Eventing First hunter trial tips wanted

[Shauna O'Kane]

I am hopefully attending a hunter trial (90cm) soon but I will be riding a school pony from a yard I have been to 2 or 3 times before however I may end up riding a pony I've never sat on before. I'm used to riding many different school ponies but I've never done a hunter trial before. Any tips/advice?
Also not sure how I figure out the course anybody else know?
I'm finding out tomorrow if they will have a pony for me to ride.

 

[Mule]

You can walk the course in advance. You'll be able to see what jumps are there and how to approach them.

 

[be positive]

90cm is big for a first timer, I hope that is a mistake as I am not sure it would be suitable for a novice on a RS pony, anyway assuming the course will be smaller and both you and the pony capable as above you walk the course on foot first taking care to remember the fences, the approach to the fences, which may vary as the ground may change, look up and keep focused all the way round as it can be surprisingly hard work for the rider as well as the horse.
I would recommend you have at least a couple of lessons before to get a feel for the pony and if possible ride out in a field so you also have some idea of riding it outside of an arena, many will be totally different with grass under them.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If there is a pairs class, that could be a good introduction to HT, especially if you can find a more experienced partner.

 

[Shauna O'Kane]

90cm is big for a first timer, I hope that is a mistake as I am not sure it would be suitable for a novice on a RS pony, anyway assuming the course will be smaller and both you and the pony capable as above you walk the course on foot first taking care to remember the fences, the approach to the fences, which may vary as the ground may change, look up and keep focused all the way round as it can be surprisingly hard work for the rider as well as the horse.
I would recommend you have at least a couple of lessons before to get a feel for the pony and if possible ride out in a field so you also have some idea of riding it outside of an arena, many will be totally different with grass under them.

I have ridden the pony there and jumped all of the fences in the course on him before. I only ride him xc and he is extremely push button. And thanks for the advice

 

[Shauna O'Kane]

If there is a pairs class, that could be a good introduction to HT, especially if you can find a more experienced partner.

I dont know anyone else competing to pair up with so it's not an option unfortunately as my friend is at a different show that day

 

[Shauna O'Kane]

Turns out I got to ride a pony I have ridden before and he is one of the best on the yard

 

[Shauna O'Kane]

The hunter trial is over now. I was told that I was competing in a pairs 80cm class with another girl. We went quite well except for 2 refusals when she refused forcing me to pull out but this has helped me so much. I also walked the course with one of the instructors.