Scotland: Novice adult wanting to compete this Summer!

S

Scot123

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 November 2011
Messages
367
Visit site
Hello. Wondering if anybody could help suggest any shows that might be suitable please...

I'm looking to do some novice show jumping with my pony (138cm) this summer - I'm an adult who's never competed before.

Ideally central belt/borders/Argyll. I've started Googling and trawling through show schedules but am getting a bit disheartened. A lot of the novice pony jumping classes seem to be for people under 16 years (which, unfortunately is DEFINTITELY not me!!).

Thank you!
 
Local equestrian centres who run regular shows are probably more likely to have classes than the summer shows I suspect you are looking at. I compete on my 14.2 all the time but as an adult on a horse.

If there are clear rounds in the schedules you've been looking at, you can enter them as often as you like and whatever height you want as well - nearly all shows will have them. That might be a good starting point although only competing against yourself there.
 
Hi, thanks. Do you mainly compete at equestrian centres? Is that in a pony class, or a horse class? I hadn't noticed the Clear Round classes so I'll have a look at those too. Are there any centres that you'd particularly recommend that do novice friendly adult/pony classes? Thank you.
 
I'm not familiar with what goes on down that neck of the woods but up here there is Inchcoonans, Howe and Netherton who all put on regular shows. Any unaffiliated SJ should have classes you can ride in, sometimes they are split into seniors and juniors it usually depends on the entry.

Yes I tend to go to those sorts of places rather than one off shows as I don't really like show jumping on grass.
 
If you're looking to do BS, pony classes are for 16 yo and under. Adult riders on ponies need to enter horse sections (regardless of the pony/horse's actual height).

You might get lucky with unaffiliated shows, but they do tend to run under BS rules.
 
Thanks for that. Do you happen to know - would all shows allow you to enter a pony in the horse section, or does it vary between shows, so would you need to contact each organiser to check? Thanks.
 
You can enter a pony in the horse section at every show I've been to, but do be aware that the course design is the same for all horse competitors - i.e. the striding will be horse-sized.

If you're going unaffiliated, it would be worth checking with the organiser anyway - you may find they'll allow you in the pony section.
 
I would just enter as an adult in the horse section at unaffiliated / RC shows. I used to compete a 148 in adults for years with no issues with striding, I just taught my pony to take 2 strides in 1 stride doubles. You'll find that you'll probably beat the horses as ponies are far quicker turning generally! Join your local RC as they often have nice low key training things and events, not sure what club your local would be (we're Area 22 - North Scotland, you're the other half!).
 
Both Ingliston and Muirmill run unaffiliated where adults can compete on ponies. Not sure how handy they are for you though.
 
Thanks all. Sounds as though we may be doing work on our strides and then have a go at beating the big boys!! Have actually contacted Ingliston & Muirfield as they are probably the handiest for us (nowhere is particularly handy, hey ho) and they were really helpful so might have a go at one of those later in the summer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top