HELP!! First time X Country

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han_nah

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Hi,

It is mine and my 9 year old forest mare first time at cross country soon (I'm 20)

We have never jumped before in a competition just out and about jumping logs on the forest and jumps in the field.
We are starting with a 1'6 - 1'9 shorter course just to get our confidence up.

Was wondering if anyone has any tips for us? What we can expect? What we can and can't do?
 
han_nah said:
Hi,

It is mine and my 9 year old forest mare first time at cross country soon (I'm 20)

We have never jumped before in a competition just out and about jumping logs on the forest and jumps in the field.
We are starting with a 1'6 - 1'9 shorter course just to get our confidence up.

Was wondering if anyone has any tips for us? What we can expect? What we can and can't do?
Click to expand...

Make sure red flag is always on the right.. if not you're jumping it backwards! :rolleyes:

There is an optimum time however I find is darn hard to measure so usually a strong canter will be okay depending on the course.

If there is a rider-scarer or a horse-scarer the just kick on. If you feel horse hesitating a growl and a tap on the shoulder usually sets them straight!

If she refuses, don't worry just come round again. :)

And, if she gets silly you may want a stronger bit / noseband. Wear gloves and no fixed peaks!
 
You usually need to wear a body protector for xc competitions, though not always - check the rules. As Tern says, no fixed peak on your hat either - most people wear jockey skull with silk cover.

Have a read through of the rules so you're not surprised on the day, if you have any questions ask the secretary (on the day or in advance, their contact details are usually on entry form).

Above all, though; have fun! :)
 
Thank You...hoping that because it is a small local club organising it, it isn't going to be so serious :)

Back protector all ready!!

Just another quick question what is the best prep for the day?? I don't have access to cross country jumps, only show jumps in a field and a forest.
 
At the height you are doing the xc fences are unlikely to be technical in any way they should be simple rustic fences with possibly the odd log, straw bale or tiny ditch, so think of them as show jumps that are not coloured, the pony will not think of them as anything other than jumps, so do nothing really special, make sure she and you are confident by not pushing to do too much at home, keep things simple, ensure she will pop over a fence out of trot as well as canter, very useful if they do have a moment when they need to have a look at something new.
You may find there is water so find some out hacking to splash through, make sure it is fun for her, most ponies take to xc really well, don't set off too fast, let her look at the jumps and gradually pick up the pace if she is going well but be prepared for her to come back to trot at any point, most of all have fun.
 
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