The chance to start again advice please

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McW

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I am having my first ride on a new horse on Saturday, a lesson with horses current instructor. If that goes well, I shall take on the ride full time. The view is to compete this horse to a good riding club level, make him into a superb (hopefully!) all rounder. To my knowledge he has done a bit of everything before, and is an ex racer, I think he is approx 12.

I haven't ridden competitively, just hacked (due to current horses injury) for 2 years. How would you recommend me getting back into the swing of things quickly? Should I have lessons with a variety of instructors, or stick to one? When should I attempt my first comp? I was thinking wt dressage in mid December, would this be a bit premature?

How have you gone about a new horse?

Thanks
 
I would stick to regular lessons with one instructor but if that doesn't work out try someone else.

As for competitions it all depends on you, on the horse and how well the partnership works together. Since the horse is experienced there is no reason why you can't try your hand at a bit of dressage fairly soon. Just be relaxed about the whole thing and don't put too much pressure on yourself to compete, after all this is a new horse for you and it takes a while to build a partnership.

Although I do not jump I do think that you need to have some experience and control with a horse over show jumps before you attempt cross country, for safety's sake.
 
I would stick to one instructor - as long as you get on, I can't see there is any point in chopping and changing. Have a crack at something when you are feeling confident with how things are going. However, speaking from bitter experience, don't ignore your own fitness. Although I see you have been hacking, which is a help. I did my back in during the summer with some over energetic schooling which my poor bod wasn't ready for!
 
I agree with the others about sticking with 1 instructor but don't feel pressured into sticking with current instructor if it doesn't work.

As for what to do with new horse, personally I would try to spend a lot of time around it- grooming, handling, ground work etc as well as riding to build a bond and get to know it. Lessons will help you get used to flat work / jumping again and give you something to work on.

As for competitions - as and when you're ready and feel confident. Don't feel rushed into it by the owner. And don't put too much pressure on yourself to begin with as its all about getting to know your horse and its potential.

best of luck, sounds really exciting!!!!!! have you got any pics???
 
Thanks. I'm going to give his instructor a go, she is primarily flat work and when I am ready to jump, I shall have some lessons with my old instructor and then I have a very knowledgeable friend who can help with practice at home.

If we get on well, we might try a dressage in December.

No pics yet, but when I have some I shall let you know!
 
If you can do 2 lessons a week - you will be astounded as to how quickly you will come on.

I would have thought 1 month to get up to doing an intro/prelim should be ok if you are training in some form everyday.
 
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