Tips for a xc novice?

Neck strap if you are hogged
tongue.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
70cl of whisky before you get on board!
tongue.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

I was quite tempted to pack my hipflask but wasn't sure that it wouldn't be frowned upon.
blush.gif
grin.gif
Would certainly help though, D can jump fine, its just the numpty on board clinging on for dear life that occassionally puts her off. Funnily enough I'm much better at hunting after a few drinks
grin.gif
grin.gif
 
take my mare, turn her loose and follow her round?! (joke! see my post below!)
seriously, take your time, dont do more than your horse feels ready for first time out and most importantly ENJOY YOURSELF!
 
[ QUOTE ]
I prefer a breast plate to a neck strap - it doesn't move so feels more secure when hanging on with your eyes shut
wink.gif
grin.gif
grin.gif
grin.gif
.....Hope Daisy enjoys herself!!
cool.gif
smile.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Daisy will have a whale of a time and is no doubt looking forward to being able to post on HHO to tell Inca, her spiritual partner in crime, all about it. The question is whether I make it back with all limbs intact after Daisy decides that all fences should be given a 2ft clearance to show how scopy she is from a standing start.
crazy.gif
grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I prefer a breast plate to a neck strap - it doesn't move so feels more secure when hanging on with your eyes shut
wink.gif
grin.gif
grin.gif
grin.gif
.....Hope Daisy enjoys herself!!
cool.gif
smile.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Daisy will have a whale of a time and is no doubt looking forward to being able to post on HHO to tell Inca, her spiritual partner in crime, all about it. The question is whether I make it back with all limbs intact after Daisy decides that all fences should be given a 2ft clearance to show how scopy she is from a standing start.
crazy.gif

grin.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

My advice, therefore, would be to not tackle any downhill steps!

My own experience of this a year or so ago resulted in a horse catleaping off the top step and me falling off and landing on the second!
shocked.gif


I'm going proper XC schooling myself next Wednesday with my instructor and I fully intend to sort out our downhill jumping phobia....both mine and Miss P's!

You will have a blast. I've no idea how small the fences start there, but tackle the most inviting ones first and progress from there.
 
hold tight, close eyes, kick hard.

Has not failed me yet
tongue.gif
tongue.gif


Seriously though I love XC but I also do get nervous beforehand as I used to own a mare with a dirty dirty stop so I know how you are feeling. Just start small and don't push yourself out of your comfort zone until you feel ready. If you aren't sure about a fence try imaging how you'll feel when you get home if you don't jump it. If you think you'll be disapointed in yourself, go for it. If you think you'll still think you made the right decision not to give it a go today, go round it.

HAVE FUN I am not allowed to do XC for ages cos I'm pregnant (OH won't allow it:(
frown.gif
wink.gif
) so make sure you go up some steps for me cos thats my favourite!
 
forward, forward, forward,
hehehe
I'm thinking about having a toe dip myself, after all these years its quite daunting!!!
 
Whistles innocently re the steps incidence with Patches.....................................
smirk.gif
grin.gif

DWI you'll love Eland Lodge XC its fab
smile.gif
would come and keep you company but we've got a HT on Saturday
frown.gif
 
Some lovely likkle and inviting jumps there
smile.gif


My advice is - a competition breastplate
grin.gif
: five points contact - brill for holding onto when an extra grab point is needed lol
cool.gif


You could of course just go and drink coffee, eat paninis and spend too much money in the shop
grin.gif
.

What time are you going up? I was going to take a wander along for a coffee, so might come and cheer you on
laugh.gif
 
Sit up! Genie has a habit of putting her head down sometimes after a jump, so I have to remember not to get too forward, especially jumping downhill!
 
Top