Should I enter the show?

[letrec_fan]

On Sunday I am going to the Bookham Show. There is a bit of jumping/dressage/showing. I am planning to enter the 2'6 and 2'9 jumping classes as he should fly these (and I have never done a 3ft course nor jumped 3'3 yet!) which is the next class up.

There is a "Have a go" ridden showing class and I am really not sure whether to go for it or not?! I know nothing about showing and this generally puts me off showing classes. I know it sounds stupid but I am afraid I might look a bit of an idiot. I mean it says judge may ride (at judges descretion) when do I get off and more importantly how do I get back on afterwards!?

And not sure about the little freestyle piece either?

Help?!

 

[Kayfm]

Go on, have a go. Im entering my first ever dressage test on Sunday and have never done it before. The following week im entered in two riding classes. My big horsie has never done anything like a riding class before, dont even know if he will cope with the class cantering around all together but im still going to try. Good luck to you.

 

[Cazzah]

Normal format for showing classes is that all horses come in, walk, trot and sometimes canter around the ring then are pulled into line (sometimes in provisional placings). The judge then normally talks to each individual rider and has a look at the presentation of the combination. Then you will be asked to do a show so you come out of line and do a short walk, trot and canter on each rein and come back and salute the judge then fall back in line. Keep it simple and short!!

If you have to get off for the judge to ride have you got someone who could give you a leg up afterwards?

P.S. this website has lots of good info on it:
http://rehorses.com/

Good luck - and give it a go - what's the worst that could happen?!

 

[camilla4]

Go for it Pete - showing is fun and you can't get much more informal than a "go for it" showing class! Ideally you would have someone else ready to come into the ring if the judge does ride, to help you on again. You will in all likelihood be told what to do for your show if it is so informal; if not, just as Cazzah has described. I would imagine instructions from the judge, via the steward, will be fairly clear so don't worry. Just one tip - do make sure that you stirrup irons are wide enough to accomodate any foot!

Give it a go - you honestly won't look like an idiot!!!

 

[letrec_fan]

Thanks guys!

Was looking at the Racehorse to Ridden horse show aswell - it sounds fine - only thing I am not sure about is the trot up? Is that where you have to get off, take saddle off and trot them up?

Could someone explain that to me and do you think its worth it? I was thinking if I make a mistake, I make a mistake at the end of the day and my two friends will be going who are pony club showing pros!