Preparing for local competition

[Esther.D]

I have a 6yr old NF pony who is a superb jumper and I would like to do some competition with him this year (just local small shows and small jumps!). But I have hardly jumped him at all since I bought him and am wondering what is the best way to start with him as we have very very little flat (or even remotely flat) ground to jump on, literally about space for one jump or two at a push......He knows what he is doing, but I want to at least try to prepare him before we compete...or at least get myself used to his jump. Is there any particular thing you would recommend to do with little space/any priorities? I have jumped plenty but never really show jumped since I was about 13!

Thanks
Esther

[Sarah]

hello!

Do you have any yards near you with an arena that you could hire for practice?

Another though is that maybe your local riding club has jumping lessons which you could go along to just for the practice, this may well be cheaper than paying to hire a school for yourself!

bye!

[Esther.D]

We live right up on Hadrian's Wall so we are out in the wilds rather. Our nearest riding stables doesn't hire out the school, I am thinking of taking him up there for a few jumping lessons anyway as I ride there regularly. We are looking into buying a trailer, when we have that I will follow up your idea as there may be other stables where I could hire the arena or attend a riding club session.

Thanks

Esther

[Mehitabel]

i would definitely go for a couple of lessons and get him used to jumping a course. then perhaps go and do a few no-pressure clear rounds before going for competitions. good luck with him!

[Esther.D]

I was thinking of starting with just clear-rounds as they are (as you say) non-pressurising. He is not the world's most confident horse so I don't want to put him under too much pressure

Thanks