tips for pairs hunter trials?

[showpony]

So aiming for our first hunter trials in couple of weeks... Brave pants firmly installed after a cracking xc session yesterday. So will be taking my mare and my new boy but obviously can only ride one at a time so will be taking my new boy around first with my friend riding my mare. Mare will defo take the lead as she is better out front but at same time don't want new boy rushing to catch up! So how much of a distance do you normally leave between horses, also is it ok to trot for a while in between fences? This will be a pure fun confidence building outing with no pressure on either horse ( or the riders lol) ... Plan then later in the day on hopping up on my mare and partnering another friend around on her new horse... Nothing will be bigger than 70 cms.
all tips welcome!

 

[be positive]

I like the horses to go round side by side as much as possible, this gives the younger one confidence and stops the racing to catch up, if the fences are too narrow to jump upsides then the lead horse is allowed to ease forward as the second one drops back on the approach, if one gets a bit spooky it can be dropped behind to get a lead but ideally two horses and riders can have fun together, have a chat and enjoy the ride.
Trotting between fences is fine as it will encourage the horses to be sensible and not think it is a race, something that can happen when they get their adrenaline up, treat it as a good hack with jumps and they will be more mannerly for the future, have a great time.

 

[showpony]

Thanks a mil. Great advice.

I like the horses to go round side by side as much as possible, this gives the younger one confidence and stops the racing to catch up, if the fences are too narrow to jump upsides then the lead horse is allowed to ease forward as the second one drops back on the approach, if one gets a bit spooky it can be dropped behind to get a lead but ideally two horses and riders can have fun together, have a chat and enjoy the ride.
Trotting between fences is fine as it will encourage the horses to be sensible and not think it is a race, something that can happen when they get their adrenaline up, treat it as a good hack with jumps and they will be more mannerly for the future, have a great time.

 

[ZondaR]

Also, remember that other people are out to compete so please be sure not to be in the way. If they call 'course' or 'fence', just circle away and let them pass. Don't do a combination or water if there is another pair approaching and you think your horse might refuse or run out and you will end up between the fences or standing about in the water unable to get out of the way. Yes, I have lost a competition by being blocked like this.

Other than that, go at whatever speed you need to for the young horse, walk even, if you want.

 

[showpony]

We will be doing the pre novice course. Its a local event, wouldn't dream of holding others up. Its not a super competitive event as otherwise wouldn't be taking a young horse and a green horse to it.

Also, remember that other people are out to compete so please be sure not to be in the way. If they call 'course' or 'fence', just circle away and let them pass. Don't do a combination or water if there is another pair approaching and you think your horse might refuse or run out and you will end up between the fences or standing about in the water unable to get out of the way. Yes, I have lost a competition by being blocked like this.

Other than that, go at whatever speed you need to for the young horse, walk even, if you want.