Moving up to jumping 2ft

G

Gorgeous George

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I was hoping to go to the local jumping show in Dec and have a go at their absolute beginners class, but I have just seen that the jumps are going to be 2ft
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I have only ever managed a course of 1ft 6" before. 6" may not seem like much but it seems like a mountain to me, especially as I guess there will be some spreads involved, what a wuss I am
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George is more than capable / willing but I'm the problem. Not entirely sure why I'm posting
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just wondering if you would have a go if you were in my shoes?
 
I had the same problem, couldnt get over the 2ft barrier, when Im riding towards them they look big!!! ha ha
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But seriously once you go over a few it will be fine, just like you can go round a course of 1ft 6 now. I bet there was a time when you thought youd never do that
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but you have, so theres no reason why you cant do 2ft
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I had the same problem just last week! In the past I used to jump up to about 3ft, but after a nasty fall I lost my confidence. Last week I took baby pony to a Hunter Trial, and as I couldn't do the 'assisted' class, I did the next class up, which was up to 2'3"... When I walked the course it became clear to me that some of the jumps were bigger. I promise though, that if you grit your teeth, remember to sit up, and keep your leg on, you will be just fine. And afterwards you'll wonder why you were so worried! That's what happened to me anyway!!!! Best of luck with it and let us know how it goes when you do it! The idea of having some lessons and working up to it sounds good as well. *HUGS*
 
Go for it... build a little practice course at 1'6'' and put the jumps up one hole at a time... you will hardly notice the difference I promise!
 
My first sj comp with my lad (17'3 Shire) was over a 2' course - my OH wouldn't let me do the lower class - and I felt the same... I came 3rd - behind a 12hh lead rein pony... a humbling experience... lol.

It's nerves more than the height really for me but one thing I find that helps is knowing that my chap can step over 2' so I just grab some mane and kick
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It does get easier and like the others have said - practice at home and go up bit by bit. Have you got a Riding Club local to you? Going to the training rallies has helped me hugely - we jumped a 3ft spread last week
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Em
 
You could try a grid with a bigger fence in the middle, that way the horse is set up and you don't have to worry so much about your approach. Once you have jumped it a couple of times hopefully you'll feel more confident.
 
Also I wouldn't attempt anything at a competition that you aren't 100% confident about at home. You are bound to be more nervous at the show so the class needs to be well within your capabilities.
 
If I were in your shoes, I would definitely have a go
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I would ride them exactly the same as a 1ft6 and tell myself they are no bigger......I would take the course nice and slowly at a trot and maybe as I was getting brave and enjoying myself towards the end, I would perhaps have a canter to one or two of them too ( If I was in a straight line towards the fence
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Then when I finish the course, I would be so chuffed to bits with myself I would post on HHO to tell everyone how I did
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Go for it GG, you will be so chuffed with yourelf and George
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2ft is nothing, neither you or your horse will notice the difference believe me! Your horse could step over 2ft. I think you are too hung up on the height aspect you shouldn't let it bother you. 1.6ft or 2ft it'll look the same! Just go for it, don't think of it as a competition - trot round if you feel necessary (although cantering actually will set you in a better rhythm and make it all flow better). Just enjoy it!
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Thanks guys, I'm such a wimp! I've got a few lessons before the event, so I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and have a go. I do want to be able to do it, just wish I didn't get so bloomin nervous.
 
put up a small course of 1"6 fences and get your friend to put a couple up at 2" without telling you which ones, that way he/she can tell you when you've jumped a bigger fence. Or get your friend to put the jumps up one hole at a time as you go round.
When my friend tried to get me jumping bigger he put the fence at 2"6 (my comfort zone) and every time i jumped he put the fence up one hole. It was brilliant, and i managed to build up to just over 3" in that session.
Nickie
 
All you can do is have a go and see how you get on.

Perhaps have a lesson before the comp and get your RI to gradually increase the size - you might not even notice much of a difference.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks guys, I'm such a wimp! I've got a few lessons before the event, so I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and have a go. I do want to be able to do it, just wish I didn't get so bloomin nervous.

[/ QUOTE ]

No you are not a wimp (well if you are, so am I!) I jump an ex-eventer that has done 4ft fences in his time but when he and I are approaching those 2ft fences which I do in my lesson (that my little tiny dog could clear) my heart is always in my mouth. Feel ecstatic when we get through it.

Good luck and go for it - for me!
 
I do know what you're going through; I had a HUGE issue with heights and my comfort height was 2'3". It was no good someone trying to up the height when I wasn't looking because I could tell straight away! Try to think positive; bear in mind that a horse's natural stride averages at around 12ft so spreads are barely more than a canter stride, and for anything upto around 3ft, a horse only has to fold his/her legs up a bit to clear the fence; hardly any jumping involved (Tim Stockdale says it's more like 4ft, but I disagree
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Lots of practice at home at around 2'3" will make you superconfident
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