Please tell me it gets easier

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SplashofSoy

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I am a reasonably rider who only learnt as an adult, so never had that child like lack of fear of things when riding. I do have regular lessons and love to get out and compete. We compete unaffiliated jumping/riding club local events etc. I usually stick around 75cm (I know this is not very big in the scheme of things and to a lot of people). We do quite well and occaisonally get placed and the odd win.

Splash is more than capable of jumping bigger classes and I am now making myself enter the bigger classes where i can. However as soon as i enter the ring i ride like a demented turtle and start flapping like an equally demented chicken. Splash bless him does his best but we usually end up with 4 faults due to my flapping which makes him go flat.

All i am really asking is does practice make it better and you less nervous. All i need to do is ride the bigger classes as i do the smaller ones and we woudl be fine but cant seem to get this into my thick head! :D
 
Can you find a decent instructor to have the occasional lesson with? It will give you confidence and something to concentrate on.
 
Perhaps you are trying to make too big a jump (no pun intended....)? Could you do some shows where you start in the 75cm class, then do the next class up (I'm scared witless jumping so have no idea how high the next class would be!), or is this what you're already doing? If it is, and you're still not riding as well as you are capable of, why not just stick to the 75cm class for a bit longer. The horse doesn't care that he's not fulfilling his full jumping potential, he's just wondering when the next carrot will appear!
 
Just keep practicing, and get out there as much as you can!

I am very similar to you - I have a horse that's more than capable with the bigger fences, but I tend to get 'stage fright' and ride much less effectively then what I do at home. I have an instructor that believes in me, which is worth every penny! And friends who back me up.

I jump C once a week, different exercises every time and I promise you it works. Well it works for me - we both have improved, I feel more confident and although I am still nervous at shows the more we get out there I know I will learn to relax and....have fun! At the end of the day that's what it's all about!!

Good luck x
 
Thanks guys

I do have regular lessons and jumping at home no problem at the bigger heights. I do start with the 75 class and then go into the bigger one after that if going well. I only enter bigger class if smaller one goes well so as not to put pressure on. Its like i just see the bigger course and it all goes to pot.

Just cant seem to get it together in my head and flappy chicken takes over!
 
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