Should I go to Wales and West??Advice please

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suzi

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Ok, as title basically.

I've been competing Bnov and Disc for the last 8/9 months, limited outings but had a few double clears and the odd placings.

Horse is reasonably fit (certainly fit enough for an hours schooling 3 days a week plus up to 3 hours hacking a day 3 days and competing etc) but isn't mega fit - if that makes sense.

I've got the chance to go to Wales and West in June for their 3 day show. It's probably a 4 or 5 hour drive and I would go there on the Thursday, compete Fri / Sat / Sun and travel back on the Sunday.

I'll have to go on my own :( but have done a 3 day clinic on my own and coped ok....will just have to find someone helpful to hold the horse while I walk the course!

Should I go? Is it a good idea? Would 2 classes a day be too much??

Never done anything like this before so not sure what to expect and think I'll probably be hopelessly outclassed.....

Or am I just being really stupid and really just in need of a kick up the arse?!?
 
Horse will definitely be fit enough for 2 classes a day by the sounds of the work he is in.

Also walking courses isn't an issue as there is normally enough time to walk and get back to the stables afterwards as there is lots in the classes.

I'd say go and have fun! It's a lovely showground x
 
jumping rings mainly on surface although thay do have a grass derby ring :) I'm going to the June one too so may see you there :)
 
Ok.

I've got the time off and have committed by completing my entry form!!

A bit scared as he's still jumping WAY too quick (hence why still doing Bnov and Disc) but it's a work in progress and instructor agrees that it will be good to see how he reacts to doing a 3 day show.

So - who else is going?

And does anyone want to share a big bale of haylage??
 
I have to say I would not jump two classes a day for several days. If I go for 3 days I usually do one class a day - perhaps two the first day if horse really needs the rounds and it's small (or if you run into problems of course). Its quite a strain on them to jump two classes a day for 3 days especially with jump offs. You should definitely go though, it's a nice show! :)
 
I wouldn't say 3 classes a day is too much.

Most classes there will be two phase anyway, so about 15 jumps in a course.
90 jumps over 3 days. Probably 25 warmup jumps.

Some people jump 50+ fences when jumping at home or XC schooling.

I've never had a problem with it, even when competing for 4-5 days.
 
Go for it, it's a nice show! Numbers will be quite big in BN/Disc, so you should easily have time to walk the course and then go and get your horse. You will find that after three days of jumping he will be a better horse for it. I suspect that at least one day will be on grass though.
 
We usually do 2 classes a day on single day shows and I will jump between 2 and 8 fencese usually for warm up.

If I feel he is over jumping I'd have no hesitation to withdraw or not jump off.

He was still full of spring when I did a 3 day training clinic last year with 2 lessons a day for 3 days...
 
You should be fine but you could always give him a day off if you feel he's a bit tired.

Wales is fab, great arenas, fun atmosphere and the food is good too!

We're going to the June and August amateur shows. Hopefully see you there.
 
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