heights of jumps at shows.

[maximum]

From fleabittens thread......

When I started competing the smallest class was novice at 2' 6" (75cm in new money) for adults that is.

Now my own opinion ( and its mine alone!) is that if the jumps are too low you can get horse/rider combinations which really are not ready to be jumping and have not done their ground work. NOT all are but lets face it many of them are competant but where does it end? youngsters (equine) should also be capable of jumping 2" before they are out and about.

I dont mean to sound arrogant but having run many shows they last long enough without having class after class of people trotting over poles barely raised off the ground.

maybe the answer is to have beginner shows?

I know its going to be a topic which will have loads of different views but lets hear them - politley and with respect please.

[Maes Seren]

I enjoy competing, both me and my girl do. The only shows around me are jumping, i go for the beginner classes because, yes we could both go round a 3ft course, but were both too nervous, and we dont have the money to fork out on every last filler created to increase hers and my confidence.
I have 4 jumps at home, more than what most do around me, and its nice to get a change of scenery and be able to jump a course of more than 4 jumps, different colours and styles of fences.

[otto]

I would agree with you but the equine world is changing. Standards are being reduced in every discipline (yes I'm an old fuddy duddy).
What really annoys me is the way affiliated comps (BE, BD, BSJA)have lowered the entry bar. It once meant something to have achieved the level where you could compete affiliated. Now you can BSJA at 70cm, BE has 2'9" sections, dont get me started on walk and trot tests
But then life is no longer about working at something to acheive a level. Its about instant gratification and not excluding anyone on grounds of ability and skill.
**shuffles off to mutter away in corner**

[Blonde Donkey]

i have decided not to compete until i have enough confidence that savvy will jump and that her hock will be ok
we went to one show and starting at 6inch jumping class for horses and 1foot for, dunno what happened there
i wouldn't do a walk and trot test becaussee savvy best pace is her canter

[maximum]

Otto- totally with you re the instant thing, people dont want to work at getting a decent grounding and bringing horses on slowly and having a decent achievment to aim at.

Its all now now now.

[fff]

i havent jumped mils yet lol.........any takers? Caz c'mon matey you'd love her lol Tx

[flash7]

Interesting thread.

I don't agree with the poles on the ground but I do feel that those of us who are less confident should be allowed to start jumping smaller jumps. I would and I have done it to increase my confidence to allow me to progress. I do do my homework and want to be able to compete my horse and it's not about instant gratification.

Horse riding is about having fun and by excluding all the novices I think it's being elitist.

No offence meant to anyone and I can understand and respect your views.

[duckles]

I don't know if things are the same here as the UK but registered shows usually start at 90cm. SOme shows have 80cm classes (depending on area ) but you don't get points for a double clear at 80cm. Training shows (run under the same rules as registered and usually for a few weeks beforehand but you don't have to be affiliated) sometimes have 70cm class as well. Again it really depends on the area and what classes are poplular. These lower classes have been brought in in the last few years. I can't see why anyone would have a problem with them. (Or with the Intro class in eventing). I am sure the official line is that they want to encourage young/novice horses/riders but I believe its to get more punters and make more money (and as this encourages the whole sport, I don't see the problem with it). I really don't see how it can matter to someone doing a lovely 1m course, that an hour or so before, somebody else was riding a 70cm or 80cm track. As long as there is a good standard of course building and the same rules are followed, why shouldn't people jump a smaller track? Perhaps they have a very green horse (who might jump well at home but has no outside experience), perhaps they are excellent jumpers but have lost their nerve or got a bit rusty or need a confidence boost. Perhaps they aspire to be jumping a 1m and are (sensibly) starting at the bottom. I don't think this is reducing standards-

Here, we have lots of mini midi maxi shows- adults and kids can compete on either horses or ponys. They are run well but suited to beginers. Mini can be as low as 50cm or 60cm. Some courses would be very well built and others less so.

There is also riding club with heights from 70cm upwards.

I started jumping at mini midi maxi shows and then at registered shows. (No 70cm classes then, lucky to get 80cm!). I used to love jumping and was always keen to improve but the sense of achievement I got was from me and my horse jumping well, not because there were no novicey people jumping lower classes! (not saying I wasn't novicey)

I'm sorry Otto if I took you up wrong but, why shouldn't less perfect/brave athletic horses/riders have a go at show jumping or being registered. Is it not encouraging people to improve? Everyone has to start somewhere. You could well be right about standards disimproving (in fact I think you are) but I don't think this is because heights are lowering. Some of the worst riders I know would never have the humility to jump even 80cm in public - they always have to start at 1m ! I would much prefer to see them bringing their horses on slowly at less challenging courses.

Again Otto, sorry if I've taken you up wrong. Also I'd be inclined to agree with you about walk and trot tests!

[FirenLady]

I can see everyones point. When i was younger i used to love to go to shows and compete wasn't afraid of anything. Few years/falls later my nerves are very poor. Not generally with heights its fillers that get us. smallest classes at our local show are 2ft 3" for ponies and 2ft 6" for horses and they are not easy courses lots of fillers etc. one class i went to we were the only clear out of 8!

I would love to go to a show when there was an 18in to 2ft course i could jump to help my confidence. (I do ride a 14 hander though) its no good overfacing yourself on your first outing does nobody anygood. To go to a show and not feel sick with nerves would be wondeful.

I think beginner/confidence shows are an excellent idea, or clinics. Our local show on there Showing show days you can hire the jumps for £5 and put them where you want which is a really good idea too.

[abi]

i agree with flash7.
obviously you need to be capable for safety reasons before you start competing, but throwing yourself in at the deep end might not work .

i started with clear round and 60cm classes, and still go back to them when we just want a bit of fun, or need to rebuild confidence.

i like the little classes, there's less to worry about if you're the nervous type, and theyre fun, which is what having a horse is meant to be about.

i like the idea of walk and trot classes if you have a youngster in a new place, as again there is less pressure and you can easily build yours+ your horse's confidence.
ive never done one and obviously wont now, but would do if i was in a new place with a young or very jumpy horse, its there for a reason so why not use the chance? x