Getting started?

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Hovis_and_SidsMum

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Cosmo Sams post re competing got me thinking.
How did you all get into competing?
As you may have noticed we're late-in-life starters into the whole horse owning and riding thing but recently Hubby has half heartedly talked about doing something with Sid but we wouldn't know where to start?
Sid is a 17.2HH gelding and not the best looking in the world (I love him but he does look like a skinny long backed donkey) so not sure he'd do too well at in-hand showing! Hubby is learning to jump at the moment (and i'm building up the courage to start) so ideally something like that?
My question is whats the most novice, easiest thing we could do to get started and not end up a complete laughing stock? How do we find out about these things?
 
Have you thought about having a go at dressage? At unafilliated level you could do a simple walk and trot test. Look in your local free paper, ask at your feed merchants or best of all, join your local Riding Club for loads of different activities.

Lots of luck.
 
Depending on how late in life you are, some local shows run a geriatric jumping class (for over 35's) which is usually fun rather than desperately competitive and can be as low as 2'3. If your horse is reasonably fit you could also do BHS Trec, although you would have to check the BHS site for local events. There are also best turned out classes at local shows where you could make your horse and rider look beautiful and conformation or riding skill really don't matter.

At local shows there is usually something for everybody!
 
Clear round jumping at local shows? normally you can alter the jumps to any height you like, even just poles on the ground (as long as you help put them up after!). Go and have a look at a few first and talk to the person running the clear round.
 
Well, the two most popular tests run are the RDA5 and RDA6. You wouldnt be expected to ride in an outline at this level, just to be accurate to the markers and forward going. RDA stands for Riding for the Disabled, but these tests are used often.

You can easily get copies of the tests from your local RDA riding centre.

Once you get out there and do it you will get to make lots of friends. Try to make it fun too and dont expect too much on your first comp. The judge will mark you as he/she see's your test and most importantly will comment at the bottom of the sheet. You will have an informed opinion then on how to improve.
 
I am 30 and just started competing last year. I did a few hunter trials (2'6 and 2'3) and inhand showing, ridden and working hunter. Oh and a wee touch of unaffliated showjumping. It is brilliant fun and most people are very supportive and friendly and form all walks of life. Go for it!!!
 
I had a friend in a similar situation, and I suggested to her that firstly before entering a competion we hire out and school in our local small venue. This way she could have a taste of getting ready, travelling and riding in a strange environment where she would then go on to compete. This worked wonders for her and her horse's confidence as when her first dressage test came along, she did not feel nearly so nervous as she knew the venue already.
 
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