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With a new competition season just around the corner many riders will be planning to move up a level.   With the proper preparation there is no reason why you can’t be jumping tracks bigger than you ever dreamed!   Setting goals and objectives will keep you on track to achieve your progress.

So, how do you know when your ready?

1. Have you jumped this height before?

There could be a huge range of variables in a partnership.   An experienced rider could be very comfortable moving a young horse up to 1m, a inexperienced rider might take six months, even if the horse has jumped bigger previously and is an established schoolmaster.

If you have never jumped the height before, or perhaps have had a long break then you should consider what you can do to make this transition easier.   Perhaps picking a show that is known to offer straight forward courses or offer simpler alternatives.

2.  Are you jumping the height at home?

The usual advice is to be training at least one level higher than you are at shows.   The theory being that if you are confident at 1.20m at home, a 1.10m show will feel well within your limits.  Plus you don’t want to get caught out with a big jump off course or some meaty cross country fences.

If you’re cruising around fences higher than you want to compete at with no problem at home, you know that as a partnership you have the ability to jump well enough to move up a level.

3. What do your results tell you?

Results aren’t everything. Some horses (or riders!) are perpetual four-faulters and will never have the show results to back up their ability. Sometimes a horse might jump better at a bigger height than smaller.

Others jump better at certain venues or on specific surfaces and often you can just have a really bad day at a show. Regardless, your results can give you a general idea of whether you’re ready to move up a level.

4. Is your horse better over a bigger fence?

Many horses benefit from a bigger fence to really engage them and start jumping properly.   Lots of competitive horses will have a pole at a lower level and show much more consistency at a higher class.   The reasons for this can vary, from laziness, carelessness to just plain clumsy!

If your horse is reaching his limit in terms of scope, pressure or physical demands and struggles with an entire course of bigger jumps, then you’re not ready to move up.  This could because of his age or level of schooling.   If a horse performs better over a smaller fence, then jumping bigger at a show is not the time to take on a challenge!

5. How confident do you feel?

At the end of the day, riding is a game of trust and confidence. If you’re going to shows, cantering calmly around your track and feeling like you could happily try a new level then you’re probably right!

Some anxiety is normal, especially if you are jumping at a new height.   If you are worried about judging your own ability then always ask your coach, who can give you an honest opinion and offer some constructive feedback.

If your instinct tells you that you and your horse are well-prepared and ready to get around the course in reasonable style even on a less-than-perfect show day, then bite the bullet and give it a shot!

 

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