Happy and frustrated all rolled up in one :)

[Girlychu]

So yesterday was the first time my boy and I had done any competing together in 4 years since my accident and total lack of confidence. I had decided to enter a wee pick and mix compo and chose to do the 45cm track and woods.

We arrived in plenty of time and got a good parking spot where we could see all the activities. Left my boy in the trailer while I had a wee bimble about. Getting closer to my time I tacked up with help from my non horsey husband and entered the warm up ring. In the ring we jumped the wee jump a couple of times, had a canter, trotted etc. All was fine my boy was as good as gold. The ring was quite busy with little people.

Anyway heard my number called and proceeded to the start. Buzzer went and off we went up to the first fence. It was a small log pile smaller then anything we have jumped at home. Nice working trot then got to fence - full stop. Thought will turn him around and try again. So we circled to the right and off he went at full pelt Round and round we went full gallop then canter then gallop. Couldnt stop him and it seemed like ages. Tried everything, circling, talking etc Finally we came to a halt beside the entrance.

The organiser came up and said it would be ok to just walk the course and miss out the jumps so I thought ok. So we trotted to the first jump again and he jumped it like a good one. So off we went. We walked past the jumps quietly and were heading home when off he shot again at full pelt. We went past the exit to the last fence, around the corner on two legs, where of course we departed company. Bang went my air jacket, saddle slipped between his legs and into the sunset he went.

So Im laying in a crumpled heep wiggling my toes and checking all my extremities and by now surrounded by caring peeps when horsey decideds to race past us again at full pelt. Quick scattering of peeps. I get to my feet and by now hes safe and sound and looking decidely sheepish.

So Im now nursing a sore bum, hes got a teeny weeny cut but Im so embarressed. I feel like a chump. I was sooooo looking forward to my outing. All the little people in my class managed to get around I was the only adult

So any ideas how I can prevent this happening again. I intend to hire some cross country courses with my instructor but I just couldnt stop him. He is ridden in a bubble gag and every thing has been checked. I feel like a chump. There is a very nice picture taken by the official photographer of us doing our one and only jump. So at least I have a nice momento. Im glad I went. Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[nikCscott]

Was he just excited to be out do you think?

Sounds like a good idea to hire some courses. I'd be inclined to go on a couple of fun rides with a friend too, no pressure and a lead if required.

Perhaps try a few other bits i ride usually in a happy mouth but on a fun ride or hunting I use a Tom Thumb- just in case.

Always try to take the positives away you were both unhurt and you got there and home so had a day out and he stood lovely in the box whilst you got sorted- lots wouldn't and he coped with the small people in the warm up- again lots wouldn't .

Good luck

 

[Quartz]

Oh no you poor thing. At least you are ok and not hurt too badly, except your pride anyway!!! Could he of been like that if it was his first outing in quite a while and he just got over excited? Hope you have better luck next time!!

 

[Girlychu]

Thanks for your lovely replies. I think he was excited - difficult to tell if it was fear or excitement. At home he is ridden in a snaffle and in gag for jumpy things. The little people seem to have so much confidence and gung ho nothing seem to pahse them. Wish I was that age again