Some confidence needed please.

[Equus Leather]

Tomorrow is the local village show. I'm thinking of doing something with my horsey. I have no confidence though. I've jumped her on grass last week for the first time, but I'm still too scared to jump out of canter, how pathetic is that?

I was thinking of doing the tack and turnout just as something to do, but the only class I can enter is the 13.3 and over and I'm worried it will be full of kids! Plus I only have a brown bridle (with a chewed throatlash!) and a black saddle, so won't really look that great. The only other classes are working hunter (but she has really bumpy legs) and the 2ft show jumping. I need some confidence please, I want to do the show jumping I think, but we've never jumped more than one fence at a time! I have this afternoon to have a go, but am scared!

 

[MerryMaker]

I would wait until you're happier to be honest, but I hope that comes soon. have lots of lessons on grass and maybe watch someone you know jumping your horse on grass. x

 

[Equus Leather]

Trouble is, I only have grass to ride her on, and I'm fine with riding on grass, and have seen my OH jumping her lots. She's brilliant, never puts a foot wrong, I just need a push to get on and bloody well do it!

 

[MerryMaker]

Awww I know what you mean

I used to love XC now I quake at the knees at a 1 inch cross pole! Luckily I do dressage on my little mare so I don't have to worry

I reckon you should have some lessons, have people come and teach you, and then take your horse to other yards for lessons too to get her used to going out with you, and so you can establish she's actually fine

good luck!

 

[serena2005]

then go for it! do the smallest class u can enter and trott round if u feel happier

 

[Magicmillbrook]

Do they do a clear round or minimus course - For WH I dont think a few bumps and lumps matters, my girl often gets placed and she has scars and windgalls. If not, just go up there for a ride about, perhaps pop over a jump or two in the warm up ring towards the end when there are not too many people about, that way you will get an idea what she is like at parties without the presure of actualy doing anything.

 

[FestiveFuzz]

For WH I think it is acceptable for a horse to have a few lumps and bumps. As for the jumping I would honestly wait til you are feeling a little more comfortable. If there's clear round jumping perhaps that would be an idea to help build up your confidence. At the end of the day local shows are about having fun

 

[Pidge]

do the tack and turnout, also have a go at the 2ft SJ as there is nothing wrong with doing them from a trot and remember if you only want to jump one fence and then come out that is fine

If you want to jump more then do so.
I did this with Pidge and the one show just went in and jumped the first 3 fences and then retired. I was happy with that and the next month we jumped a whole course. Don't push yourself beyond what you are happy to do - remember it is supposed to be fun

 

[dollyrocks02]

I know how you feel, having confidence issues myself. Why don't you go to the show and just ride around, see how you feel when you get there. If you decide to go in the 2ft jumping there's no shame in just jumping from trot if thats what you're happy doing. Go in and don't think of it as a course, just aim to jump the first then if happy, the 2nd and so on. If you get worried retire and come out. Just do what you're happy with and like the others said remember its supposed to be fun! Lumps and bumps in WH shouldn't be a problem, so give that a try if you feel like it - if not don't!! Good Luck and enjoy whatever you decide!

 

[Kenzo]

If its about building your own confidence (as in riding and getting the experience) and your not bothered about winning, then what's a few lumps and bumps in a WH class and chewed throat lash in T&T, ok, so you won't win in T&T nor might you do well in the working hunter (but you never know) but its a local show and if you feel that you will enjoy it, it will benefit your horse dong these various classes then hey...get your self off and have a bash! you never know you might surprise yourself do ok and feel so proud of yourself and and your neddy afterwards.

Agree with Dollyrock, go prepared for anything, have a gander and wander and see how you feel.

I've been riding a mare for someone and she's not the best at home in the school jumping..trust me!, in fact I get an audience sometimes just for the laughs and to see me come off because she can be bit of a baggage and get a few surprised faces when I say she no she can actually do it honest after I ride her and know what she's like and capbale off so how any anyone tell me what she can and cant do etc and thought I was slightly tapped in the head taking her to some show jumping.

But I was not bothered what people thought or how well or poorly we did, I was taking her for the experience and 'having a go'....and bless her she jumped her socks off and we got a clear, she was a star! to me the only winners were us because she behaved, did as I asked and we had fun....only downside is (well not really because I enjoy it...just finding the time) is found her hidden talent and now its my job to compete her...let the fun and games commence!