Team chasing reassurance required urgently!!

[franki_rosewell]

So i have been TC before... a long time ago, on a darling little pony that knew her job well. 10 years on, I'm in a team again.. on a horse I've only had 3 months, and only taken XC schooling twice. How did this happen I hear you ask.. well its all a bit of a blur!

My schooling sessions on new horse have been great, loves water, doesn't care about ditches, not phased by friends horse being naughty. The chase is even only 80cm. However I'm still cr*ppnig my pants! I''m going to the Berkeley on the 2nd, the team and I will not get a chance to all gallop/practice together before hand so what I'm looking for is reassurance that I've not landed myself into a big mess, and that this course is perhaps one of the kinder courses??? or at least prepare myself if its not!

oh and the other fun fact that is in the back of my mind is that my new horse who hasn't put a foot wrong apparently has a nasty history as i found out when contacting the new owners. She supposedly spontaneously broncs.. in their own words "turns herself inside out to get you off". Its a story for another day really but I have a contract with the dealer I bought her from that he will refund in full (not exchange) if she shows any of this behavior within 6 months of purchase. To be fair to her 3 months in, she has been nothing but a dream, but I have this in the back of my mind constantly adding to TC nerves.

someone please tell me this course is lovely and uncomplicated .... PLEASEEE!

 

[marmalade76]

Are you doing the speed class or the bogey?

What I found when team chasing was I'd be pathetic in the warm up, feel weak, legs like jelly, just a passenger rather than a rider. But as soon as the flag went down at the start, the adrenaline and competitiveness would take over and I would ride my best Good luck.

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

I was the same as Marmalade. As soon as I got on my horse and warmed up, I too would suffer the wobbly legs/arms thing and feel sick and like I wanted to cry. As soon as we got going and got the first two out of the way, I'd be on such a high and ride like a demon (well I felt like I was riding like a demon until I saw the videos and realised I looked very mediocre!!!). Its a cracking thing to do and you will get such confidence and such a buzz from doing it. The secret I think is to not overface yourself so do the novice class if you can. Get round that, realise how much you enjoyed it and you'll do lots more!!