Is this wrong? What would you do?

Z

zoeshiloh

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www.stowmarketanddistrictridingclub.com
Ok, basically the situation is this; I have a lovely horse that I have owned for over ten years. When we first "got together" we did a lot of ODE and SJ. We were on PC teams/RC teams and competed a lot. I loved jumping, especially eventing and won quite a bit. Then in 2002 I had quite a serious accident. I broke my back, and although fully reovered, jumping was never the be-all and end-all of my life again. I took up dressage, and all but finished jumping, only jumping occasionally at home.

I went off to uni and did a few BUSA competitions which involved jumping, but other than that I have not jumped competitively since August 2002.

My horse is now 15 and although popping 1.10m at home, (not with me I hasten to add) I am really only venturing to about 2ft on him. This is a huge turn around for me, as I never used to have any fear. Now it takes all my guts and determination to force myself over 2ft. However, I enjoy it when I do it. A friend took my lad out jumping last year, and never got him round a course - he kept stopping and running out. She is a good rider, but he was never an easy jumper, he is quite 'looky' and needs encouraging (not whip/spurs just riding into a fence confidently).

I have got to the stage where I would like to take him out and do the odd little course again. However, around here anything under 2ft is always accompanied by the words "not to have been placed 1st in any jumping competition". Well, obviously he/we have won a lot in the past, but haven't jumped competitvely for 7 years. I have no guts, and he wouldn't get around the course clear anyway I guess. I am not a fan of going HC as I kind of think why bother paying an entry fee when you can jump a course at home. TBH I am a nervous wreck now when it comes to jumping, and he isn't much better (used to take confidence from me). All I want to do is potter about a few local shows and have some fun, and we certainly aren't the competitive duo we once were. Would it be wrong to enter these classes??

I think because I had the accident on this horse, when it comes to jumping him I get nervous now, and I just don't feel able to trust him over anything bigger. I don't honestly feel that he would be a threat to anyone (we probably wont get past the first fence) but I don't feel happy being thought of as a trophy hunter - a rosette would be nice I admit to make me feel we have achieved something.

Sorry for the long post, but I am currently wrestling with my conscience on this one
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I think as long as you weren't starting to get placed regularly no one would mind. It is hard when you lose your confidence like this but also technically as you say you are not eligible. BUT yours is an exception.

What I don't like to see (I know this is not you) is people who make the excuse they have not competed or have lost their confidence but then start getting placed and still don't move up when they and their horse are more than capeable

Good luck
 
I think you'd be fine to enter. It wouldn't bother me if I was competing against you. Just to put things in context, if 7 years ago your horse had £350 BSJA money, and you hadn't registered him since then, all that money would have disappeared off his card for British Riding Clubs purposes and he would be eligible for the novice again. I'd say this is a very similar situation. If there's lots of people around who know you and your history I'd check with the secreatary that they're happy for you to enter, otherwise just go for it!
 
As above, I think you are perfectly entitled to enter- just don't expect much praise and congratulation if you post in a few weeks to say you have won every competition
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TBH i don't think you have a problem, and if things are as wobbily as you say any one who did remember your glory days wouldn't have issue now. Go for it and enjoy yourselves

ETA if you are in a different part of the world now then who would complain. A lot of water has gone under the bridge so any miss givings that you have can be put to bed
 
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As above, I think you are perfectly entitled to enter- just don't expect much praise and congratulation if you post in a few weeks to say you have won every competition
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LMAO don't think that would happen somehow! But can I have praise if I survive and stay on?? Perhaps I should get a special prize for the biggest cricket score.
 
I certainly don't think it's wrong. If you were still jumping to the stage you were before your accident then I could understand people being a bit upset as you'd probably win everything
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. But if you're both nervous and having a few problems I think it'd do both your confidences wonders to enter a few small shows. If you start winning all the rosettes of course that'd be a different story
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To get your confidence back you have to start from stratch. I think it's a really good idea. Maybe try some clear rounds before doing any real competitions to see how you get on without the pressure of a full competition and then branch out to comps once you feel better about it
 
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I'm in a completely different part of the world now, so no one really knows our history. I just want to have some fun again. I love dressage/showing but it is disheartening sometimes - at least with jumping if you have a pole down no one can argue, lol.

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Do what I do if you're having a really terrible time at the competition, claim your horse is a youngster in training
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I would write to or ring the show organiser and explain what you have just put, and ask for their permission for you to enter. You could say that if there does appear to be an enormous unfair advantage you would go HC.

Usually as long as you explain they're fine, the rules aren't there to stop people like you from entering.
 
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