Jumping leading up to competition

[riyo01]

Hi all, I was hoping for advice on training leading up to competition...

We have our first BE80 in 2 weeks.

I was planning to go XC schooling training this Wednesday, and a friend has invited us to a hunter trial on Sunday - I would then give him a week off jumping before the event and focus on mostly hacking with a bit of schooling. He's very fit at the moment. I'll be giving him a good week or so off following the event and no jumping for at least a month, then just doing some very light hacking the week after to keep him ticking over as he's worked hard this summer.

Do we think this is sensible or should I cancel either the hunter trial or the schooling? I feel we would benefit from both as haven't been XC schooling since July. Of course pony comes first though and I'm happy to pull out of any at the drop of a hat if need be.

Thanks in advance!

 

[twiggy2]

I think your over thinking it.
I used to look after kids eventers doing 80's, 90's and 100's.
Light hack for a day or so after and then back to normal- helps any issues show up and stops them stiffening up.
They would have 2 or 3 lessons a week, event once a week in the season and some weeks go show jumping too, pony club etc etc.
Ponies were fit and thrived, it was only 6 or yrs ago

 

[LEC]

I have one horse who jumps every day for 4 days leading up to an event in the spring! I quite often go xc schooling the day before on a green horse or one who is suspicious at water/ditches. Typically mine will jump within 4 days of the event in some form. They will have gone sjing competing/course hire within 10 days typically.

It really depends on the horse. At 80 I just wouldn’t sweat it and do what is going to get you to the event in the best shape to do well.

 

[mini-eventer]

Yeah your over thinking, if he's not fit enought to do the xc and hunter trail he wouldn't be fit enough to go eventing.

At 80 I would just have a leg stretch the day after, then a day off - I prefer this to a day off immediately after as i think it helps keep them loser than just nothing.

After that i might hack for a couple of days then crack on as normal.

If you want to plan a winter holiday that is fine but he won't need one because of the eventing

 

[Squeak]

It completely depends on the horse and what suits him. I would agree with the others that it doesn't sound like it should be too much and also that he shouldn't need a week off after doing the 80. I usually do a day or two off and then light hack and back in to full work/ schooling.

 

[riyo01]

Thanks everyone, definitely got in my own head! Have gone ahead and booked both!