OMG what have i agreed to?

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Hovis_and_SidsMum

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After much badgering from my YO and instructor I have agreed to take Hovis to a clear round competition at the end of March. Ok its only for green horses and novice riders and is a whopping 50cm max height but I feel absolutely terrified.
I have never been to a show, Hovis has never been out / gone to a show, he's only 4.5 years old, I have never jumped a course and haven't jumped in some time. 50 cm right now sounds like a puissance!
I am SUCH a wuss.
My instructor is confident by the end of March we will be fine but I am absolutely bricking myself.

I also don't have a clue as to how these things work, what you have to wear or anything.
So HELP!!!!! Please!
What do I need to buy? I have full length black riding boots so I guess they will be ok? What else do i need to get? Other than a bucket to vomit in. What happens?
I am so scared and its a month away. YO insists it will be good for me and for Hovis - i'm not so sure!
 
Depends on the competition, some are very relaxed, and you only need to look vaguely smart, ie pale jods and a jumper or something.
Very exciting though, and i'm sure after the first class is out of the way with, you'll be raring to go and wanting to do all the ones after!! Take a good person to help you warm up to, as feeling comfortable and having someone good to do the fences and give you pointers in the warm up will help you enormously in the ring
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Good luck!!
 
YM and Instructor are coming with us - its their lorry we're going in. There's a few of us going from the yard but I am the only numpty. The others are very experienced.
I'm just panicking about the whole thing!!
 
You will be fine! I know how you feel, I brick myself when a jump is put infront of me, even though my mare is amazing to jump, doesn't rush etc. If I was scared and it was my first outing I would bring my bodyprotector and a neckstrap/martingale, that would just give me a bit of comfort and reassurance
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!
 
That's really exciting. I'm planning to take my boy to his first show in a year at Easter, and am starting to get excited/nervous already. So you're not alone!
I'd expect a competition like that to be fairly informal, but maybe your YO will know more.
The bucket is a good idea. You'll be able to use it to give Hovis a drink after you've vomited in it - but don't forget to wash it out first!
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I would offer mine, but I'll be needing it too!
A good friend to help you and calm your nerves is a must and I usually make a list of tack, boots etc that I need so I don't forget anything when I'm stressed.
I'm sure you'll really enjoy!
 
That is exciting news
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It will be great and please try not to be nervous. Just keep remembering... it really doesn't matter. Just keep calm and try to take the pressure off yourself. I know it's easier said than done but just keep breathing! Best of luck!
 
I'd wear long black boots, pale johds, a white shirt and black tie (you can get proper riding shirts and stocks but you don't need one if you don't want to fork out). I'd then wear either a hacking jacket or black show jacket (or if you've got a black suit jacket that would suffice
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When you get there, you will probably get a number and they should tell you how many are to go before you. Go and warm up in the warm up ring and then when you're warmed up, walk the horse around until it's time to go in. Then you go in and do your clear round, come out, collect your rosette...
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and that's it - all done!
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You'll have a great time!
 
If you're teacher says you're ready, just go for it, it'll be great fun. Can you find out if the venue is holding any other similar competitions before yours and go in the car for a look? Then you'll know what people wear, the set-up and get an idea of what to expect. You could also have a sneaky peak for any funny coloured fillers etc.. that might worry you and make yourself a copy to practice over beforehand. I'm sure its not necessary and at that height they probably won't use anything other than wings and poles, but anything that can make you more prepared will make you feel more confident.
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if you are only doing clear round pale jods and proper riding boots and a jacket or jumper would be fine.

I only wear my showjacket when im doing classes.
 
dont worry about it, im getting made to take my 5yr old away once iv had my baby, im sure once your there it'l all be fine, one of the girls on our yard took her horse away a couple of weeks ago and she was terrified, it was just a small class that sounds the same as what your going to be doing and now she cant wait to organise the next outing!
 
Dont worry Iv agreed to take my mare to a show soon too, shes never been to a show before and Iv never competed just watched! So your not alone...ul be fine though
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I did my first clear round this year since losing my nerve totally, and i asked a trused friend to stand in the middle of the ring and 'talk' me through it .....I was petrified.

It really helped because it takes your focus away from the people that are inevitable watching from the outside!

Turns out we got a clear round, then went back and did another clear round at a decent canter (and i think i may have even smiled at one point!!)

Go for it - you will have a laugh!
 
You can do it at a trot if you like
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Try not to panic, I did my first show with Star last year and it was a TINY working hunter, we went round the course at a trot too
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Went ok though and we got a rosette for a clear round. You'll be hooked after your first go
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I swear you'll be fine. Just take it at your own pace and go just to have fun. I felt like this when I did my first walk and trot dressage test but I came 6th out of 32.
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I was so excited I cried. Now we've gone up a class hooray!! Oh you'll have a great time promise xx
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