Starting competing late - advice

Gluttonforpunishment

Gluttonforpunishment

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Anyone else ridden all their lives but never competed?

I'm a total coward and go to pieces riding in front of other people. In my thirties now and ridden since a tiny tot. Not going to set the world on fire with my riding but have a reasonable seat and will ride most horses.

Thing is, I'd love to have a go at a dressage test or really basic jumping but don't know the first thing about where to start or what to expect.

Very self concious and worried I'll make a prat of myself - oh and probably frighten the horse half to death by transferring my nerves to her.

Any advice greatly appreciated.
 
Hack over to a local show in all your finery, pop over the practise jump - and only if you feel like it, enter the clear round or the silliest showing class you can find (prettiest mare, handsomest gelding, most awesome tail, that sort of thing)

Remember that it'll all be over very quickly, that you should breathe deeply and motivate yourself with the thought of an icecream after!

There are lots of nervous adults out there - and I include myself in that category - and I find that people are sympathetic rather than critical towards us.
 
try a walk trot dressage test and do something like 60cm, both are the type of thing you can prob do with your eyes closed.
Not saying you should do them with your eyes closed but they are very simple dressage and jumping classes so you wont have to worry about remembering lots of different moves for dressage or complicated courses for jumping.
Have a go you will enjoy if you start nice and small
 
arizonahoney said:
Hack over to a local show in all your finery, pop over the practise jump - and only if you feel like it, enter the clear round or the silliest showing class you can find (prettiest mare, handsomest gelding, most awesome tail, that sort of thing)

Remember that it'll all be over very quickly, that you should breathe deeply and motivate yourself with the thought of an icecream after!

There are lots of nervous adults out there - and I include myself in that category - and I find that people are sympathetic rather than critical towards us.
Click to expand...

What sound advice!!!! Do it, take a friend and remember it is supposed to be FUN!!!! :) Good luck!
 
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