Would u like 2 c a class at HOYS or Olympia for the over 40's starting jumping???????

Y

yaddowshad

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You often see classes for young riders getting into the sport, how about a class for non professionals who have started showjumping at a later age for example 40 plus.

There are loads of people who start riding at a later age but feel they cant compete because they are too old. If there was qualifiers for a major show I am sure all the hidden older talent would come out of the woodwork for the shear pleasure of it.

I reckon a pure oldies class (not that 40's is old) would be a real crowd puller and give everyone a chance for aiming at the higher levels, not just the youngsters.
 
If I paid to go to HOYS I`m afraid I wouldnt want to see that, whatever age the person is. I would want to see riding that I cant see elsewhere.

I could go to any riding school and see that!

Not saying it isnt a good thing, just wouldnt pay to see it!
 
Not for me I am afraid. There is an amateur class at HOYS, it is 1.20m and yes it is hard to qualify, but that is the lowest class I would want to watch.

There are veteran SJ classes at most local shows.
 
I should clarify what i mean as i also wouldnt want to watch beginners. I mean show jumpers over 40 who have reached a generally accepted high level but only started serious jumping in their 40s plus.

It would show that even something as complex as showjumping can be taken on by older people who have the talent for it.
 
But if you only had a restriction on the rider wouldn't you get the moneybags of this world buying the perfect SJer.

Also how would you know if they jumped at home/unaffiliated for years before the age limit.

Oh aren't I a sceptic
 
yaddowshad said:
You often see classes for young riders getting into the sport, how about a class for non professionals who have started showjumping at a later age for example 40 plus.

I had better clarify what I mean. I dont mean watching people learn to jump but those that have reached a high standard but only started jumping in their 40s plus. It would be relatively easy to find out if people had competed professionally before their 40s.
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Double_choc_lab said:
But if you only had a restriction on the rider wouldn't you get the moneybags of this world buying the perfect SJer.

Also how would you know if they jumped at home/unaffiliated for years before the age limit.

Oh aren't I a sceptic
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I understand what your saying, but if you are a crap rider the best showjumper in the world aint gonna win you any prizes if you cant ride it properly.
 
Having read most of these I do see the point of not wanting to watch "a bunch of old fogeys having a go" but I think there should be some serious debate on this. Not to get us into Olympia but to encourage more mature riders to enter the sport.

I started riding at 40 and although i fancy SJ, I'm definitely feel "out of place" at any of these events - I was at the Chester racecourse meeting so I did feel it. Doesn't help I'm also a man... There was one guy jumping there, must've been in his early fifties and I'm sure I overhead one of the spectators commenting on why is he here and why is he bothering? :mad:

Anything that encourages us to take part and have something to aim for and make us better horse people has to be applauded.
 
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Good idea! And if it was "over 40" it would give me time to slim down, save up for a horse, buy a menage (and some jumps) and learn to show jump!! Great!!
 
I'd be happier seeing them start at local events, then I could gave a go without being trounced by all the youngsters (bless 'em and hate 'em). HOYS! I'm too old and stiff in the joints to start being that conpetitive.

Wouldn't want to watch it either I'm afraid.
 
Definately not at HOYS or Olympia, I wouldn't pay to see that. However, quite a few local unaff classes have a special rosette/trophy for the highest placed rider over X, which I think is a great idea.
 
:D Not sure I'd be bothered at that high level but certainly would like to see more at local and county. I only started jumping last year when I hit 40 and realised it was do or die...and found my little cob loved it and is actually very good (thank god cos I'm a liablity so he gets me out of alot of trouble!) so I'd love to see something aimed at us 'oldies'!!!

I was pleasantly surprised the other week, I entered my first XC event (mini's pairs of course!) and my partner was 16 on a 4 year old novice horse...so I expected to be the oldest there and to gets lots of patronising 'well done for trying' looks!!! BUT there were quiet a few of us old farts and I'm glad to say we all did ourselves proud and showed those young slips that just cos we're over 40 doesn't mean we can't throw ourselves over stupid jumps and splash around in water!!! I had the time of my life (after I'd finished and remembered to breath) so I think anything to encourage us older riders to challange ourselves is a good thing!!
 
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No!! Olympia is meant to be for the best of the best. Thats why its so awesome!

Our local RC has loads of start off classes, and there are loads of men and older people competing - many of whom have not ridden for long. Once you're started winning at this level you move onto harder local shows, then BS - working your way up. There's something for everyone somewhere...

Everyone seems to want to have classes for themselves to compete/win at national level in some dumbed down form nowadays. Lets keep it for the pros!
 
Absoloutely not-HOYS/Olympia is the cream of the crop, not people bouncing around on their varying stages of talent horses backs.
 
No.

As an aside there are vetran classes already with teams that compete at the Europeans. i think it is over 45 for woman and 50 for men - probably got the ages wrong
 
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Every single show that is held around here (summer shows I mean) have a veteran class - sometimes that is over 35 (the cheek of it!) and sometimes it is 40+....the classes are usually in the region of 2ft6 - 2ft9, so those of you who want a go, they are out there!

Also there are affiliated veteran classes already in existence for those who want to jump higher :) You have to be 45 if you are female and 49 if you are male...it is something I will aim for in a few years time as you can even get your Union Jack :D
 
wonkey_donkey said:
No offence but I don't think people would want to pay good money for their Olympia tickets to watch old farts (like me too!) go round jumping 3 foot nothing.
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Funny.

In America, the fences in the "Hunter" divisions are between 3' and 3'6 and the classes are separated by rider age i.e 18-35, 35-50, over 50. Though it's a big part of US showing, I honestly don't care for it at major shows.
 
God no. i can't think of anything worse!!!

and they have classes for children but not beginners in their 20's or 30's so why change the rules just because you are over 40?
 
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