Spurs at competition

[ohdearme]

My horse is a forward, responsive type - schools and jumps amazing at home, very off the leg (slightly too much!). Still good schooling away from home XC/SJ but occasionally a bit spooky and can stop, will go over with a bit of leg & occasional tap.

However, at XC competition, I find she goes quite green/backwards despite having done quite a few! She slows right down, very hesitant, spooky. Still jumps most of the time but awkward/uncomfortable.

I took her to a Hunter trial last weekend, warmed up perfect and popped a few jumps. As soon as went out the start box, went green/backwards again, I was having to use A LOT of leg & whip which i don’t like to do to get her round. Still had two stops!

My friend took her to a BE80 last month, and she flew round everything and won… My first though was it must be me!! However my friend always rides in spurs, as did my horses last owner, and I’m wondering if this is the difference.

I feel “mean” trying spurs but think they may be useful here, maybe just in the XC phase as this is the only time she needs more oomph/bravery!

I’m not keen to stop competing or jump lower, as she loves jumping and has tonnes of scope. She has schooled 1m XC/SJ at home and away no bother, and we only do 70-80 at competition!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Fluffypiglet]

I use spurs instead of a using a whip. They are child spurs so 15mm and a roller ball version so “gentle” compared to many. They are only used when needed (being sticky or backwards) and I find better than having to move hands to apply a whip behind my leg. if he’s not sure and needs some persuasion, faffing about with reins seems to further confuse him whereas a slightly more persuasive leg aid seems to have the desired effect!

 

[Squeak]

From your description it sounds more like a confidence thing although it is interesting that she flew around with your friend. I'd probably go for a two pronged approach, try her with spurs and see if that helps but also build up her confidence when out sj and xc. It's probable spurs will be more of a sticky plaster solution rather resolving the issue.

 

[Alibear]

I'd give the spurs ago, you might find they're just enough to keep the forward momentum which in turn will help with the confidence issues.

 

[nikkimariet]

Why is ‘A LOT of whip & leg’ preferable to using spurs?

Sounds like a confidence and a schooling issue - horse is green and you’re doing too much.

 

[#jackofallmasterofnone]

Did your friend find her green / backward XC at the event? I have a friend who I know could probably get most pea green horses around an 80’s xc track as she is an AMAZING rider with years and years producing baby horses to the top levels … not because she wear spurs.

Her hands / seat / legs / position are just all working so quickly and correctly she can just do what needs to be done in the blink of an eye - you won’t see any flapping and slapping.

If your friend isn’t a wizard like mine is maybe it was the format of the ODE that helped? I have found sometimes the time taken to mooch around and settle at a venue for the dressage and then doing a little sj course before the xc helps get them more settled and confident than straight off the trailer and out the start box at a hunter trial.

I would also suggest pairs hunter trialing - it’s brilliant for giving green ones confidence heading out xc if they can go with a buddy.

 

[ohdearme]

Why is ‘A LOT of whip & leg’ preferable to using spurs?

Sounds like a confidence and a schooling issue - horse is green and you’re doing too much.

Apologies, I didn’t intend for it to read like that! Whip/leg isn’t preferable, I have just been around a lot of anti-spur people, so am not used to considering them as an option really - hence the post!

 

[ohdearme]

Thanks everyone for advice, I do think it’s likely a combination of things but will try out the spurs and see!

Definitely not a scope/jumping issue as she has been XC schooling many times and done very well, just wonder if the competition atmosphere/leaving the warmup/start box etc makes her go a bit green. I’m sure she will improve with practice!

 

[ohdearme]

Did your friend find her green / backward XC at the event? I have a friend who I know could probably get most pea green horses around an 80’s xc track as she is an AMAZING rider with years and years producing baby horses to the top levels … not because she wear spurs.

Her hands / seat / legs / position are just all working so quickly and correctly she can just do what needs to be done in the blink of an eye - you won’t see any flapping and slapping.

If your friend isn’t a wizard like mine is maybe it was the format of the ODE that helped? I have found sometimes the time taken to mooch around and settle at a venue for the dressage and then doing a little sj course before the xc helps get them more settled and confident than straight off the trailer and out the start box at a hunter trial.

I would also suggest pairs hunter trialing - it’s brilliant for giving green ones confidence heading out xc if they can go with a buddy.

Hadn’t considered the ODE/Hunter trial difference!! I have done 2 Hunter trials with her, my friend has done 2 ODEs…

Will definitely try to find a pairs partner! Thank you

 

[nikkimariet]

Apologies, I didn’t intend for it to read like that! Whip/leg isn’t preferable, I have just been around a lot of anti-spur people, so am not used to considering them as an option really - hence the post!

Spurs are very useful - like everything - in the right hands. They allow a rider to be more precise and maintain a more correct position. (I’m tall on a narrow horse and my legs barely touch his sides, I’d have to do bizarre things with my legs without spurs).

Genuinely I think it sounds like a schooling issue in that horse is lacking confidence and possibly lacking experience as a combination?