Advice needed about local showjumping - first show ever!

[xxxkristinaxxx]

I now have a new horse to ride as Xena is going at the end of this month as her owner is moving away.
I have only ridden the new horse once, but am going to go up regularly (probably 4/5 times a week) to get used to her and bond with her and ride.
Shes a cob x and is 14.2hh bay. Shes a brilliant all rounder and loves jumping. We jumped 3ft2 the first time i rode her, and she has been jumped up to 4ft6 before!

Anyway her owner said i could enter her in a local show which is in August, so i have about 2 months to get prepared for it and get to know Gypsy.
However i have never been to a show before!
Please could you tell me about the rules about showjumping. As i plan to enter her in a showjumping class, probably under 3ft. Or i may just do clear round.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/xoxkristinaxox_/mengyps.jpg

Thanks xxx

[helenc]

Is there anything specific you want to know?

Showjumping rules are pretty long winded! I'll give you a few though - it's 4 penalties for a knock down or refusal. 2 Refusals is elimination (although some shows let you have 3). Fall of horse or rider is elimination. You must wait for the bell to sound before you start the course & you must make sure you go through the start & finish (sounds silly but they can sometimes be easy to miss!)

Collecting ring rules are just as important - there should be a red flag on one of the wings (sometimes the wing is just painted red instead) - you should always keep this on your right hand side so that everyone is jumping in the same direction. Pass left to left at all times, if you're walking then take an inside track so the people doing faster work can get around you. If you knock the practice fence off, it is polite to put it back up again (or get a friend/helper to do it for you)

Don't forget to walk the course using the exact route you are going to do whilst mounted so you can check the ground etc as you go.

It might be an idea to go & watch a show beforehand so you can get the idea of what goes on.

[xxxkristinaxxx]

Thanks! I found your advice very helpful.

Yeah i have watched many shows before just not competed in one before.

So when i am actually jumping in the ring is there any rules about how you approach the jump? E.g would i be disqualified if i didnt make use of the corners?

[helenc]

There are rules about crossing your tracks - if you do cross tracks in between two fences then it is classed as a refusal. You won't get any penalties for not making full use of the arena but unless the time limit is tight I suggest you give yourself as much room as possible to get a good line & good turn.

Have you got jumps at home that you can practice with? Why not have a lesson on course jumping or go to a clinic - they are very helpful & your instructor will be able to give you some tips on competing too

[xxxkristinaxxx]

Yes we have some showjumps. The person who owns Gypsy is giving me a few lessons/and tips when i am riding aswell which is great