QueenT
Well-Known Member
So, we went to a big show with one of the ponies, good one meter jumper, doesn't look at stuff, usually a good sport. Training up to the show was a little sketchy with the pony stopping (which she usually doesn't), so we had everything checked, legs, teeth, feed, tack etc. Minor tooth issue fixed, tried a few jumps at home, which looked really good. We knew she would probably not win anything, but hopefully come home with a couple of clear rounds. The show was five hours away, so four nights in a tent. Stables never turned off the lights and there were horses and people going in and out from 6 am to midnight. Two nights there was a storm so everything was rocking. Her first start was 10:15 pm in the evening. Out of four, she had one OK round and three eliminations! The pony looked so tired in the ring, and did not want to be there at all, the rider struggled with setting a good tempo and distances were not right. In hindsight we should have withdrawn, but at the scene we felt it was temporary glitches, but both pony and rider confidence is low now. Clearly the pony needs a break, so she will get a good rest now. But how and when would you start showing again? How low would you start out, and does 3 weeks from now for a local show sound too soon? Thank you all!
