1st show of the season - pics

You could take him to some hunter shows to practice jumping courses with distractions. They usually have a variety of heights, too!

If I had any knack for memorizing courses, that would be a fantastic idea. One of the reasons I like eventing is that every fence is not only a different color, they're also numbered! Things are really starting to click at 2'3" at home. Our show this weekend is 2', so I think we're in good shape. Only one way to find out!

That's what we do! We haunt some of my old stomping grounds that have good courses for the babies ... errr... Primo.

Puck the easy part with hunters (especially local) is it's usually outside, diagonal, diagonal, outside... or some variety of a figure eight. You don't get all these turns, loops, bending lines... thank goodness the jumps are numbered. And a day at a local hunter show is usually cheaper than an event. For a green horse, any away time is a good experience.

First congrats on your show and 3rd! That's awesome even if the jumping round was um spshl ;) i've had a few of those myself haha!!!

As for schooling, look around for low level schooling shows and also sometimes venues will let you pay to just school the course before or after the show or between classes. That's a great way to get him over different courses without having to overface him or push him to a higher level. My rule of thumb is show 6" lower than you are schooling at home. You can also ask to trailer in to nearby barns on non-show days and pay a ring fee to use their course. Good luck and you guys really look great!!!!

So, I decided to do the 2' division at yesterday's show. There just aren't too many shows around here at elementary level, so I figured it's the best way to find out if we're ready. We had one refusal at the 2nd fence. I knew he was sucking back, but didn't get to my crop soon enough. Oh well. At least I knew what was in his head this time. Puck is a 3rd fence horse. If I can get him through the first 3, he's on auto pilot. I was able to get video which I am extremely reluctant to post, (working up courage) but that sucker can jump! There were two oxers in there, which we've honestly practiced about zero times, and he no problem with either one. I froze the video a few times at takoff and his form looks pretty damn good to me. I was happy to see that, at least in one shot, mine was good too. The other I was jumping ahead, but already know where the fix is. I also need to get my butt out of the saddle a bit more, but that will all come with stronger legs.

We did a schooling XC course too with mixed results. A few times I had to opt for a cross rail instead of the solid beside it, but when he jumped, he apparently did it with style since we got a few compliments on what a cute jumper he is when we were done. Definitely have some work to do in terms of listening to his rider. Guess I baby him a bit more than I thought.

My friend/trainer and I agreed that I'm on the edge of everything clicking. We're finally starting to cook with gas. Yey!