Getting back in the saddle!!!!!

[fitzaud2]

I was at a show with my sister today, and it really brought back memories. I do ride and I am slowly getting my confidence back. Probably going to screw that up next week big time when i back my 3 year old, but fingers crossed. (By the way,, my poor sister got eliminated on her 12 year old baby, as it was a grand prix course and he was scared of the fillers! She threatened him with horse steaks and pritstick as they left the arena!!), Anyway, getting to the point, here in Ireland, all the equestrian centres have an 80cms competitions in their leagues, but once it moves out doors for the gymkahnas, it starts at 90cms. It's not fair on the chickens like me that dont have the confidence to jump 90cms yet, but yet i'd have loved to take the mare and have popped round an 80.
I am so bad before a show, even an 80, when i'm riding, i get vomiting and diarrhoea, and cant eat or hardly speak until i'm finished, but the minute i get into the ring, I'm fine and actually want to win, not that that happens too often.

Is it just this silly country that dont cater for us chickens? And should I just pack it in as a bad job, given the state of me before I jump????

 

[JoBo]

Here in Kent we have shows that start at bottom hole (literally the tiniest X pole you can get on wings). I would never have dreamed of taking my cob straight into 80cm, I started at bottom hole, moved up to 60cm, then 70cm, and now 80 and 90cm.

I think it’s mad they don’t do anything below 80cm, what do the kids on ponies do?

Edited to say, I backed my cob myself when he was 4.

 

[fitzaud2]

They have a beginners comp for kids on little ponies, which are really just poles on the ground. Thats it, it's practically a lead rein class for tiny kids, but after that, it's 90cms for horses at outdoor shows. it's just so unfair. Fair enough, if you are a professional showjumper, but for the likes of me, it's mad!!!!

i'll let you now how the backing goes, hopefully ok?????