showjumping

[Laura22]

Hi,
I was just wondering how everyone gets on at competitions, for example ive only just started back and im 22, im worried that if i start entering competitions again(if i ever get good enough!!) that ill be competing against 12 year old girls and il feel silly coz im not as good as them, and double their age!!
Thanks xx

[Heucherella]

I have the same concerns as you! I am enjoying my jumping lessons, and would like the challenge of a competition, and my rs runs a comp every week. BUT all the normal entrants are teenage girls (or younger), and I am a chunky 42 year old. Talk about sore thumb.....:o

[sugarpuff]

Hi

Dont worry. I am also 22 were i compete there are loads of different age levels both showing, jumping and xc. Have fun doing what you enjoy most.

I dont often do very big showjumping classes (xc ours thing) as my girls a bit naf at it so we do a smaller class (its great when they spilt horses and ponys as i have chance of winning/placed) but other wise those little ponys always out beat us (wish i had smaller legs:p then i could ride ponys). But there seems this year to be a good mixture. Give it ago and dont worry go and have some fun.

A friend of mine is in her 40s and she has been doing the same classes as me and doing well;) i have seen her at the last 3 comps i have been to and in all classes both showing and ridden theres been a mixture.

[noumenon]

I am definitely a "mature" (not going to say exactly HOW mature but probably mature enough to be some of my fellow competitors' grandmother. Eeeek!:eek:) rider but ride a 14.2 and always seem to be the only adult when I compete in the pony classes - but what the hell - I do it for fun and experience (although am tempted to claim my 14.2 is really 14.3 and enter her for the Horses section!) In show-jumping classes where there are mixed horses and ponies there are usually a fair few adults even in the smaller height classes. I think, round here, it depends on the venue and maybe if you check out a few venues you'll soon get to know the ones where it's mostly teenagers on whizzy ponies and the ones where there is a decent number of adults.

[Finchy]

I'm 41 and go in jumping classes on my 13.2! My daughter also rides her. The shows around here have a 'big' ring which starts at 2 ft and a 'small' ring which starts at poles and works up to 2ft. I go in the 2ft in the big ring and then my daughter goes in the little ring and starts at the height she feels comfortable at, then works up. This weekend she wants to do the small ring 2ft for the first time.
When we first got the pony I used to also go in the small ring, and I often see adults in there. Everyone is always very supportive and clap and cheer each other. The big ring has a slightly different attitude around it - more competitive but people are still helpful. I do feel a bit silly sometimes as I get so nervous. Especially as theres small children on smaller ponies jumping much higher than I would!