Jay's show today

[jay]

I took Jay to another local show today. I was originally planning to not do any jumping because he's not been himself for the past couple of weeks and our last jumping lesson was a disaster. However we got there and he seemed full of himself so I thought we'd give the novice class a go. The competition mix and soya oil must be doing the trick! ;D I was late arriving so didn't get to walk the course and see all the 'nasties'....there was a water tray, a very narrow stile and a MASSIVE hedge-type thingy, all of which we've not done before. I was so pleased with him...he jumped really well and just refused at the hedge. I think it was probably me not giving him enough encouragement becasue I was looking at it and panicing! ;D He was no problem 2nd go at it though. And we ended up with a 4th!!!

We then did the in-hand M+M which wasn't quite so successful...we came second to last. We were in a class full of welshes, leaving Jay and one other horse completely out of the picture I was a bit disheartened with that because my friend was saying how much everyone around the ring was commenting on him, but I guess he just wasn't the judge's kinda boy

The ridden M+M went a bit better but Jay was very lethargic by then and it was really hot. We were terrible in the initial ride around, really sluggish, but after our show we got pulled up to 5th so I was pleased with that.

[moira]

It sounds to me as though you and Jay did really well at the show. Well done for tackling those jumps!! Rather you than me.

Moira

[jay]

Thanks Moira. We're really enjoying our jumping. The judge in the working hunter class said we did really well, especially as it was only our 2nd ever class

[JoM]

HEDGE!!!!!!!!

Well done you!!! I would have had the reversing beep on well before the hedge! LOL

Jay is really starting to shine out there isnt he!!

[jay]

Thats what I thought when I saw it!!! It was actually one of the usual brush-type fences but with loads of fresh foliage stuffed in to a great height. All the other horses jumped through it but not Jay, he had to try and clear it...and not far from a stand still because he was thinking of stopping again! I had to fumble with my nearly-lost stirrup and regain my balance before the double that was next ;D Probably not the most elegant but we did it!

[DalesLady]

Very well done - its a huge leap forward in more ways than one. Main thing is to get jumping, you can sort out the finesse bit later. If he isnt scared of any jump he will jump it with you. Looks like you have a good future ahead of you girl!