Last week before ODE- no school- what would YOU be doing?

[nikCscott]

Can you tell I'm nervous? Don't post for a month then twice on a similar subject in 1 morning!!!

So Z is a 9yo 16.2hh WB I've been doing as much hacking (lanes) as I can did a couple of 10 milers a few weeks ago including some woods (hills and canters), I'm able to ride about 4 times a week and have been doing lots of trotting and also lots of transitions and schooling exercises trying to prepare. If the field has been dry enough I've done some lunging, schooling or had a canter at the end of a hack.

He's green XC so want to give him the best chance possible.

He feels quite good and his weight is great, but I am interested to know what YOU would be doing in this last week? I'm happy to hack in rain but field/canter work is completely dependant on weather/ ground conditions.

All different opinions ideas welcome.

Thank you Tea and cookies for all responders!

 

[be positive]

As he is green jumping I would hire an arena or arrange a lesson to have a confidence building session in order to give him both jumping practise as well as a good extended canter, it is cantering that will help his fitness now so take any opportunity you can to do some. Otherwise continue as you are and try not to worry about getting everything right, the weather is being most unhelpful and there is not much you can do about it.

On the day for the xc get him in a good rhythm right from the start and keep him moving forward, not fast, but well in front of your leg and give him plenty of encouragement to build his confidence as he goes round, green horses usually get going as they progress round a course and aim for him to finish better than you expect him to start, hopefully he will start well also Relax and have fun.

 

[3Beasties]

As he is green xc I would try and take him xc schooling before the event. Otherwise it sounds like you are preparing well

 

[nikCscott]

He's not green SJ'ing we've just not done a lot of XC. We've done a few XC's and he's normally green over the 1st 2 or 3 then- clicks 'this is fun!' luckily he's very honest and loves jumping and he's fine we've done some arena eventing through last winter which I know is no where near the same but...its something.

Just heard I have 5 days work this week (normally a full-time mum) which with summer holidays looming I can't turn down so have lined up family to have children after school so I can ride then. Unfortunately there is no chance of XC schooling was hoping attend a couple of fun rides over the passed few weeks but they have all been cancelled so its not without attempted prep. The best laid plans.....

Huge believer in the 5 P's (Preperation Prevents Pi$$ Poor Performance) but I've done as much as I can

Its only 80 so a nice introduction.... fingers crossed......