Busy Life...

(Wrote this on Monday)
Hey guys :) I don't think I will be able to do a life in the day post until Wednesday+ since I need to tidy today and I might be going to BBQ tomorrow, I have just looked at the weather and it seems horrible. Either way I doubt I will get the post up by Wednesday. Here is a wee post for training and preparations for shows. 

Jumping (Show and hunter)

Make sure you know what height the class you have entered into and that you can jump that height. If you are like me and jump in a field rather than a paddock I would try and make a course in the field to give your horse more of a gist of it all. Also, make sure you go to an arena and complete a course of jumps. I find that the more you do it in an actual arena the better idea on your paces and turns you will have.
I would suggest looking at old course plans and replicate parts of them to practice. 
I would also train in whatever tack you are using so when it comes to the day there will be no nasty surprises when things don't fit. I would time your rounds and see where your boundaries are for speed. Also, you might either want to switch ponies, have someone ride your pony, have another rider and horse there to give you a better insight and flag up any bad habits you maybe get yourself in.

Dressage
Now I have never really done dressage but the training is simple. Make sure that you can do all the transitions within the test. Have the test ready and printed for training with, and maybe get a prompt for training too (Not me, cause I just blurt out rubbish). If you need and can have one for the day arrange a prompt and ensure that they will be there for your slot. http://www.cairolodge.co.uk has quite a few of the test sheets up for free. You are really going to need an arena area for training but a flat paddock would do but if it rains and you need to canter you are in a bit of trouble. 

XC

This is probably the hardest to train for because most people do not have XC jumps. If you can practice on proper ones but even if you got hunter jumps and put them in the field that would be better than nothing. I made my own this year which are quite like hunter jumps, I quite enjoy them cause they knock over and it feels safer. Obviously any form of jumps are the best to grasp a gauge for the heights you will get over and heights you cant.

Showing
This is what you will need, to be successful at showing:

- Spotless horse
- Smart gear (especially headcollar)
- Good position and good relationship with your pony
- Bombproof horse who is capable of all transitions and to pop a small jump
- GLOVES, when you are on the ground, you will want gloves!
- Punctuality

Some no-nos for showing:
- Unnecessary harsh bit/bridle
- Shaved tail
- Short stirrup leathers with narrow stirrups
- Incorrect tack such as a blocked saddle
- Overuse of sprays and make up and chalk
- One handed canters
- Bad hooves and shoes
- Overshowing of the young
- Overuse of the inside rein

Righto, I think that is it, have fun in this dissipating sun :) Adios!