First ODE on Sunday......eek!

MontyandZoom

MontyandZoom

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Zoomy and I are doing our first ODE at Pachesham on Sunday. I am bricking it!!!!
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Anyhoo - a couple of things I am worried about.....firstly dressage, and show-jumping and xc
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Seriously though, I have never jumped a cross-country course when I'm not schooling or at sponsored rides, so how fast should I ride round
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Also, I have received the course plan and the last jump is a coffin
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Zoomy has jumped small ditches a couple of times before but I am worried she won't see it since combination fences are a bit tricky for her sometimes. Has anyone jumped the coffin at Pachesham? We are doing the 70cm class which is about 2'4 I think.

Any general advice or top tips GREATLY appreciated.
 
you will be fine
if your worried about the coffin approach in a strong trot and i bet you will sail straight over
good luck
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ps about the timing for xc- most unaff don't have an OT so just do what ever you feel happiest at
 
Massive good luck!! I'm sure you'll be fine - you're much braver than you give yourself credit for. Have you got anyone coming with you? I'll come and be your groom/personal motivational coach if not!
 
Well put it this way, the fence that you not sure about is one of the last fences and by then your horse will of gained confidence on his way round, so providing he's fit and doesn't run out of steam and find an excuse not to jump it because he just can't be bothered
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, then you'll be firing on all cylinders and he won't even batter an eye lid at it, trust me!
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You'll be fine, don't put too much pressure on yourself, its your first ODE, which means its one of those days where you learn things, take things in your own stride, don't expect too much, enjoy just concentrate on both yourself and your horse enjoying it and having a safe round, you can worry about getting placed or doing better next time.
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I wouldn't worry about speed. For my first competitive XC round I just got in a nice steady, forward canter and stayed in it. Came home a minute over the optimum time, but both horse and rider grinning like mad (my avatar photo is of us galloping through the finish line at it!) and, most importantly, clear!
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I'd always rate a happy, confident run at a slower speed above a fast but scary one as you'll have plenty opportunities to push faster next time with the confidence you'll gain from the first.

As mentioned, the coffin being at the end isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as neither of you have run out of steam. You'll have had lots of other fences to enjoy and get the adrenaline up, get in a rythymn etc and I'm sure it will jump better than you think, just be prepared for it and take it nice and steady, but still attack positively.

Good luck and enjoy!
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Good luck! I'm sure you won't need any as Zoom is a fab mare. Have fun and as others have said, try not to put any pressure on yourself, just go out there and have fun.

Full report and piccies expected!
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I would be inclined to come right back to a steady trot AT LEAST 6 strides before the coffin.Then ride her forward at it.Because of her limited vision,you dont want to suddenly surprise her ,or worse that she doesnt even see it.This way she will realise that there is somthing coming and be looking for it at the same time as you send her forwards. What time is your dressage?
 
You will be fine honest I have done the xc many times at pachesham and its nowhere near as big as what you have been jumping... the coffin isnt scary its tiny Zoom will fly it, Ill be there to cheer on dont worry you will do grand
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