Why do you compete?

I've been thinking about this since yesterday and I am no closer to having an answer! I think in part its because driving facilities are few and far between so competing allows me access to them, but that's only a tiny part of it.

I'm very competitive by nature, but again that's not it either, as to be competitive in driving you need very deep pockets and I understand and have accepted that I cant afford to do it on an international level, hence picking a nice, sweet natured pony who is nice to have around and will do fine at lower levels, rather than one that will be super competitive at higher levels.

So actually it would seem I have no idea and that's madness as so much of my time and money is spent either doing it or preparing for it!
 
JFTD-WS said:
I don't know really - I do what I enjoy, but I'm not sure why I enjoy it. I don't take anything too seriously, partly because I always expect to screw up and partly because my main aims are always bringing my horse home safe at the end of the day - I guess I'm not that competitive!
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This is me 100%! I like the day out, and aim to have fun and get home safe. I was a bit more competitive when I was younger and out Eventing (with limited success!) on my now retired 22yo. But the last few years have been more about enjoying the day and have fun, which we both did and I am fortunate to have some great memories from our last few ridden years together.
Hoping to take all I have learnt forward with my new boy (6 on 20/04) and am looking forward to having fun with him over the coming years.
 
I enjoy it. I love competing.

I love the progression. The training. The challenge. It's a good way to test where you are with some stuff.

I don't sweat the pressure though I do always go out to do my best. I won't ever give a half assed attitude about it. I think that's the problem with some; you have to be really determined and have a mind set that makes it a positive experience.

Some are set on 70% (why?) some are set on a level (why?). Do what makes you happy and is achievable for the combination.
 
I don't compete any more (had hoped to do dressage again to medium with the IDx, but sadly she's proved to be too wonky). When I did compete, I needed the discipline of upcoming competition dates to give me the kick up the arse to put the work in at home, rather than coasting theough the schooling.

I've always enjoyed training and clinics more than competitions, though.
 
I do an expensive sport and my costs are not that dissimilar to BDs... my most expensive entry fee for this year is £205 with a £40 start fee on that. The cheapest is £35 with most £70-150. Then you have the membership and FEI registrations. Obviously you don’t do many of the ‘expensive’ events partly as we still have roads and tracks so it’s a ‘proper’ 3 day event. And you have the fuel (my longest planned journey this year is 800miles each way), maintenance of lorries and carriages, keeping a horse as an athlete rather than a pet...plus I ‘chose’ to do a chunk of my training at ridden shows.
I wouldn’t change it- it’s part of my identity! I enjoy the schooling and training, it’s what gets me out of bed in the mornings quite literally most days. The smaller shows give me a lot of enjoyment both when it goes well and not so much and the larger ones it’s a real privilege to take part in. All of my annual leave is dedicated to it as well as a big chunk of my income. I had a few years out doing another driving sport when the previous pony was too old and I couldn’t yet afford a replacement or the running costs, but I always knew I’d come back. It’s too much a part of me to really define why. Many doing my job define themselves by it so it’s quite good mentally to also be (as the FEI insist on calling us) an athlete. I like the cheesy chips, most of my socialising revolves around it and I’m a sucker for a photo but I’d still go without any of that, it’s all about the competition for me.
 
Really enjoyed reading everyone's replies. When I was younger and had my first pony, I enjoyed competing because we'd almost always win. In fact I became a little too used to it and so would feel absolutely horrendous if we didn't come first. You can imagine I had to drop that attitude rather quickly when I started competing Chilli!

Nowadays I compete because last summer I was lucky enough to get a trailer for my birthday and because I love dressage. We have fun messing about and I now know that with Chilli it's not about chasing first places. With her, just loading up nicely and doing our test with no dramatics is a win as it is. I joined BD this year as I want to experience a champs before I have to give up Chills and she goes to retire. We've qualified for Associateds so hopefully we'll fulfil that goal in Nov! I guess when I think about it I'm just trying to have as much fun with her as possible before it's time for me to start my proper degree (foundation year at the mo) and for her to retire.
 
These replies are really interesting and resonate a lot. Lately I have been feeling overwhelmed by a number of things and wondering if I needed to stop competing for a while: It's a vicious cycle - to afford it I have to put in more hours at work AND train harder so end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed. But then today I had a tune up jumping session with Amber and she was awesome and it is the best I have felt for days. Total elation. If things go well on Saturday then I will be absolutely buzzing. No feeling in the world compares to the feeling I get when I cross a finish line with a time or distance PB when running or a complete a round of SJ or XC clear. And if I ever (ever!!) nail a dressage test I am sure the feeling of joy after the lovely square halt will also be awesome. I get that satisfaction and joy in training but I get it ten fold more if things come together in competition.
 
This thread has really made me think. So looking back over the past couple of years, id say I personally compete because its a good way of catching up with horsey friends. Theres usually a couple of us out, so its great to watch and encourage them, and they do the same for me. Then we usually have a bit of a giggle at ourselves while waiting for the results. As you can tell i dont take it all that seriously, maybe thats where im going wrong ?
As for being an owner, I love that side of competing, and do get a bit competitive, im the one at the side of the ring jumping every fence with them, usually my right leg does a weird flip thing every time they jump. Its the thrill of ' how far can this horse go ' that spurs me on. Knowing her mum, who is a chunky ID (1/4TB), im always astounded at what Aria does. Its another way of catching up with people as well, we all love having a sit down watching, eating and drinking
 
ycbm said:
Emily, is there an equivalent to our unaffiliated shows, where you can turn up on the day, and jump any height up to a metre ten for ten pounds a round?
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So yes and no.

Yes we have unrecognized Schooling shows. But these too have gone up. This is one that's upcoming. And I have talked them into considering adding a 1.20 class. I just have to find riders to do so.

https://www.facebook.com/FreedomHor...693583136265/1103686389803651/?type=3&theater

As they way it's run right now at $25/class we're looking at $75 for classes and $5 for the EMT. Unsure what the office fee will be, but probably another $25. So figure $105/horse to do 3 classes. Not awful. But not 10 pounds a round with no fees.

Em
 
Emily I could do this or something very like it within an hour of home almost any weekend in the year. Four classes for twenty pounds. Higher heights at other shows generally £10 a class. . Your fees are extortionate!



Qualifiers ESUK, Cricklands, Trailblazers – if interested please collect your qualifications from the Commentary Box.

Entries on the day everyone welcome membership not required Double Points

CR 10.00-10.45 ( If you would like a rosette please pay the secretary £1.00) £3.00
Class 1 will not start before 11.00 no doubles until class 3

1 X Poles Lead rein ponies or helper permitted.

2 0.45m-Class 2 Lead rein ponies or helper permitted.
3 0.50/55m Class 3 Lead rein ponies or helper permitted.
Class 4 will not start before 11.30
4 0.60m
5 0.65m
Class 6 will not start before 12.00
6 0.70m
7 0.75m
8 0.75m-0.80m Easter Stakes- Seniors & juniors to compete together.


Prize money £60, £30, £20, £10,£10, £10. 1st place 6-8entries, 2nd 9-12, 3rd 13-16 , 4th, 5th & 6th over 16entries £10.00

Class 9 will not start before 1.00pm
9 0.80m -85m
10 0.90-95cm
11 1.00/1.05/1.10 Run on request

First Aid per competitor £3.00
Enter 2 classes & get 2 FREE
 
Ambers Echo said:
It is at this stage, post course walk with pre-event nerves jangling and the alarm set for 4:45 that I think goodness knows! Arghhh hate this part of it. And breathe......
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Haha I’ve been working like a maniac all day in negotiations, meant to learn my dressage (haven’t even looked at the test yet) but ended up in the pub instead to unwind. So now in bed having set a 4am alarm and intend to learn dressage on the way as per usual!!!
 
To give me a completely different set of challenges to think about that has nothing to do with work and motivates me to keep working at it and keep improving

I was lost when I didn't have a horse to ride at all for 3 years and lacked motivation and direction when riding when didn't compete for several years
 
I don't compete any more, but when I did it was my job, and my job was to win. I did enjoy all of it: from the selection, breeding, training and prep - and the pressure too. But I've no desire to do it now and the reason why is going to sound awful: I have won enough, at a high enough level and there really isn't anything further I want to achieve. Top level dressage (my chosen sport) is very hard on horses, mentally as well as physically, and I don't feel like pressuring my lads any more.
 
Cortez said:
I don't compete any more, but when I did it was my job, and my job was to win. I did enjoy all of it: from the selection, breeding, training and prep - and the pressure too. But I've no desire to do it now and the reason why is going to sound awful: I have won enough, at a high enough level and there really isn't anything further I want to achieve. Top level dressage (my chosen sport) is very hard on horses, mentally as well as physically, and I don't feel like pressuring my lads any more.
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I always think leisure and hunting horses have the most enjoyable lives. I often see questions on the forum like 'am I doing justice to my horse'. The horse has no ambition, all they want to do is hang around with their friends and graze.

Low level dressage can also be a pain for horses because people are inclined to drill the horse to try to get perfection without moving on to something new. So it's very repetitive for the horse. So many horses would rather get out of the arena and have a decent gallop and do a bit of jumping.

The beast adores jumping and galloping (he's half TB). He'd plot my murder if all I did was school flatwork!
 
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Sometimes I have to ask myself this, usually when the alarm goes off at silly o clock or when I’m on my way to the event. But like others have said, goals keep me motivated and challenged and I love the sense of accomplishing at the end. I’m not competitive with others (although who doesn’t like a frilly!) but I do like to push myself and feel like I’m progressing.

And I like the bacon sarnies at the end !
 
This feeling post XC is why!!

57486695_2265656530318892_2376462059790401536_n.jpg
 
ScampiBigMan said:
Well done!!! Looks like it went well ;)
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Not sure whether I had XC time faults or not because I had to leave but she jumped clear. I was holding her bacl all the way round so probably. But she was awesome. I heard the commentator talking about her as we cantered up the hill 3 from home. Saying she looked a picture of health and how wonderful it was to see a horse jumping with such enthusiasm!! Yup that's my Amber. :p:cool:
 
Ambers Echo said:
Not sure whether I had XC time faults or not because I had to leave but she jumped clear. I was holding her bacl all the way round so probably. But she was awesome. I heard the commentator talking about her as we cantered up the hill 3 from home. Saying she looked a picture of health and how wonderful it was to see a horse jumping with such enthusiasm!! Yup that's my Amber. :p:cool:
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Superstars
 
I am just trying to catch up with the person I was meant to be but got born into the wrong family. Simple. Seriously, it helps to convince me that I'm not completely useless and gives me a measure of my progress. I am basically quite a competitive person but have chosen a sport (dressage) that I don't have a natural talent for but which I absolutely love and which, when it goes right, gives me the greatest high ever!
 
Me and my friend used to laugh when we were on our way somewhere with the horses that we couldn’t wait til the day was over and we were sat in the lorry eating coffee and cake... we would joke that we could just pull in somewhere and do that for a few hours and then drive home and tell everyone about our fantastic day out with the horses!
 
mule said:
I always think leisure and hunting horses have the most enjoyable lives. I often see questions on the forum like 'am I doing justice to my horse'. The horse has no ambition, all they want to do is hang around with their friends and graze.

Low level dressage can also be a pain for horses because people are inclined to drill the horse to try to get perfection without moving on to something new. So it's very repetitive for the horse. So many horses would rather get out of the arena and have a decent gallop and do a bit of jumping.

The beast adores jumping and galloping (he's half TB). He'd plot my murder if all I did was school flatwork!
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True! I genuinely think Bog has the best life, spends bugger all time in the school and lots of varied work that's always fun. He basically brims with happiness all the time its lovely.

Of course, he should spend more time in the school because it would be better for him physically but.. hey ho ;)
 
I compete because I never got to do it as a kid and I still don’t manage to do a lot as I don’t have my own transport.
So the novelty still hasn’t worn off for me! I’m hoping I can do a lot on my boy this year and I can’t wait to do our first intro!
 
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