Hunter showing... 18"!!

Question

So, for my horses first experience competing in a show that we know of… (we walked around and rode in the warm-up ring today...) we are showing "hunter suitability o/f and hunter suitability under saddle... big stuff lol, but he’s 19 and I'm 15 making it difficult to get a class that isn't 2’6-3' high..

Anyways, how much should I go into jumping position? They are only 18" cross rails, and it’s a hunter course... (Outside 5 stride to diagonal to outside 6 stride to diagonal) but I’m not sure what’s appropriate.

Since he’s 15.2 and I’m showing against ponies and little kids mostly I’m confused!

Also, should I do the two o/f classes? They have the class and the “stake” but I’m not sure if I should bother entering the stake. I will defiantly do the flat class but it runs after the o/f classes.

Any help appreciated!

Thanks [=

Answer 1

You don't need to bend all the way over his neck.  I'd pick up a nice easy canter and get into a light half seat.  Close your hips enough to stay with him over the jump, but your shoulders probably don't need to be on his neck.  

Do whatever classes you want which are in your and your horse's ability.  The stake might be good experience even if you don't win.  But don't enter if it costs too much money or if it is too much for you or your horse.

Answer 2

Show days make it very vital that you are able to feel your horse and how he is going to ride that day.  It was good that you rode him on the grounds already, maybe he won't be too overly excited during your classes.  Every horse is different, and sometimes the same horse reacts differently at different shows.  If your horse is looking around at the crowd and not paying attention, you need to rein him in and push him forward off your leg to keep your corners better (not cut) and keep him focused on what you are telling him.  If he is excited and nervous, and moving wildly off the lightest contact, you need to be on his mouth, talking to him and calming him, and refrain from much leg pressure.  You simply just have to adjust to his mood.  Also, don't get angry and stress if he refuses a fence...just circle back around to it and finish your course as you would have without interruption.  I don't know what a 'stake' is, but I would do both because it is said that your first class of jumping is just a mock...everyone does worst in their first class, or so it seems for most of us.  So the more you do, the better you will get that day.  I hope this helps and good luck at the show!

Answer 3

You should respond to his jump-if he is going to jump with alot of bascule despite the height, that will help close your hip angle. More than likely though, he's not going to round alot over that. A lot of people have a common flaw of ducking or closing the hip angle WAY too much over tiny fences. It's not needed and it hinders way more than it helps.

Alot of people tend to exaggerate the hip angle and lay on the neck, which really makes you vulnerable when you're A. riding a stopper/greenie/or going XC or B. starting to jump larger heights(what is considered "larger" can depend on your horse as well)

Answer 4

this sounds like what i did a little while ago...lol only my boy is 21.... i would do hunter hack 18" as well... i'm 16 i understand the troubles of getting into those classes and stuff lol trust me

so hunter is more for the horse make him look good keep him forward... always assume you should be in jumping position to be safe they wont dock you for being prepared exceptionally if your horse is inexperienced... just don't worry about it most success comes with experience no need to expect wins the first time just have fun and take in as much information and technique as you can

Answer 5

Just do what feels comfortable .. obviously you don't want to go to ahead and give a big release if the jumps are little but just enough to get off the back. Talk to your instructor

Answer 6

You dont need to get into much of  two-point over cross rails. A  basic half seat is usually good. I would get into a half seat at the start of the course, get a nice canter then just go. The course seems really straight forward so I dont you will really nead to ride all that much.

Dont worry about the other kids. I was 13 when I first showed x-rails on a 15.2 TB. I was 5'7" though so I didnt really look like a 13 year old. Most people thought I was 14-15ish. Jazz and I did pretty good. Under a good judge, a good course is a good course. The size of horse and rider shouldnt matter.

I would do both jump classes if possible. At your (or your horses) first couple shows, placing doesnt matter. Gaining experience and going safetly is the main priority.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 7

I would try and have a 1 point where you go down some, but not too much. It depends on your horse, if he puts his head low then go lower, but if he keeps his head up, dont do so much. [this is just my opinion, I dont think there is a right or wrong]

I hope this helps?

Btw, the ponies and little kids in our area kick butt, watch out ^^ haha