Novice rider/owner where to go for competitions? help?

[amanda1788]

Hi, i quite new to horse owning, and have been riding for about 2/3 years. I would really like to go to some competitions in the summer but have no idea what competitions there are for novice riders and wondered if anyone could help? Also how do i find out where and when they are?
Thanks

 

[Hovis_and_SidsMum]

I can't help I'm afraid but I'm interested in your responses as I'm in the same position.

 

[AandK]

get in touch with your local Riding Club they should be able to give you some advice.! Pony and Rdiding clubs tend to hold 'Open' shows during the summer with all sorts of classes, which would be a good place to start.
also look at competition venues around near you, most hold some unaffiliated comps..
Good luck.!

 

[BarmyC]

The best thing to do would be to find your local riding club

http://www.bhs.org.uk/Content/Brc-Home.asp?id=72&pg=Welcome%20Page

 

[the watcher]

You might be best off joining a local riding club. They do training sessions in flat work and jumping around the year, usually with good instructors, and small competitions (often for members only) as well as larger open shows

 

[BeckyD]

Try and find out about all the local riding clubs (either affiliated to the BHS or not) - maybe your local tack shop can help get you the contact numbers? They normally hold fairly low-key shows throughout the summer season, so you could go along to a couple and see how they work, then take your horse once you see how they work. Most of these shows are very supportive of novices and that's how we all started out (well, most of us!).

Often there will be novice rider and novice handler classes, and things like prettiest mare, handsomest gelding - which are great fun and there's no pressure.

Just tell everyone that you're new to it and make sure you follow the rules. Ask people if you don't understand what's going on.

Just get out there and have fun!

 

[amanda1788]

thanks for all your comments, i will see if i can find some local riding clubs.

 

[Moggy]

Agree with all of above, you could also try something like horse camp (google it) which is great fun.

 

[Loubiepoo]

The web page called 'riding diary' is really useful as well, lists lots of competitions, training etc in regional areas.

 

[vhf]

If you're nervous, go for as low-key as possible - always easy to "upgrade" next time, but if you ruin your confidence early on it'll be harder to move on.
If you're in a very "horsey" area the affiliated clubs can be a bit daunting, but just be ready for the unaffiliated ones to be very "low-key" if you were expecting more.
A good idea might be to go on a local fun ride and get talking to the others there about where they go and what they do...
If you have lessons, ask your trainer where to start - and if not, get to a training course at the local club and you'll be able to tell what standard their competitions are likely to be!