First go at showjumping yesterday....

[Ginger Thing]

and I won! My face looked like this :D

ok, it was only 2' but it was the first time I had ever jumped a whole course of jumps and I think I even managed to breathe! Even managed a change of leg over a fence and some lovely tight turns in the jump-off (the dressage paid off!).

A few weeks ago I was having a major confidence crisis - I even contacted a hypnotherapist who thought she could help me, but now I don't feel I need to see her yet, it's like I've gained confidence by knowing that safety net is there, don't know if that makes sense?

People at work today asked if I felt bad for beating a load of kids who were also beginners - absolutely not, it's taken me 30 years of riding to do this, and anyway they should think themselves lucky to even be at a show on their own pony at that age! I had to wait until I was 31 for my first horse - their rosette will come, I've waited a long time for mine ;)

[Ross]

Oh WELL DONE :)

And normally the kids beat us hands down, on the whizzy little ponies, so don't feel bad about it at all :)

At my first show jumping with Fire, we entered an 18" class, and he stopped 3 times at the first, which was a cross pole. Then the steward came and chased him over it, and he took such an enormous leap that I fell off :o I couldn't believe it :D

Ross

[nutkin]

well done sounds like you made a fantastic round. Too right the kids nearly always beat the adults usually because they are on ponies whereas we are on the bigger ones that can't make such tight turns.It just goes to show that the secret to successful jumping is good flatwork.

[Ginger Thing]

Thanks Ross!

I have to say I will miss your friend Blue Fish, she has been very supportive and encouraging, but has promised to still bully me from a distance ;) I need a good kick up the backside every now and then!

[Ginger Thing]

Exactly Nutkin - if I can do a 1/2 15m circle in canter for a dressage test, I can do it round a jump!

I found I was so busy looking for the turns I didn't bother about the jumps.

I am still :D tonight!

[NoviceNic]

I envy that feeling Ginger thing. Well Done. You keep beaming..:D :D :D Dont forget that feeling. I took my cob out last year and got a couple of clear rounds. I was beaming too for a week. I entered into the pony class as I had only been jumping under 2ft. Most of the children in these class' have been riding for years. Even decades. And their ponies are ex BSJA ponies. :(

[Mini Reed]

Oh well done. I've been there I know how you're feeling, to come back after a confidence hit and do a show well, fab. Well done again and I hope there are many more succesful shows for you.

[katieB]

Wow well done, too right the kids can wait for their rossette ;)
Any plans to go out again soon?

[DITZ]

well done! As you know confidence is an issue for me at the moment so can I ask what you have been doing to overcome it so well?

[Colorado Sunset]

Wow, well done :D I try to think that jumping a course is just like a dressage test with obstacles in the middle, but the flat should be ridden the same.

Jo

[The Flying Irishman]

Well done. did you find that in the jump off you completely forgot your nerves and just went for it- just asking cos (being a more senior showjumper myself) thats what I find

[Blue Fish]

Thanks Ross!

I have to say I will miss your friend Blue Fish, she has been very supportive and encouraging, but has promised to still bully me from a distance ;) I need a good kick up the backside every now and then!

Well done to you. When is the next outing planned?
We will have to meet at Lincomb uk chasers so you can practice some diddy xc fences now! I don't want you wimping out and I need some practice for Stafford - have sent my entry off.:eek:

[nicolaj]

Well done!

Why is it a some shows, they think because you are an adult on a horse that you want to jump over 2ft? Me I'm a wimp and anything off the ground looks massive! There should be more adult beginners jumping classes!

[Ginger Thing]

Thanks guys - it's nice to be able to share with people who realise what a big deal it is to me.

Blue Fish - last night I booked RC xc training with Ticky Fletcher on 29th April :o Max 2' so I'm going! And a lesson with Pat Crann 11th March.Will def see you at Lincombe, and Stafford!

Scoobiedoo - yes, exactly! It gave me something to think about and take my mind off my nerves. Was more concerned with where I was going than the actual jumps.

I am definitely going to be doing more soon - I normally have gaps of 6 months to a year between jumping, so now I have done it for the last 3 weeks I will keep it up so it's less scary.

Ditz - I haven't been jumping my own horse, but OH's, who is a lot more experienced and sensible, and a lot less opinionated than mine! A few weeks ago I was very seriously considering selling mine and getting something smaller and safer, but then realised there's no guarantees it would be. Mine is actually not that bad, but I have a very bad back and joints, and am always terrified of falling off. OH and a friend jump mine, but as we are both novice, it's best for me to ride Carlow, who really looked after me on Sunday. I am still scared to hack mine out(although I do dressage on him) - OH took him out Sunday morning and cantered and he was good as gold, but my nerves are still there. With the jumping, it's something I really want to do,despite the fear, and I get a real buzz out of it. As I said, I had contacted a hynotherapist, and as soon as she said she could help it was as if knowing I had that backup, I didn't actually need it - sort of like when you feel more confident because you have a body protector on, do you know what I mean?
Sorry to say though that it's really the horse that's given me confidence, not anything I've done (wouldn't have done it on mine) so can't really advise you in your position, I'm lucky I've got a choice of 2 to ride, depending on how brave I'm feeling. I remember us starting out in dressage at the same time, then you got Fly and started doing brilliantly, and I thought I was still rubbish, so you have done really well with him. If you really can't help your own confidence how about trying hypnotherapy or TFT (that's what she was going to use with me)? Good luck, I know what it's like, and although I'm 'up' at the moment, I'm sure it won't be long before I go through another 'down' spell - confidence comes and goes.

Blimey, sorry for the essay! Feel free to pm me if you ever need moral support!

[Blue Fish]

[QUOTE=Ginger Thing]

Blue Fish - last night I booked RC xc training with Ticky Fletcher on 29th April :o Max 2' so I'm going! And a lesson with Pat Crann 11th March.Will def see you at Lincombe, and Stafford!

Good on you, definately a good idea to keep going as much as you can.
New yard has grids left up in the school most of the time, so Bug is going to get fed up of grid work soon:)

Don't stop doing the dressage though, I must do some soon.