First ODE!

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Lauren_abigail

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So I have bitten the bullet and booked mine and Jack's first ODE...

It's only a baby one (60cm - I am fully aware that I will probably be competing against children who are much better riders than I!)

Does anyone have any tips?

Jack is currently jumping about 75-80cm SJ courses at competitions and working prelim / novice dressage so I think I should be ok with what is due to come but I can't help but be nervous!

Also, am I ok to wear a long sleeved polo top for the XC?

Thanks in advance!
 
I like the idea of baby XC - no advice but I'm forever competing against 12yos, they usually beat me ! Oh, the shame :-) Sounds like you're in good shape to me, have fun! Yes, I'd wear a long sleeve for XC.
 
Bernster said:
I like the idea of baby XC - no advice but I'm forever competing against 12yos, they usually beat me ! Oh, the shame :-) Sounds like you're in good shape to me, have fun! Yes, I'd wear a long sleeve for XC.
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I have to say, I was a bit mortified when completing my entry - I had to state if I was in the class 11yrs or younger, or 11 yrs and older...

Edited to say: I'm 27 LOL
 
Good Luck! I'm sure you'll have a fab time. If you can get in some xc practice if you think this might be your weakest area. Write lists for what you & horse need for each section then you can check them off when you pack the lorry/trailer. I think it's a massive help to have someone helpful on the ground with you. Can make all the difference keeping you calm and offering encouragement as well as helping get you and horse ready :) I've got one coming up and the end of this month eak and I'm very much focus on each part at a time and am always pleased if I managed to complete each one!
 
lottiepony said:
Good Luck! I'm sure you'll have a fab time. If you can get in some xc practice if you think this might be your weakest area. Write lists for what you & horse need for each section then you can check them off when you pack the lorry/trailer. I think it's a massive help to have someone helpful on the ground with you. Can make all the difference keeping you calm and offering encouragement as well as helping get you and horse ready :) I've got one coming up and the end of this month eak and I'm very much focus on each part at a time and am always pleased if I managed to complete each one!
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Good shout, I hadn't thought about making lists! Good luck for yours!

I'm very excited, I have even convinced hubby to come along and be top groom for the day, which is usually unheard of! :D
 
Good luck :) You sound more than prepared.

I agree about lists - you can never have too many! Also write down your number and times, including when the sj course is free to walk.

Allow plenty of time, focus on each phase at a time. Take your hat and horse passport with you when you go and get your number, and start fee if applicable.

When in doubt, ask someone, look forward to reading your report :)
 
I take lists to the next level: I have a spreadsheet of clothing and tack for each phase and highlight the bits that need changing at each phase. Stick it up on inside your trailer and every time you get back you only need to quick glance what you need.
I also write out a timetable for the day when I have my times so I know when to do everything!
If you have support they can check both these lists very easily rather than asking you what you want them to do.
HAve fun!
 
Lauren_abigail said:
I have to say, I was a bit mortified when completing my entry - I had to state if I was in the class 11yrs or younger, or 11 yrs and older...

Edited to say: I'm 27 LOL
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Classic. I had to do the same recently, was checking the schedule and trying to work out whether I could actually enter, as it was also something like under and over 12yo. I am a tad OVER 12yo :-)

PS Don't feel bad if they cry if you beat them, you must have a thick skin you know, don't let those pony tails fool you, they are hard as nails really !!
 
Haha thanks Bernster, that gave me a good chuckle! And I totally agree, pony club kids are hard as hell!

I have booked myself in to do a little xc practice this Sunday, so I'm hoping that should give me a bit of a confidence boost for the following week.

Either that or I will turn into a nervous wreck. Ho-hum.
 
Sounds familiar! The first hunter trial I did in a while on a green horse was only 2ft3 and the kids on ponies nailed me lol, (i'm 38) and it has been known for them to give me a lead on said green horse :D I have no shame :D

About to do the same on my own horse in a few weeks at the giddy height of 65cm, agree with lists, a spare pair of hands, money for tea/food, bottles of water for you, I always put my times for things in my phone too.

Don't forget to smile/grimace too :D
 
Reminds me of when I attempted my first show. I think it was best condition or turnout, just a local fun thing. I got well and truly whupped by the cutest kid on a pony, with ribbons in her hair which matched her pony's plaits. I didn't stand a chance !
 
Ok, so if I can grimace my way through the XC, whilst having pony club style plaits tied with ribbon that matches the nag's numnah, I should be well on my way to a first place then??

:lol::lol::lol::lol:
 
Remember to enjoy it! I did my first ODE a couple of weeks ago at the age of 50, so you're just a spring chicken! My tip would be to take photos of the fences when you walk the XC, it really helps to remember the course. Other tip would be ride every fence, I had a stupid stop at one of the easiest fences on the course because I didn't even consider that he might stop at that. Good luck, show those kids how it's done :)
 
I'm sure it I the case, but I just wanted to double check, I will need a medical arm band wont I? As I definitely don't have one, currently trying to compile a shopping list for Sunday!

On another note, I took Jack XC practice yesterday, he was fab (if a little forward and excitable!!) and jumped everything I asked him to, so feeling much more confident for this weekend :)
 
So I did it! And I'm still here to tell the tale!

Yes, I was competing against a lot of little ones. And Bernster, you were right, some of them were tough as old boots, and cracking little riders!

The Dressage didn't go brilliantly - I got times a little confused and ended up giving myself only 15 minutes to warm up. Jack has never competed dressage on grass before, and thought it was all jolly good fun and time for a blast! We cantered sideways down the centre line, and generally went round the whole test on our toes with head up in the air, doing his best impression of a giraffe!! The judge was very generous and we came out with a 34 which I don't think we deserved at all! And I remembered my test which I was amazed at!

The SJ was interesting - jumped beautifully in the warm up but smashed through 2 fences in the ring. The practice jump was quite a bit bigger than the 65cm jumps in the ring, I just don't think he was respecting them at all. We took a bit of offence to one of the jumps that had pictures of pigs on, and jumped like a camel, but got over!

The cross country fences were a bit chunkier, and after a few impressions of a snake coming up to them, Jack then 'got' what he was supposed to be doing and jumped them brilliantly.

Overall, I would say a successful day for our first ODE.

Lessons learnt for next time - give enough time for the poor boy to acclimatise to his surroundings before shoving him in a test! And practice some schooling in fields, not just hitting grass and going for a blast :lol:

Unfortunately I have no pictures of any of the events, but I do have a picky of Jack all spruced up and ready to go :)

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Thanks for all of your comments and support. I'm hoping to book into a BE80 at the end of July, fingers crossed I don't die!!
 
Oh, he looks fab. So smart! Well done, I'd def say that was a success, if you both came back in one piece (I have low expectations!). He will have learnt heaps and I'm sure you have too, wish you all the best for lording it over the 12yos next time :-)
 
Gorgeous boy and I'd say that was a successful first outing, all back in one piece smiling :) Look forward to the next report ;)
 
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