So I'm moving up to BE Novice.... what extra things do I need to know?

rotters13

rotters13

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Just entered my first BE Novice to be run at Aston Le Walls so any tips of what they might ask? Is the outline the same required at PN level? Do I sit in the medium canters or really go for them? Any tips in general?

Many thanks!
 
Aston is a good choice, they are usually kind with the course. Just do whatever you can, think active hind leg and light in front. The med canter in that test is really just a couple of strides. Are you going Fri or Sun?
 
I cant really give you dressage advice as I know s*d all about it, having only done unaffiliated prelims in a few dark and dusty venues .... However, all i can say is that from listening to Mini TX's dressage trainer, the outline needs to be more 'established' and less like 'You are not doing a bloody prenovice test, you can do a lot better than that .......' With regard to mediums, she sits to them, which is no mean feat as her horse although 15.1hh is very powerful. Dont know if that helps. All I can say is that everything will be a lot bigger and you encounter a lot more pros, who are out to win.

Good luck with it and enjoy ALW - been meaning to take Mini TX there, but it always clashes with something else and have heard its a perfect first Novice.
 
Glad that Aston sounds like a good novice! Do I need to consider using a stopwatch? What about prep before hand? Any ideas? (Sorry for annoying, needy comments but very nervous and excited!)
 
Dont be apologetic there is no need. I dont know how old or young you are, but if its any consolation Mini TX as 14 when she did her first JRN at Aldon earlier this year. She sooooo wanted to get her mare to Novice, and she was beside herself with excitement/dread in equal quantities. I was in tears as she galloped home clear after the xc, and so was she. You should be proud of yourself, it is quite an achievement as most BE riders dont venture beyond BE100. I think its down to the individual if you want to wear a watch. Oddly enough I bought Mini TX one yesterday, as although she seems to have got the timing right, as the advert says - Every Little Helps.

I am only the driver, groom, banker, course walker, studder upper, I dont event, but having seen my daughter go through the transition from BE100 to JRN/N, I would say be as well prepared as you can. Go out and do some BSJA and plenty of xc schooling, plus obviously your dressage. Usual stuff I suppose. Go out and do it, come back with a huge smile on your face when you jump clear xc and come back and tell us all about it.
 
I am desperate to get there, I've brought her on myself from a baby during exams so it does mean a lot, I'm not bothered about being placed but I would love to go clear! Will try and get out to do more SJ before hand, I'm hoping the PC Intermediate Areas will be big but have got some more SJ lessons lined up to make sure that we're confident at that level. Did you school over your first Novice course before you jumped it in full? If that makes sense?
 
I cant really give advice as not qualfied to do so, I can only tell you what Mini TX did. She didnt school around a Novice courrse the day after an event, but she did go xc schooling with our YO (we are on an event yard),as I gather its not just the height to worry about, its the striding, which is what she had to get to grips with. Mind you, its not a bad idea, but I would take your trainer with you. Regarding PC Intermediate, again I can only talk from Mini TX's experience. She did PC Intermediate last year at Moreton and it was fine, it was pretty much the BE100 course there. She got a 4th, finishing on 31 and missed out the Nationals by 1 place, and I suppose it depends on the venue etc, as I dont think you are in the same PC area as us from your location. If you are, then its at West Wilts, which is a kind course.

You sound just like my daughter in that they were desperate to get there. Be very proud of yourself and get yourself as prepared as you can.
 
I've got my first JRN in two weeks and I'm sooo pleased to have got this far! But a bit nervous too tbh though. Have a VERY limited budget and poor facilities so really excited just to have got to Novice level. Will probably do really badly but gonna just go for it, have fun and believe in myself - that would be my advice to you too! Best of luck :)
 
Sound advice thistle.Also, as fences start to get bigger and more technical,be aware that if things are going wrong on the approach,it may be better to take the penalties and re present.There is always another day this way.
 
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