Eventing

[Elissa]

hey,
i'm a beginner rider (i have some background experience but not much). i'm interested in eventing - i just bought a young POA gelding last spring who loves jumping as much as i do :) he's full of energy but calm 99% of the time and awesome in every other way. anyway, (i could go on and on praising him :) ) show jumping and cross country are taken care of - need lotsa work but i know how to do it - dressage is another matter. i don't have enough financial aid to take lessons and none of my horse fanatic friends can help me out. any suggestions? i need help!

[Farm_Girl5]

I am also one who wants to get into eventing!!! My problem is I don't own a horse! DARN IT!!!
If you'd like to talk you may E-mail me or what exactly do you want help with???
Kristy

[Sarah]

hello!

I am glad to hear that your gelding is a happy jumper - that is really going to help you with your eventing.

I know that you said that you don't have much spare cash, but it really is very important that you get some lessons on your horse. As he is young and you are a newish rider, it is even more important. If you just have lessons on the flat, it will help your jumping too. The flatwork will help you get him to lengthen and shorten his stride and go in a steady bouncy canter which will be invaluable with your showjumping. It will also get him a accept the contact so that you hav better control and steering. When you have got the showjumping good and accurate, the criss country will come easily.

I would recommend that even if you can only afford a lesson once a month, it would be a lot better than no lessons. Sit down with your teacher afterwards and see if she can give you some 'homework' to do between lessons.

Also, try taking him to local shows to do a spot of dressage, SJ and XC when you have got him schooled, that way you can compete at the 3 disciplines without the stress of trying to cope with doing them all on the same day (and believe me it really is a stress for your first time). It will also get him used to going different places.

Good luck with him, we'll look out for you at Badminton in a few years time!