Grasshoppers

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icestationzebra

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Has anyone done any of these? I know Hattikins has
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- is it worth doing? I don't think I would ever do JAS as it seems a bit 'pressured' and frequented by 'pros' which makes it a bit imposing.... is Grasshoppers different? Bit more low key?
 
I did one last year but tbh it wasn't that useful. They made a big deal about the fact that the instructors helped you walk the course, but I didn't find it particularly helpful as I already knew stuff about how to approach fences etc.
Maybe that was just the event I was at, I'm sure some people may have found it to be a totally different experience depending on which event they went to.
 
Depends on the "pros" that are there I suppose?! Was thinking of doing the Arena Uk one....

ETS scrap that, is same day as Osberton Dressage...
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Hattikins is at College but I think she would agree that neither JAS or Grasshoppers are particularly pressurised, in our experience Grasshoppers was really friendly - the Equine Affairs girls were really lovely and went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. The course walk was useful as if you listened carefully you got tips on how the judges wanted to see you ride the course, i.e. if they were telling you to ride your corners and use the arena they didn't then want to see you cut them off! The training section was very short and if you were paired with someone who had a problem you basically didn't gain anything. In fairness to the trainers - how much can they do in 10 mins? Again defininitely worth listening though, if they do give you a tip on something they will expect you to try to adjust your riding when your being marked. It may vary from venue to venue but where Hattikins qualified the judges appeared to only want to see a clear, flowing round, well prepared and well finished off and a smiling rider. We only had one 'name' who did win the class but interestingly came to grief at the Champs.

JAS on the other hand was just like any indoor SJ Comp. Well run to time, you need a horse which does jump anything, lots didn't and several were really naughty. It's a well built course and up to height, and the distances are correct which you would expect from BE (the OTECC distances were very dubious!). I agree it is biased towards the names but it's not impossible to qualifiy as an unknown as Hattikins' as shown but I don't think it will be worth the trip to the champs as there will be too many 'names' to get a look in.

The events are very different but both were actually great fun, no one should be in awe of either. KatB and ISZ you are both more than capable of doing both and doing well.

Beetlex
 
I did Grasshoppers last year. Must admit I didn't find the course walk or the warm up very helpful but the class itself was great. I was lucky and had a good trainer and the comments he made were really helpful and it was great to have another go with all that in mind. The atmosphere was excellent - low key, no pressure and very friendly and ran to time. I will definitely do another one if I can.
 
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