Hunter trial...

[cesca]

Oh God oh God just rang the events sec and "yes don't worry there are still spaces in the 2ft 6!" she told me happily. So it looks like I am entering. It is next Sunday. I just got a tape measure out to see how big 2ft 6 is (like I don't konw but hey) and at first it helped but then it seemed to grow so I put it away! (Someone please tell me that 2ft 6 = 30 inches and not more, I am no good with imperial.)

[kpick]

2'6 is 80cms, or to be exact, 79.somethingorother. so... 79 centimeters is equal to 31.1024 inches.

Go on you, Knock em dead, and have great fun! ;D

[kya]

Cesca... here's your chance to do things differently. Go for the fun of it, forget the competitive element. Jump what you want to and take the best from the day. You can do it!

[wozzer]

I will admit to you all that I am guilty of entering and going deliberately around the ones I didn't want to do. Who cares

Just do what you're happy with, as any that you jump are a real achievement ;D Enjoy yourself, and let us know how you get on. xx

[cesca]

Thanks guys! You are all so right. I am doing this because I LOVE hts - I love them because it's a chance to hoon around someone's lovely land, it's a foray into the unknown, just you and your horse...he hasn't walked the course so he's completely reliant on you. It's a tremendous buzz! THESE are the things I need to keep reminding myself of.

Well, I AM ENTERED. Have decided not to walk the course with the others from the yard (don't need distracting or infecting with their agendas (I don't mean that in a bad way, just that I am very susceptible to others' vibes)). Instead have arranged to walk it with my instructor, immediately after a jumping lesson. She can advise me and also if she's seen every fence on the course and said we can jump it, I will believe her and that will help enormously.

Am trying to set myself up to succeed. At the moment feel calm and happy about it and am actually looking forward to it in a very butterflyey sort of way! I keep telling myself that this time last year I wouldn't go near a fence of any description, so even entering is huuuge progress. I also believe we can do it, if I am focussed and consistent. I know that when I walk the course I will absolutely wet my pants with fear (they look so massive when you're on the ground) and not sleep a wink that night. But at least I'm as ready for that as I can be.

I've also realised that, with a keen, strong, ex-bolter, we're going to be challenged if we get passed or if we come up behind something else. Or even possibly when we turn back in the direction of the lorry park and friends; or even just when we reach a big open space; or even any other reason! So this will be another test of our partnership. BUT overall I feel very very challenged, but NOT unconfident that things can, and will, go well for us. However it goes, I learn; we BOTH learn.

Stand by for this positive mindset disintegrating as the week goes on however!!! I realise that too But however I feel, as my confidence rises and ebbs, there is no doubting I feel very much alive!!!

[kpick]

WOO! well done you! we want full report and piccies! when you've done it!

[cesca]

Woo thanks kpick! Any tips for me??

[kpick]

Just go out and have fun. Concerntrate on thinking positive when walking the course. I learnt this from one of Pippa Funnels videos, to keep positive thoughts right there, dont let anything negative slip in at all. This tip helped me a huge deal, i went from jumping 1'6 hunter trials and Junior Novice HT's to jumping Intermediate and Open Events, all because i walked the course without worrying myself.

IF you feel its not going so well, and people might shoot me for mentioning it, but everyone also knows people do have bad days. Dont get worked up, jump what you want, and simpley go round what you feel unhappy about. I also found out to give my horse complete trust when going cross country, it really does help, and you may surprise yourself at what you and your ned are capable of.
Also try to end on a good note, if it didnt go exactly as planned across country, maybe go and hop the practice fence a few times, or do something that will brighten your day, theres no point getting frustrated, best to go home feeling proud that you dealt with it the correct way. ;D




Edited to add: Have confidence in yourself, it goes a long long way =D

[cesca]

Wow kpick do you know that's not something I would have thought of at all. I'm quite good at stopping my mind from spiralling into negativity but I don't know that I would have stopped myself from doing so as I walked the course. I will definitely try - it will go against the grain but if it has helped you it will help me.

And you are right about keeping control if it doesn't go well. That is probably my biggest danger - that something goes wrong and I beat myself up about it for a year afterwards! I think you have given me some excellent advice there, definitely food for thought and I very much appreciate it xxx

[kpick]

no problems. When i put my mind to it im not too bad at advice. Feel free to PM me or post here if you want any help. xx

[wozzer]

Good luck cesca, look forward to hearing all about it. xx

[kpick]

Oh, and one more thing i do. Talk to your horse! I have lovely little chats with Inky when im going round, last time i remember talking about the weather! LOL. it eases nerves, and i think it relaxes the horse too. Dont worry about sounding stupid, who cares?!

[cesca]

Thanks you two, it's good to know I've got backup on here rooting for me! Oh and my instructor too

Yes I reckon I will end up chatting to him anyway, although if I'm petrified I may forget so good suggestion. I talk to him all the time out hacking alone and he might think it's a bit weird if there are suddenly no sounds from behind him!

Many thanks for the offer kpick, I don't want to end up haranguing you but if I can get even half as far as you have I'd be ecstatic, so I may well be asking your advice again xx

[kpick]

Aww *blush* thats really sweet of you to say that. Im just glad i can help someone, i enjoy passing on help where ever i can, makes me feel good =).

[Hannah]

Hi cesca, glad to hear you are walking the course with your instructor When I'm riding between fences, I tell the horse what's coming up next, steady now we've got to turn then there's a jump just round the corner, or come on then lets go etc. It helps me run through the course in my mind and work out what's next, jump judges must think I'm mental ;D
When is the comp? Good luck