He jumps better at comps

[Kylie Chamberlain]

Dually is soooooo cool at comps-I'm sure he jumps with more enthusiasm when he's competing- but then again so do I!
Is anyone else's horse like that?:cool:

[Cochise]

Yup!! Definitely!!
But I think that it comes from me riding more focused and tidier, at home I am very slack, so my horse gets slack too!
Terrible, just terrible ;)

[Esther.D]

If it is anything like the Shetlands are at driving competitions they get so excited and competitive they perform so much better (I don't think it is entirely any difference in me, although that may help). I have actually heard my Shetland gelding scream a challenge like a stallion when he was overtaken on the marathon section (he was gelded late so he does get ideas like that sometimes :D ) They do so hate anyone overtaking them!

[rocketman]

Years ago, after a winter's rest in the pasture, I brought my talented young jumper back into work. He had been winning at four feet the previous year and was now only eligible for 4'3".

When he was fit, I set a small course of 3'6" at home to get started. He was sluggish, sticky and kept refusing. Every time I practiced, he got worse. We had a show coming up and he didn't want to know.

The weekend of the show arrived and his jumping had not improved. I had already paid my entries so I thought, 'oh well' and went anyway.

He didn't jump much better on the practice jump, but I went into the ring anyway (well, duh! I was there, wasn't I?) He jumped a double clear round at 4'3" then 4'6" in the jump off and came fourth.

Go figure.

[Sparkle]

Ginger is always more cooprative, calmer, and so much better jumping at shows- not true for the flat, tho. I embarrassed myself so much, having to have four tries before she picked up her right lead canter:o :D

[gottaridearacer]

my green-ish TB is just like me: he shines in the show ring. we do hunters and equitation. when it's time to get down to business, he lets the judge have it... he may act up in the schooling ring, but once the class is closed, he's angelic.