fao LGD

[clipclop]

Hi LGD


I was reading in a previous post about a mare that you spent a lot of time doing prelim tests at unafiliated level.

I also have an older mare (a bit stroppy) that is very talented and we work at medium level at home ......... and we spend time doing prelim tests (unaffiliated).


The problem is I am not a confident and expereinced competitor so i am trying to gain experience at a lower level and hopefully come away with a rossette to boost my confidence before trying at higher levels. This hasn't worked out yet cos my transport was late and we only go 15 mins to warm up so only got a 55% score in a prelim test.

I am going to try a novice test next time (Novice 21 like the test can remember it easily) do you think that I am doing the right thing?

My instructor told me to try an ellementary but i feel i should be getting 60%+ before moving on up to elementary and I would feel a bit amateurist although I do want to affiliate her in the future (Within the next year hopefully)

[Lgd]

If she is anything like my mare she will be naughty in a prelim test as there is just too much time for her to think! A good option if you want experience is to ride HC in a higher grade class. That means that you pay entry fee and get judged but you are not competing for places or rosettes. It is quite a good way of taking pressure off you as a rider while acquiring competition arena skills, lets the judge know you and/or horse are inexperienced so they should give you better feedback, most places will not even post your score (so no embarrassment factor if you make a **** up) and will let you have your sheet before the end of the class.

Definitely worth having a go at a Novice, I usually compete one - two levels lower than the horse is working at home. My 'baby' is currently competing Novice and Elementary and working medium/advanced medium at home - her canter half-pass and changes are not good enough for competition yet, more work needed :D

[clipclop]

Is HC the same as competing on a class ticket? AS I thought I might try a class ticket in the summer as the venues are more convenient for me to get to than the unaffiliated classes venues.

[Lgd]

If I remember correctly if you are on a class ticket you are competing for money, rosettes etc. It just means if you were to go over 60% or win a class you cannot qualify or gain points. You can ride HC on a class ticket which means you don't get placed/rosettes/money but they most likely won't post your score.

[SJ]

Hi LGD

Sorry I can't get a pm through to you as your mailbox is apparently full. Newcastle is too far, we're between Brighton & Gatwick. I'm sure Emma would want to try the Squeak several times to make sure she is right. It's a pity as she has a great future ahead of her with the right family. Let me know if you would like more info.

Kind regards
Sara Jane