Rana
Well-Known Member
Hoping for some opinions here.
Firstly some background - I'm a reasonably competent rider coming back to riding after a break. My background is in dressage and polo. I've jumped (literally!) 3 times in the past 7 years, and only twice since having a 4 year break.
I've just started riding a friends horse. Have ridden him on the flat 4 times and jumped him twice, over approx 2' (piddly I know but I always hated jumping!).
Horse is kept at a riding school, and they have a mini Hickstead comp running this weekend. It's open to all and classes vary from 1'3 to 3', with a clear round course as well. There are no height or age limits set.
So, first question is, should I enter at all?? I'm very nervous and I think the horse could get quite strong and bouncy. Comp is in an open field and I've only ridden him in the school.
Second question is, do I just do the clear round (in larger field with ditches and water trays) or do I enter one of the smaller classes (smaller field, mix of SJ's, rustic, and mini XC fences)? I think I'd only really be confident doing the smaller classes in the smaller field.
Third question is - I think the smaller classes are likely to be mostly kids on ponies. Would I be completely out of place on a 14.3 cob? I've never even entered a jumping comp before, let alone been placed, so it would be kind of a big deal for me. I could enter HC I suppose, as it wouldn't be very sporting to compete against kids (I'm an adult btw
), but then I am a total novicey wimp when jumping and the kids would be far better than me anyway!
AAARGH! What to do??
Firstly some background - I'm a reasonably competent rider coming back to riding after a break. My background is in dressage and polo. I've jumped (literally!) 3 times in the past 7 years, and only twice since having a 4 year break.
I've just started riding a friends horse. Have ridden him on the flat 4 times and jumped him twice, over approx 2' (piddly I know but I always hated jumping!).
Horse is kept at a riding school, and they have a mini Hickstead comp running this weekend. It's open to all and classes vary from 1'3 to 3', with a clear round course as well. There are no height or age limits set.
So, first question is, should I enter at all?? I'm very nervous and I think the horse could get quite strong and bouncy. Comp is in an open field and I've only ridden him in the school.
Second question is, do I just do the clear round (in larger field with ditches and water trays) or do I enter one of the smaller classes (smaller field, mix of SJ's, rustic, and mini XC fences)? I think I'd only really be confident doing the smaller classes in the smaller field.
Third question is - I think the smaller classes are likely to be mostly kids on ponies. Would I be completely out of place on a 14.3 cob? I've never even entered a jumping comp before, let alone been placed, so it would be kind of a big deal for me. I could enter HC I suppose, as it wouldn't be very sporting to compete against kids (I'm an adult btw
AAARGH! What to do??