Equitation Emergency

[topjockey]

Alrighty, everyone is going to think I'm an idiot but what the heck. This past november I bought a gelding off the trainer I work for, at first I'd only planned on using him as a lead pony at the racetrack (My trainer buddy/boss is a tb racing trainer, my horse a tb who ran his last race the same week I bought him) but anyway I started playing with him a little this past couple months, the daggone big horse is clearing three foot six courses with no hesitation, so I decided to take him to a few shows, my first one is the 10-11 of this month, and I havent had a single riding lesson in well over a year now
I used to ride hunter/jumpers, I took lessons on and off for three years (my mother couldnt afford mroe than one short one, once a week, sometimes less) but I made it to the schooling shows and did pretty well, reaching the local division pre-primary before I quit to work with racehorses. The barn I was at doesnt do anything but "C" circuit really, they kind of sucked (part of the reason I left) I can ride about any hrose you give me, but I sure as heck don't look hunter equitation pretty, the two divisions I entered are Baby Green Hunter o/f with fences at 2 ft 3 which is open to all riders, pro or amt., and their little bs Make Believe Classic (Fences at two foot six) which judges the whole combination, while I started training for horse for show jumping, I'm a little off from hunters, I need MAJOR assistance asap with equitation jus to rest my soul, and any helpful tips for my wannabe hunter, Can anyone lay out some dos and donts, tips, guidelines, helpful tidbits, or words of advice? The competition at the particular farm is really pretty weak, but I want to cram like I'm trying to cram for the Mclay finals lol, I have an equiciser to practice my eq. n so I wont through my poor horse off by working him too hard when he needs to be resting, anyway, anyhelp??? Thanks!

[kedwards]

Well, without any other information, it's hard to say what might help you prepare with regard to your equitation. There are certain things (such as working without stirrups and/or reins), that are generally helpful for improving eq. You could try booking a lesson with a hunter trainer beforehand who could give you some tips.

Given that this is coming up soon, you aren't likely to want to make any huge changes to your position. Honestly, I'd probably focus primarily on your horses striding, setting up some lines and gymnastics, to ensure that you can get a nice, balanced, 12-foot stride throughout the course. If you do that and get your changes, you may find that you place very well.

In any case, this is your horse's first show. Just getting him out there, getting around, and staying reasonably relaxed is a worthwhile goal in and of itself. Have fun!