Too much Too soon

[chez111]

My horse has done a lot more jumping than I have, basically I’m a novice when it comes to jumping and he has jumped affiliated.

I am worried that because he has affiliated at one point in his career I am going to be forced into competitions that are too much for me.

What sort of classes could I attend and what sort of shows should I look for?


Chez

[Piaffe]

I personally wouldn't worry too much - look for local shows to start with that you can build up YOUR confidence. Your horse will probably teach you! Local shows I have entered have a variety of different heights of jumping courses from 1'6" to 4' and over.

I would also get in touch with a good instructor with a specific interest in jumping to help you to gain confidence in yourself and your horse.

You obviously have an interest in jumping, otherwise you wouldn't have bought this horse, so take it slowly and enjoy!

[chez111]

Thanks for the encouragement.
So does that mean as long as the competition rules dont specifically state unaffiliated horses only - I should be ok? I wouldnt like to be disqualified or anything.

Chez

[lamprellsarah]

yeah relax, :) our yard holds proper shows and it doesn't matter weither the horse has affliciated or not, at our yard if you go in for novice you musn't have won more than 3 times, which is fair because if you have you should be looking higher!!! and the same with intermediate and anyone can go in for advance!! this is how most shows work i find!.
you wouldn't be disqualified, they won't even know about it!!

enjoy it don't feel pushed into anything :) :D

[chez111]

Thanks

You've made me feel a lot better, its so tricky I mean he may be good but Im not :), In fact although he has done a fair bit he goes like a Bl**dy steam train so he does take some riding, thats why I didnt want to have to over phase myself when my main concern at the moment is keeping him collected and not to have him tanking off top speed towards the jump.

Anyway thanks again I'll look forward to my novice competitions now.

Chez