can do the other class, George is a big lad and to be honest the difference between a 2ft fence and 2'6'' on a horse of Georges size/type is not going to feel that much different to him or you, but if its more of a confidence thing in your head, then that's fair enough, no point going to do something that your going to dread because you won't be able to give it your best shot, but you have two choices so all is not lost.

Try practicing if you like jumping 2'6'' at home and a few CR jumping classes etc, you never know you might just surprise yourself and wonder what all the fuss was about...which is great, if not enter HC and crack on around the 2ft course, if he goes well and he''s got enough steam and the ground was good, try the 2'6'' course, even if you do half of it and retire or miss some, just have a go!
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As many others have said, if you can speak to someone and be allowed to do the 2` that would be brilliant.

I am sure that you could do the 2`6" ( unless your course has some really nasty, tricky fences ) but you have worked SO hard to build up your confidence, it would be a terrible shame to go for a course bigger than you wanted, and have your confidence take a knock.

Hope you can find a happy solution.
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or, just another thought, enter the 2'6 and jump the 2' course if you aren't happy!

I have often said if I am not happy with a fence and it is not going well I will miss it or jump the smaller option
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Thanks all, you're very kind. I hadn't even thought about asking to go HC, I've done it for dressage but for some reason I didn't think about it for a HT - I will email them ASAP! Competing doesn't matter because we wouldn't get placed anyway as I will probably be trotting around!

I do jump 2ft 6 SJ at home, but on the 2ft 6 course I think there is a coffin (of which we've jumped the ditch but not the in/out jumps) and I think you have to jump into water which I've never done so probably not a good idea!
 
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