Precautions when competing on this ground...

[giggles mum]

I'm planning on going to a pony club show on Monday. This is the one show I get to go to in the whole year, so I really don't want to miss it, but what precautions should I take for the sake of pony's legs etc? This hasn't ever really been a problem before as it always rains at this show! *rolls eyes*

I'm doing WHP, junior rider and 2ft3 jumping.

ETS: just checked BBC and forecast has changed - we're now getting light showers on Sunday and Monday.

 

[buzzles]

I'd check the condition of the ground before you jump, if it's quite poached and rutted aswell as hard then I wouldn't risk it tbh. However if it's level and there's a good layer of grass then it'll probably be ok. If you're using studs (which you might need if it does rain as it'll get very slippy) then use small pointed ones and use 2 of the same in each foot so the pony's not unbalanced. If you do one jumping class, maybe see how the pony is before you do the other, if he's obviously feeling the ground i.e. not jumping as well as usual or stopping then I wouldn't do a second round of jumps. Also take it handy when your jumping, don't do too many practice jumps or go unnecessarily fast. At the end of the day feel the pony's legs for any heat and it might be an idea to cold hose them when you get home or apply a cooling/tightening clay to his legs. Good luck and enjoy yourself!!

 

[MagicMelon]

I should think your pony will be fine especially as it a one off. I would just take it easy and see how he feels throughout the day.

If you're really worried about concussion then you can always cool the legs down afterwards (like calzy says - put on cooling clay / hose the legs etc.).