Nervous about remembering fences - hire courses first or go out?

[cheekywelshie]

So last week I went out and jumped a clear round just at 70cm. It was a two phase so you could just remember the 9 fences then do the jump off later. The aim for me was just to tow there in one piece (I went on my own and met someone there with their horses). It was an hour and 20 min drive. I walked the course with them and then went round on my own - riding was terrible because i was worried so much about remembering the fences. For the jump off i visualised it and knew it in my head but when i got on the horse it all went a bit pear shaped - i did go round right but a handbrake turn because i almost forgot, then forgot to go through the finish!
So I wonder whether to hire courses and perhaps practice in my own time with no one around. I have the stress of getting used to towing as well...or do i just go out and try and remember 12 fences!!

 

[vallin]

I am awful at learning both show jumping courses and dressage tests but I do find the ore I do it (at home and at competitions) the better I get.

 

[cheekywelshie]

I am not sure what to do! 12 fences! (after the stress of just loading and getting there LOL) Or I could hire the course a few days later...

A few years ago i did trailblazers second rounds and even a BE - i am not sure how!

I think i lost confidence because we have no facilties at where my boy is now compared to where we were before where i practiced a lot

 

[vallin]

I try and go to different venues regularly for training and course hire and it definitely helps as it means you're used to going out and about without the competition stress but still doing course practice.

 

[Bernster]

Similar here. Dressage tests and sj courses, I'm terrible at remembering them. Nerves give me brain freeze. Haven't cracked it but I don't compete often which is the obvious explanation. Need to practice more I suspect!

 

[Sprig]

I find it helps to get there early and watch other people go.