My First Ever Hunter Trial - hints and tips please!

[Gorgeous George]

It didn't look like this was going to happen as the HT I was hoping to do on the 20th made the novice 2ft class only open to pony club members and wouldn't let me go HC

but I found one with a 2ft class on the 27th and my YM has really kindly agreed to take me

I think I am nervous and excited all rolled into one, despite it being 2 weeks away yet

So I have never ever done this before, hopefully the jumps will be fairly small and not to scary, but I am quite apprehensive about the cantering between the jumps (I really do want to canter round) and George not being fit enough and running out of steam! Unfortunately the ground round us is like concrete so I can't even canter him round the farm ride as a practice.

So apart from trying not to panic, smile and have fun

does anyone else have any top tips to get me and George ready? Oh we are going xc schooling at the venue just before the event

so that should help!

Thanks

 

[checkmate1]

Sit up and smile

 

[FigJam]

Most importantly- enjoy yourself! That's what you're there for remember!

Other things to remember;

- medical armband.
- check with Secretary incase your hat needs tagged (some PC events do).
- lots of water for washing the Gorgeous one off after you're done and possibly a cooler if you think he'll need it. (I always take one just in case but don't always use it if the weather's mild.
- when walking courses, I take photos of each fence, so when I'm running through it in my head and have a "blank" moment, I can look up what the fence is and picture the round in my head better.
- cool box with bottle of water for you and some chocolate for after!
- camera man/woman so you can post photos and a report on here after!

Good luck!

 

[irishdraftlover]

which course is it??

 

[Gorgeous George]

We're going to Downhouse near Chelmsford, I never been there before, but then I have only been xc schooling once before

 

[LittleSoph]

Downhouse is a lovely little course, you'll be fine!!

If he runs out of puff, have a trot for a while, it won't hurt... but it isn't a massive course so I reckon you'll be just fine.

I might be going to watch a friend so if I am, I'll look out for you.

 

[Katie__Connie]

Nothing to add apart from whats been said really!!

Hope you have a great time!!

 

[Sprout]

No real advice, just breathe, smile, and dont be afraid to talk to George all the way round - it can help.

Good luck, and I hope there will be a long report and some pics.

 

[miss_c]

Sit up and kick!

Don't feel that you HAVE to canter the whole way round. When I took Genie to her first hunter trial last year we walked and trotted a lot of it, as my aim was for us to get round together! The only part you'll be wanting to push on will be the timed section, so relax on other parts of the course!

Also enjoy it! I feel ill before hunter trials, but the feeling after getting over the last fence is amazing!

 

[teresagarsden]

Just dont do what i did at my first, It was mine and Gems first ever HT we set off in canter she spotted the first fence big blue barrells came to a grinding halt and reversed back to the start, i was so embarrassed, mum thought it was so funny...
As for tips just breathe and smile and have a great time both of you.
Good luck Teresa

 

[Chumsmum]

How exciting! I'm hoping to do my first ever HT on new pony soon

Is there a gate on the timed section? You could practise opening gates?

 

[tikino]

sit up kick and most important enjoy yourself