First time showjumping!!

[itsapiebald]

I've decided that I want to get out and start doing a few courses on my pony, we do clinics and courses at home but have never actually jumped at a show.

I really want to get out and my pony will jump anything I put infront of her so it's nothing to do with her...I feel really nervous!

It's not the course it's self it's everything before that! So I just want someone to run through everything you do before you go in the ring and maybe some tips on remembering the course!

Thankyou in advice xx

 

[be positive]

For your first time out look for a local venue that runs clear round, either an all day CR or before they start the first class, there will be less pressure on you, you can go in 2 or even 3 times to help with the nerves and should be more able to relax and concentrate on what you are doing.
On arrival normally you go and enter, all venues have different set ups so it may help to go to one without the horse first if you are going to be alone so you are fully prepared, after entering see how long you have to walk the course, get ready and warm up, you may need to put your number on the board to get your position in the running order but often for CR it is just come when you are ready, you should have some idea of how long you need but allow at least 10 mins more so you are not rushed.
Warm up on the flat then do a x pole a couple of times, then normally a straight followed by an oxer depending on what you need and what is available, you should then be ready to go in and jump, the stewards will normally tell you when it is your go but keep an eye on what is going on, if you have a helper that is their job.

Walk the course carefully and check off the numbers as you go try and relate number to colour as an easy way to check, ie jump 2 green poles, fence 5 red and white, look back from each fence to the previous one to check your line and make sure you you walk the line you plan on taking, don't just wander between the jumps plan your route as you go so you see the jumps square on as you hope to on your way round, there will usually only be about 8-10 fences so it is not too hard to learn, it helps to watch a few others go round but ensure you watch someone that looks fairly experienced rather than another first timer who may get lost, stop several times or fall off which will not help your nerves.

 

[muddy_grey]

Great answer from be positive which covers everything. Going for a clear round first is always best. Are you taking someone with you? If not try and tag on to someone else warm-up and use the same fences as them. If you ask most helpers will happily wait for you to jump before changing the fence. If the warm-up is busy then listened out as people might shout if they are jumping a fence so you don't get in their way.
Remembering courses is just practice really. Most courses should flow. Prep at home I would suggest setting up some related distances at slightly different lengths and walk them yourself before you ride them so you get used to what is long or short for your pony.
AND most of all - HAVE FUN

 

[EmmaB]

When I first started going to shows I would have to go alone, so I would look up the route there on Google maps and also have a look at the venue so you can tell where the car park is where the arena is stuff like that. I would also search on youtube and watch a few videos of people's rounds there to see how the set up is and what fences are like.

I agree with going to a clear round first or some places have fun days, just so see how it goes then you know what to expect next time

 

[itsapiebald]

There's a show that I could go to on Sunday, I've been to the venue seen all the rings and car park and everything and it not too far away. But there's no clear round 😬 Do I just do the 55cm for experience or find a show where there is a clear round?