First SJ competition...

[Belmont]

I used to be on here all the time about 10 yrs ago under a different name - it's nice to be back and see that it's still active!

Just after some advice. After years and years of just hacking and unaff dressage on my old boy, I've bought myself a lovely schoolmaster to do a bit more with. He's done everything and very straight forward to jump, so I've been having lessons the last couple of months as I'm so rusty over a fence and trying to build the confidence (which thanks to lovely horse and super coach, is growing every time).

I've bit the bullet and entered a show on sunday - the dizzy heights of 50 and 60cm! Unfortunately my partner, coach or friend can't make it so I'll be going alone.

My only worries about the day so far are walking the course - do people walk such small courses? I imagine they must have to? So far only 5 in the class so I'm unlikely to get many to watch beforehand to learn it. The show starts at 40cm, so will I need to walk it before the first class? Surely I won't be able to walk it before the 50 starts as I'll be busy warming up?
Also - do I need to wear a number? Obviously used to putting bridle numbers on for dressage but don't think this is the same for SJ?
When will the results go up - straight after the class?

Any help/tips appreciated! I'm getting my knickers in a twist about all the small things!

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Your horse sounds great! I am sure you will have a great time.

Yes you will need to walk the course and everyone else will walk it too. As for when, venues vary how they run things. Drop the event secretary an email and ask her. At my local unaff SJ venue, there are no course walks scheduled -you have to do them between classes. IN your case that would beed to be before the 40 - assuming they leave the same course up all day. And no numbers. Results/rosettes are given out at the end of each class so that people get their lap of honour before the next class starts. But other places do it differently so just ask. And have fun.

 

[Love]

As only 5 in your class you could start warming up towards the end of the 40, before your class starts - then see if a friendly face or someone from the venue would mind holding your horse whilst you walk the 50cm course. Then hop back on and pop a few more and you’ll be called in soon after I assume! Although I don’t compete at this height I am an equine event photographer and cover them. They are treated exactly the same as the “big” classes - same course walking opportunities etc.

You’ll have a great time and from my experience everyone will be more than happy to answer any questions on the day or lend a hand, especially if you let them know you’re on your own. I’ve held many a horse for people travelling solo whilst they course walk/go for a wee/check times etc

 

[Afon_34]

Where abouts are you OP? Maybe someone on here will be local & be able to help you?

 

[Squeak]

I'd expect them to run them the same as the bigger courses and let you walk the course in between each class. As the others have mentioned, it would be worth checking if the 40cm has the same course and if so what time you could walk that course, chances are if it's the first course of the day that you can walk it at any point before the 40cm starts so you can make sure you have plenty of time to tack up and warm up.

Re whether you need to have a number on varies per venue so another one to check with the venue for. Often for UA sj you don't need a number.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Birker2020]

You need to walk the course to memorise it and also walk the line you intend your horse to take. This will vary slightly from competitor to competitor.

Years ago Ted Edgar used to sit at the side of the arena where I used to compete on a BSJA day and watch the first couple of classes and I remember him bollo**ing me for not walking the line when I was walking a Discovery track I never forgot his words of advice after!

Usually you 'declare' your number to the collecting ring steward who will write it on the board but this depends on the venue. Normally there is a 'holding area' where you stand before you enter the arena so you get to watch the horse before you do their round.

Have loads of fun, don't take it too seriously for your first time, that way you won't worry too much. Remember to breathe and give your horse a big pat when you are done.

Make sure you let us know how you get on!

 

[IrishMilo]

If you're anything like me you'll need to walk it 32 times, watch all 5 people before you go, visualise the course for 30 minutes and then you might just make it round Good luck!

 

[Belmont]

Thanks all for your tips! I managed to get there in good time and walked the course for the class before as they weren't changing it, then got to watch a few riders too (ended up being some extra entries). We had 2 down but we got round and I really enjoyed it, we'll definitely do more!

 

[Squeak]

Thanks all for your tips! I managed to get there in good time and walked the course for the class before as they weren't changing it, then got to watch a few riders too (ended up being some extra entries). We had 2 down but we got round and I really enjoyed it, we'll definitely do more!

Well done! Glad you had a good time and enjoyed it.

 

[MagicMelon]

I would find an organiser or better - the course builder (normally hanging around the edge) and ask if the course will stay the same from the beginning classes to your ones. For unaffiliated, normally they would at these heights. Then Id walk whatever was there (the tiniest class), doesnt matter if its not your class, you're just learning where to go. Then you can warm up at your leisure. Good luck!