What do you think in the Start Box?

[zxp]

As a result of the "horrid falls" thread, I was wondering - what do people think in the start box? How aware of your safety are you? I like to think I am pretty clue'd up regarding safety and take all necessary precautions when eventing.

BUT I still, regardless of placings or whatever, in the start box say a quick prayer and say "lets get home safe Pip" (or whatever horse is called!!). I'm not even religious! But I have done this since I first started doing XC many moons ago (I was probably 8!) ! So now it's a bit of a ritual. Weird!

What do you say/think in the start box? Anyone as odd as me!??!

 

[rhino]

I'm normally having a good old natter with the starter. When I am nervous, I talk (a lot) Also trying hard to keep my horse facing in the right direction and keeping all 4 feet on the ground

 

[zxp]

I'm normally having a good old natter with the starter. When I am nervous, I talk (a lot) Also trying hard to keep my horse facing in the right direction and keeping all 4 feet on the ground

Haha. I think I'm lucky. Current horse is v.chilled all the time, but yes, my old ginger one was *ahem* bouncy in the start box.

And of course, I always thank the starter as I set off (you'd be surprised the number of riders who dont )

 

[Capriole]

oh cr@p oh cr@p why am I doing this Im going to die, hmm did I leave the iron on? AAARRRGHH!

No, I dont do it anymore

 

[rhino]

Haha. I think I'm lucky. Current horse is v.chilled all the time, but yes, my old ginger one was *ahem* bouncy in the start box.

It's completely my own fault! Horse won't jump in the warm up ring, and used to be so lazy over the first few jumps xc with resulting catleaping that I deliberately used to wind him up, he would then canter and jump well from the start!

 

[Lolo]

I never used to be in the start box, because my horse was a cantankerous old bugger who'd leave it like his arse was on fire and then slam on the brakes and proceed to run a series of little rears and spins...



My main focus was creating so much forwards momentum if he stopped it was more of a kudos to him moment... I usually shouted thank you (unless he started napping early!) to the starter, and then it was all about kicking like stink!

 

[Natz88]

I normally think omg what am I doing, I need the loo, hurry up & let me go. as soon as I set of tho & got over first jump I am totally relaxed & in my elemant. Although not sure if anyone else does, but I do talk to the horse going round

 

[zxp]

I normally think omg what am I doing, I need the loo, hurry up & let me go. as soon as I set of tho & got over first jump I am totally relaxed & in my elemant. Although not sure if anyone else does, but I do talk to the horse going round

Oh yes, I talk. Constantly! I used to sing but have managed to replace this with chattering about the next fence to the horse. Just as well - I am tone deaf!

 

[thatsmygirl]

Sick as a dog normally, once over first jump I'm fine

 

[Bernster]

I never used to be in the start box, because my horse was a cantankerous old bugger who'd leave it like his arse was on fire and then slam on the brakes and proceed to run a series of little rears and spins...



My main focus was creating so much forwards momentum if he stopped it was more of a kudos to him moment... I usually shouted thank you (unless he started napping early!) to the starter, and then it was all about kicking like stink!

Lol - that looks entertaining !!

 

[JenHunt]

Ron loves the thought of a good start box - any excuse to go 0-flat out is a good thing in his book, so I don't go into the start box until the starter say 3,2,1,go... so by then I'm thinking "first jump is ...." and how to jump it.