Intro XC time

SilGathien

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I have my first into in 2 weeks *dies* at Broadway and today I went to try making the 450mpm time.

For me, I reckon I went quite fast, but apparently according to mothers stopwatch I did in in 2:09.

However, did run a little over 450m because I went from the wrong markers.

I think perhaps the distance set up is too long, and being an ex-racehorse, he shouldn't go too slowly!

Main worry is that if it is the right distance, then I will have to go faster and I will end up not jumping fences because he's not the easiest to get back as he runs a little on the forehand.

Can anyone estimate how fast I should be going. I know telling me how fast maybe a problem
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Thanks.
 

jackpalfreyman

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Trying to think how to describe it!! For your first event i would always say to go around at the pace you are comfortable with, at a pace where you can get him back easy enough for each fence without a big battle but without destroying the rhythem. A normal hunting pace canter perhaps... think inbetween you dressage canter and gallop!!
 

SillyMare

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Intro time is fairly easy to get as long as you keep going in a forwards canter. It is obviously a bit more difficult if there are lots of twists or hills.

For your first Intro I suggest you just go at whatever pace you are happy and safe and concentrate on going clear - plenty of time ahead of you to worry about the clock.
 

SilGathien

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I know, I don't think speed is really describable!

Ideally I'd like a clear, but I think my instuctor said try to get round without time faults because it generally makes a difference at intros.

Today I think the length was too long, because I don't really want to be going too speedy over the fences because we haven't competed at that height, just schooled.

Thanks!
 

sillygillyhorse

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Sorry but I disagree with your instructor, forget trying to "get the time". As others have said ride at a pace your comfortable with, the more events you do the more you get the feel for the pace and can then aim for clear rounds within the time. It is your first outing at this level so go and enjoy it instead of worrying about the time.
 

Tangaroo

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I have had this problem this season. It is my first season eventing and unaffiliated i was always getting time faults. I asked a friend who events a lot what i was doing wrong cos i thought i was riding in a good rhythmn and going fairly fast. She said, to set off at a good pace and when landing after fences kick on rather than spending time dwelling on the fence you have just jumped. I did my first Intros two weeks ago and put it to the test. The first one i was within the time and the second one i had 2 time penalties cos i took an alternative. I went at a good gallop but not at break neck speed. My horse is a 16.1 Hannoverian X TB and has a fairly long stride. Luckily he is also very easy to stop and turn which i know helps. Dont know if this is any help. Now i know what speed i need to go, hopefully i can remember for next season!! Most important though is to get round safe and sound. A few time penalties are preferable to 20 for a stop or 60 for a fall.
 

Peanot

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[ QUOTE ]
Sorry but I disagree with your instructor, forget trying to "get the time". As others have said ride at a pace your comfortable with, the more events you do the more you get the feel for the pace and can then aim for clear rounds within the time. It is your first outing at this level so go and enjoy it instead of worrying about the time.

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly!
 

MagicMelon

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I agree with the others. Sod the time, just try to get a nice clear round. That's all you should aim for in your first few intro's. Once you and your horses are confident about the fences, then you can begin trying to speed up a little. Just try to keep a nice rythm, dont slow too much when coming up to fences (you shouldn't have to) and you should find you probably make the time! The intro time isnt very hard to get, you certainly dont have to gallop flat out!
 

kick_On

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defo - don't worry about time, it was my first event last year and i just kicked!!!! and i ooph did fastest time of both days
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but it wasn't too fast to be dangerous (i really could stop
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and my horse's went for it - brilliant!!) but is wasn't too fast to be called in to see oraganiser and get slapped wrist.
It's a lovely hilly course and you'll lose power quickly, just go for clear and whack in some good studs on down hill sections, so you can get him back just before water secton
Good luck - beautiful course and last jump looks massive but jumps fab
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