First ODE Event this weekend

ktj1891

ktj1891

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So I have somehow got myself into going to my first ODE this weekend. I am starting to get really nervous, its only 80cm but for me this is big and its going to be a question for my boy.

I am not a very confident jumper and even though my lad is pretty honest I just always have it in my head he is going to stop. My main worry for the weekend is the xc- he's not great with ditches or water.

Anybody have any tips for me to help me calm myself before the XC. I have so many things running around in my head should I canter into the first fence or trot, should I trot around the whole course or canter.

I am trying to think in my head to just treat it as a schooling session.

I am also worried about his hind boots so far when I have taken him xc schooling I walk the ditches and he leaves a hind leg and pulls his boot down, obviously I don't want this to happen on course. If I tape his boots will this prevent this from happening?

I know I should just enjoy it and not stress or worry about what happens but it is hard to change your mindset when you are genuinely scared. My aim is just to get around everything. I don't know what I am looking for really but I felt I needed to get it out.

My friend will be there to help me so it will be nice to have some support from the ground.

Just to get an idea this is my lad and me on Tuesday jumping our first 80cm SJ course.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqppVWutHlk
 
Looking at the vid I don't think you should have too much trouble with the ODE.
A few pointers to help.......
Don't get in front of your horses motion. A few times in the vid you are going forward before the horse takes off which can lead to horse putting in a last minute short stride and getting to close to fence.
When he raises his head and runs don't let your hand follow his head.
Your horse jumps better from a more forward stride so kick on for XC and do not take a check in the last couple of strides before a fence.
XC should be attacked not pussyfoot around so canter unless a tricky combination (unlikely at 80cm). If you do end up trotting then make sure it is a very forward one.
I'll pass on the words of wisdom given to me many years ago by a wise old horseman before I did my first real XC. "If in doubt, hold tight and kick like ****"
Enjoy
 
PaddyMonty said:
Looking at the vid I don't think you should have too much trouble with the ODE.
A few pointers to help.......
Don't get in front of your horses motion. A few times in the vid you are going forward before the horse takes off which can lead to horse putting in a last minute short stride and getting to close to fence.
When he raises his head and runs don't let your hand follow his head.
Your horse jumps better from a more forward stride so kick on for XC and do not take a check in the last couple of strides before a fence.
XC should be attacked not pussyfoot around so canter unless a tricky combination (unlikely at 80cm). If you do end up trotting then make sure it is a very forward one.
I'll pass on the words of wisdom given to me many years ago by a wise old horseman before I did my first real XC. "If in doubt, hold tight and kick like ****"
Enjoy
Click to expand...

Wow thank you for the pointers, really helps and rings true. I have had him for 4 years and I am only just learning and trusting him to go more forwards. I am definitely one that if I am nervous I hold him back and really steady the canter because I back off. I am now learning to kick on and get the canter more forwards and in turn he is jumping a lot nicer and we are starting to get a bit higher with our fences.

Very interesting about getting in front of him. I was really struggling to get the first part of the combinations right as he was chipping in little strides and then the next part of the combination was wrong. I definitely think its because I was nervous and therefore I must be getting ahead of him and messing the stride will definitely keep that in my subconscious for the SJ.

Interesting about the XC too, I will try and be as positive as I can and ride him forwards. My only other question is, if there is a ditch or water how should I approach it? Both of these things I know he is genuinely unsure of and water down right terrified he almost collapses going into it. I have taken a different training approach with him to these elements by just walking him into them- it has MASSIVELY improved his approach. He now only hesitates slightly going over ditches from walk but he will go. Water is a bit more of a issue he will go in but with new water it still takes me about 20 seconds of kicking to get him to step in. For reference please see videos from Boomerang 2 years ago and Elmwood 2 months ago. I also took him xc last weekend and he went in about 20 seconds after approaching it. How long whilst on course will they give me to get him in?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ4qvHr-49Y Boomerang first 30 seconds of video although it took him a couple mins to go in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGKwzmJK1bU Elmwood
 
Couple of interesting vids.
For water and ditches slow him right down and give him time. He is obviously unsure of these so you need to keep the stress out of the situation. When approaching water, rather than take the direct line think about coming in to the water at an angle so he is not faced with a huge expanse to contend with. Present as though he only has to walk along the shore line just in to the water. Once he is in he seems happy so you can change direction once his feet are firmly getting wet. Just make the initial entry less daunting.
For all other XC fences go up at least 2 gears. Your approach suggests you are playing safe expecting it to go wrong. This is often a self fulfilling prophecy with XC. Approach like you intend to get to the other side of the fence no matter what happens and mean it. Keep the contact but push on and if in doubt sit back and slip reins rather than going forward in case he puts in a big one.
After the ODE find yourself a GOOD xc instructor and you two could soon be flying.
 
PaddyMonty said:
Couple of interesting vids.
For water and ditches slow him right down and give him time. He is obviously unsure of these so you need to keep the stress out of the situation. When approaching water, rather than take the direct line think about coming in to the water at an angle so he is not faced with a huge expanse to contend with. Present as though he only has to walk along the shore line just in to the water. Once he is in he seems happy so you can change direction once his feet are firmly getting wet. Just make the initial entry less daunting.
For all other XC fences go up at least 2 gears. Your approach suggests you are playing safe expecting it to go wrong. This is often a self fulfilling prophecy with XC. Approach like you intend to get to the other side of the fence no matter what happens and mean it. Keep the contact but push on and if in doubt sit back and slip reins rather than going forward in case he puts in a big one.
After the ODE find yourself a GOOD xc instructor and you two could soon be flying.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, its so good to have someone else look at you and give constructive criticism. I definitely agree I need to be more forwards into fences and completely agreed it comes from my insecurities and worry something is going to go wrong. I know I need to ride more positively so I will aim to do that this weekend as best I can and give him confidence from it. I agree probably best to slow down at the ditches and water and let him digest what is in front of him. I will take this all on and hopefully will have a fun and enjoyable experience! I need to look at XC instructors but I have no idea where to start, I am based in Wiltshire so will have to have a look about.
 
Definitely tape your back boots, this should help them slipping. He looks a lovely sort and honest! I would definitely kick on- the first xc video you're riding much more forward and he's really taking you into the fences, the second you could do with a lot more leg- think a gear up from show jumping. I think if you are more forward in general he won't question the ditches and water as much. If you sense hesitation on approach sit back, boot, growl and stick if needed and be ready to slip your reins if a big jump comes! A good xc instructor will help you be more confident, remember to enjoy it and it's meant to be fun! 😀 enjoy!!
 
Looking at your vids I think you will do fine. Is it unaffiliated? If so, it really doesn't matter if you walk into ditches and water, and there shouldn't be too many of either of those. For the xc just focus on getting a nice forward canter and if in doubt, grab mane and kick on! For the sj just keep a nice rhythmical canter going, and he looks like he'll take care of the rest. Good luck!
 
Eventinglife said:
Looking at your vids I think you will do fine. Is it unaffiliated? If so, it really doesn't matter if you walk into ditches and water, and there shouldn't be too many of either of those. For the xc just focus on getting a nice forward canter and if in doubt, grab mane and kick on! For the sj just keep a nice rhythmical canter going, and he looks like he'll take care of the rest. Good luck!
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Yes it's unaffiliated ode at crown farm be80. I will aim to have a nice forwards canter in the xc and a active rhythmical canter in the sj. Hoping he will have confidence on the day and we will have a nice ride around!
 
ktj1891 said:
Yes it's unaffiliated ode at crown farm be80. I will aim to have a nice forwards canter in the xc and a active rhythmical canter in the sj. Hoping he will have confidence on the day and we will have a nice ride around!
Click to expand...

Oh crown farm is a nice one. You'll do great!��
 
Well I got through the day. On paper it wasn't a great day or the most stylish but I'm glad I did it. Dressage 31 SJ 4 faults plus time XC 3 refusals and time faults but I completed the course. A lot to work on but it's a starting point!
 
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