What sport to do?

[equinechikk]

I am looking for an equine discipline that I could do with my horse. I live in England, first of all. I have been riding for about 4 years, and I have an ID X TB 7 year old, middleweight gelding. His jumping is okay, and he is pretty bold, but I don't think that we're ready to attempt cross-country and he doesn't get excited enough to compete well while show jumping. (gets kind of bored in the school enviroment) Is there a type of show or sport that you think we should get into?

[lesley2004]

what about jump-cross?

it's basically a relatively new sport

it's a set of natural coloured jumps set up in a x-c field so you get the feel of x-c but don't have to worry about hurting the horse if he hits a jump as they fall down.

or you could try le trec?

your judged on how well you work with your horse and how well behaved he is.

[lesley2004]

try this site it has info on both and some other sports as well.

www.horsematters.net

[maverick927]

Jump-cross looks absolutely brilliant and its looks even better because the height of the fences can be varied. I would love to try it but there are so few places that do it.

Why not try doing minimus XC. Thats were I am at the minute because Maverick is so bold but I don't have the guts to jump any higher on XC. The height is only 2ft3 which sutis me fine. Some places have tiny tots courses which are 1ft 6. You'll be too old to compete in them but why not hire out the course just to build your confidence.

WHP is also very good at working Maverick up. He can be dull in SJ with no life and then I put him into WHP and he just bombs at the jumps.

[equinechikk]

I think my biggest problem is with width of fences. I'm jumping 2 1/2 - 3 foot, no problem, as long as you don't make a spread. If it becomes a spread, I freak out a bit and refuse to do bigger than 2 foot, i know this can be a problem in any discipline. My horse has no problems with them, how do I get my confidence up?

[MadWoman]

Try doing some XC schooling then you can choose your fences and don't have to worry about spreads and can gradually build up to them. It sounds as if you have the makings of an all-rounder there - you should be able to do almost anything on him. Archie also used to turn off in the school until I got some decent lessons, so that might help you as well.
Other than that, as someone said, you could try Le Trec or, if you are worried about the few jumps having a spread, then what about Endurance? You don't need an Arab for it - I tried a 15 mile ride on my 17hh IDx last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, and there was even a Clydesdale doing he ride! Or there is showing of course.

[Mehitabel]

what about showing, if he has good conformation? then you can get used ot comepting and going out and about, pop over some clear round courses at shows and work up to bigger jumping (if that's what you want to do long term) that way?

[FreedomStar]

have you thought of dressage, or maybe some pleasure classes at shows? Or saddleseat equitation? The last choice, saddleseat, is really hard and a challege, which is why i've never even thought of going into it, it's too hard of a challenge for me...but it does sound fun.

[virtuallyhorses]

Why not do a little of everything till you find something you really love - or just continue doing everything :) there's no rule that says you only have to do one sport with your horse. Lots of sports have 'have-a-go- days, I'm going to my first CTR ride in the weekend - don't think its for me but can't knock it till I've tried it and its something new to keep my horse interested in life (I'm just hoping its interesting and not overwhelming for him :eek: )

Sorry - stupid question time - what's an 'ID'?

[MadWoman]

Sorry Virtuallyhorss - ID = Irish Draft

[Cochise]

Viv,
I think that you will really enjoy CTR, its a challenge without being too much of a challenge if you know what I mean?
Please let me know how you get on! :)
I agree, try a little of everything that you can! Its what I do, and both my horse and I enjoy our time riding and training because we arent too limited! :D