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Post by scattymare on Apr 5, 2013 20:31:56 GMT
The day is dawning where I get to beat my nerves and tackle the novice hunter trial course (for those who do it properly this is a mini hunter trial, max 2ft, not a pro novice course - no where near that brave yet!!  ) Having a lesson tomorrow and we're going to do a few jumps at the end. Then off to walk the course before Sunday. Bag of nerves already but a little bit excited. I will beat these jumping demons. Eddie is more than capable and I just have to let her take me round. Wish me luck..... |
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Post by fleabitten on Apr 5, 2013 20:36:06 GMT
Woo! just try and think of it as a bit of a rake about - i know its nerve wracking, i find it difficult to jump at speed, it just feels scary lol! dont forget the pics and bring a wee picnic too! most important thing lol!
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Post by solomon on Apr 6, 2013 13:15:48 GMT
You will be fine. Ed knows and loves her job! Just try and enjoy it. Let her go!
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Post by scattymare on Apr 6, 2013 14:44:22 GMT
Just been to walk the course. Now I'm really cacking it!!!
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Post by fimacg on Apr 6, 2013 20:04:16 GMT
good luck, by the time you get back you will be buzzing!
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Post by toomanyhorses on Apr 6, 2013 20:30:09 GMT
I'm sure you will enjoy when you get there. Good luck and remember to have fun.
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haffyfan
Administrator 
is pressing random buttons...sorry guys
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Post by haffyfan on Apr 6, 2013 20:35:39 GMT
good luck for tomorrow
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Post by scattymare on Apr 7, 2013 19:36:13 GMT
Well we survived! And not only that but we finished in 9th place out of 25 runners  ! Very pleased with Eddie. Though I must be honest with myself and I don't think I actually enjoyed it  I was nearly unseated a few times but even when we were going nicely, with every fence I was absolutely petrified. I actually held onto her mane most of the way round! How wussy is that. It's only 2ft for heavens sake. I'm pleased I did it as I'd be kicking myself if we hadn't but I think it may be time to admit defeat on the jumping side and stick to what we enjoy. Was a grand day out anyway though long. Have some lovely pics but I need to set up a new photobucket account. Theres one on fb for now. |
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Post by solomon on Apr 7, 2013 20:02:28 GMT
Well done. It's an achievement and well done for sticking with her for the scary moments. I hope you don't mind me mentioning it but your stirrups seemed long for jumping which would'nt help you feeling safe in the saddle. I always hold onto the mane when jumping! Could never jump a plaited or hogged horse!
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Post by scattymare on Apr 7, 2013 21:15:08 GMT
Not at all Sol, I know they are way too long and I'd already put them up 2 holes! I just feel really unstable with them shorter, I guess as I don't do it often enough.
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haffyfan
Administrator
is pressing random buttons...sorry guys
Posts: 7,391
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Post by haffyfan on Apr 8, 2013 8:59:04 GMT
congratulations, well done for having a go. Now you've had a go and proved to yourself you can do it why not just go back to enjoying her? Do the stuff you want to, no point pushing yourself to do more if you don't enjoy it really is there, enjoying what you are doing is the main thing.
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Post by racaille on Apr 8, 2013 16:23:55 GMT
Nah, don't give in!!!! Don't you feel wonderful now that you've done it? The trouble with comfort zones is that they shrink all the time unless we push them back ....
I too ride with very long stirrups and almost hate to shorten them for jumping, but my word, it does make a difference!
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Post by scattymare on Apr 10, 2013 11:04:20 GMT
Thats the thing Rac, I don't feel wonderful having done it. Pleased I did yes but all I felt afterwards was a sense of relief it was over rather than a high that I'd done it if that makes sense. We'll see, I will probably do a bit more showjumping but definately no more cross country for me!
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Post by racaille on Apr 10, 2013 11:38:56 GMT
OK, I do see the difference. I usually get a high afterward something testing but I admit that after my ghastly SJ round before Xmas all I felt was relief!!! Perhaps it's just not for you. No shame in that. |
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Post by fleabitten on Apr 10, 2013 20:03:43 GMT
Scatty i can empathise with this. I remember when i was terrified in my lessons and my RI pushed me to do stuff i was just hanging on for dear life and i wasnt glad at all that i had done it, i dont think i would have minded if i hadnt done it!
I knew the difference was if i wanted to give something a go but was feeling a bit nervous or apprehensive at the thought that was when i should push myself. But if i really did not want to do it and was terrified at the thought, theres no point. It was like when i was doing the showjumping at the rs - i did the 65cms and got on great and then they put it up to 80cm and i was like 'should i?' but i did want to do it and the jumps didnt look too bad but i was just bricking it because i dont normally jump that height in lessons.
Anyway, theres nothing wrong with sticking with showjumping rather than XC - i much prefer showjumping but i will jump XC type jumps as well (at a sensible pace lol). I dont know if i would be comfortable going at speed over logs and stuff but then i havent really had much experience/practice at riding in open spaces over XC type stuff. My experience mainly consists of roadwork and arena work!
Anyway, i think with the stirrup thing, if you feel secure at that length thats the main thing. I know that your supposed to have your stirrups at a certain length for flatwork and jumping but i wonder why that is, considering that you seem to be comfortable at a longer length? (like why would they have a specific length if its possible to be secure at any length?) I think if you wanted, that its possible to train yourself to ride a bit shorter, just one hole at a time and ride for however many days till if feels natural.
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I was nearly unseated a few times but even when we were going nicely, with every fence I was absolutely petrified. I actually held onto her mane most of the way round! How wussy is that. It's only 2ft for heavens sake. I'm pleased I did it as I'd be kicking myself if we hadn't but I think it may be time to admit defeat on the jumping side and stick to what we enjoy.
