Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary McGuire Smith on October 7, 2009 at 9:32pm

Hi Catherine! Congratulations!! My best advice is to listen to your horse and your trainer. The horse is experienced, and your trainer has been his partner. You have the best of all worlds in this team (you, your trainer, and her horse). Play, experiment, practice perfectly, but most of all, HAVE FUN!! :-)

Permalink Reply by Barbara F. on October 7, 2009 at 9:45pm

Hi Catherine, since the horse already probably knows the test by heart, my best advice is to focus on being incredibly accurate in all your movements and getting as many marks as you can on the stuff you already know how to do. You'll be surprised how well you can do when you ride exactly letter to letter, round circles, straight lines and fluent transitions - that's a big component of the test.
Good luck and let us know how you do!! :)

Permalink Reply by Catherine Chamberlain on October 7, 2009 at 11:39pm

Thanks guys! There's been a change in our plans, now I'm going to be showing him at the FEI Junior Level, which is a level lower. I think it's for the best so I can be well prepared. Nevertheless, these tips will help in any test I do! I'll definately keep everyone up to date on how the show goes. :)

Permalink Reply by Catherine Chamberlain on November 4, 2009 at 8:13am

The show was just last weekend and it was great! Like you said, I did feel a little bit more pressure because it was my trainer's horse, but I decided I just needed to have fun with him. He was a really good boy and it payed off to relax. I think it is good advice to try and be the most acurate that you can so you can get the most points, but not get too worried if you make little mistakes or anything. Thanks for the tips! I definately think people need to remember to relax and have a little more fun when they are showing. :)