moving up a level-when?

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clairefeekerry1

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when did you decide to move up a level with your horse (competing wise or other). kinda feel were getting a little bored now. ride 6 days a week, every week and usually compete RC or similar every weekend or attend a clinic. recently, we have started to get placed consistantly over the 3 disiplines, have a jumping and dressage lesson every week with progression each lesson so was thinking of moving up to maybe affilate. we hack out a couple of times a week too. we've never won a class yet (showjumping is prob unlikely at our level as he's never going to be as fast as some of those darn ponies!) so did you wait until you were winning classes or did you do it for another reason? he's almost 7. thoughts please, or what kinda thins do you do to stop it becoming a bit same old!!
 
I compete pure dressage so I can't say for other disciplines, but generally when I feel confident that we are established at the above level at home and have been consistently scoring a high percentage at the level below when out competing
 
well dressage is our best disiplain so if were getting placed and good marks at rc unaff novice classes maybe try some aff prelims?????
 
My sharer competes my boy in dressage and moves up to the next level when she is consistantly scoring 65% + They have progressed from walk and trot to prelim and trying thier first novice test soon - next year all going well *touches wood* we will look at affiliating.
 
Yes absolutely, you will find the marking at affiliated is much more consistent too. Also you don't have to register with BD to to a prelim at an affiliated competition. You would have to ride in the open section but it would give you a good indication.

Like Moses06 said, if you are consistently over the 65% mark its worth thinking about moving up...my instructor wants me to try an elementary in the next couple of months, which I'm excited & nervous about. Also it is worth bearing in mind that you marks may take a dip when you first move up a level, for example my last Prelim was 73% the first Novice tests were mid 60s we are now back up around 70% hence the move towards elementary.
 
I wouldn't worry about winning your showjumping classes. As you say, there's little chance of winning against those ponies anyway :p. Consolidating your training is far more important than some low level rosette if you have plans to go further. I've moved up when we're consistently cantering around in a nice rhythm, keeping relaxed but forward and jumping 98% of jumps from the right stride. If you can do the same at home at the higher level, then you're ready. Actually, I lie. I move up when I can watch a video of my rounds without being mortified :D. Perhaps practise a few courses with a controlled jump off with tighter corners, but I wouldn't do more than 3 or 4 classes of that. If you're bored, I'd move up. Bored horses and riders equals careless poles.

With the number of lessons you're having, things really shouldn't be "same old" at all!
 
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