The standard of riders at unafilliated shows

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moneypit1

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Went to a open show today the "other side of town" so to speak. Do not go that way very often but everything 'my way' was cancelled. I was really surprised by the standard. It was so GOOD! Each class had over 30 entrants, more in the sj even the pairs! I entered my chestnut mare and did a double clear and expected to get in the placings and came nowhere! In fact. I did the jump off in 32 seconds and the winner was 24! They did not split the ponies from the horses so most of the placings went to the ponies! Blimey, the ponies are fantastic aren't they! It was almost embarrassing to see a 9 year old girl on her 11.2hh go double clear and get a place whilst me on a 16hh came nowhere! Refreshing though and taught me a valuable lesson, don't rest on your laurels!
 
I also went to a show like that today where ponies are not split from horses and a 10 year old girl with her 11.2hh cleaned up just about everything! They are so quick, i felt bad for those on 15.2 and above as they had no chance against the speedy ponies!
 
Hi
When I read your title I thought it was going to be about unaffiliated riders being bad, so my defences had gone up ready for a fight!!!
I ride unaffiliated dressage and regularly get higher marks than others in the class who ride affiliated, so I agree with you. I think some people think that just because they join an affiliated organisation it means they are good riders - which in the majority, is the case - they do it because they are passionate about what they do. However some join just because they can. I stick to unaffiliated because to me, what I do is just a hobby and my horse is too old to progress any further.
 
I thin that's actually a bit off not separating the ponies and the horse to be honest. Most unaff comps i go to do separate them as it's fairer. As for riding standards i think you see bad and good at both unaff and aff. I have been shocked in the past at some of the appalling riding at BE events (lower levels - not sure what it's like higher up) but then at uaff ODEs it's soo much better!

Glad you had a good day though. I do like watching the ponies at these things - reminds you of what it was like when you used to be fearless! Lol
 
Had big fun at an unaffiliated show today...well, it's the only kind I ever do. Came second in the scurry jumping on my 15hh and first in the novice ridden showing - very happy indeed with the cob :)
 
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