One of the hunter/jumper barns in Tulsa hosted a schooling jumper series over the summer. They hosted three shows, held on Friday evenings, with divisions ranging from 18 inches to 1 meter. Entry fees were very reasonable ($100 total for the division, which included the office and medic fees). The show offered payouts for placing in the classic round of each division, awarded a series champion and reserve for each division, and provided complimentary hot dogs, chips, and drinks. It was a great experience – the people were friendly and the courses were inviting and safe.
Story and I accompanied our friends to the second and third shows of the series, where we competed in the .75 m and .65 m divisions, respectively. My first takeaway from this experience is that I should have entered the lowest height! I entered the .75 m (~2’4) because it was close to the Starter division height (2’3) of eventing. Story and I competed at that level last fall and had no trouble with the show jumping. We didn’t have problems with the height at these shows, but I definitely felt nervous after watching the jump crew raise the height for my classes. I let it worry me because I feel awkward and unpracticed jumping. Entering the 18″ division would have made me feel more confident, I think.
Because I felt nervous, I rode too defensively. I pulled and didn’t release enough over the jumps. As the night went on and we got over more jumps, I improved. That’s my second takeaway: practice jumping more often! I ride at a dressage barn, so I don’t jump regularly. I am resolved to practice every other week. The barn has jumps and encourages people to use them. I’m also thinking of contacting a hunter trainer about taking a few lessons. It’s been years since I had a jumping lesson and nearly two decades since I rode a hunter. As I am now the rider of a former fancy show hunter, it may be beneficial to get some insight on how to ride this kind of horse. A foxhunting friend teaches at the barn that hosted these shows, and I think her advice will be useful.
It might sound like I didn’t have fun. I did! Encouraging my friends through their rounds, waiting impatiently to hear the results of a class, seeing the perfect distance and sailing smoothly over a jump – it was the best time I’ve had in ages. Feeling apprehensive before entering the ring and having a few bad distances doesn’t take away from the fun.
2 responses to “Two Takeaways from Two Schooling Jumper Shows”
Glad you’re writing again 🙂 and yay for getting out and about recently with the horses!
Yay for getting out there! I totally get the nerves. I finally showed Al a couple summers ago and felt SO NERVOUS! But the more you do the easier it gets. If I ever get his ulcers under control and get to show him again, I’m sure I’ll be all sorts of angsty all over again. Like you said though, even with the nerves, it’s still so fun!