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.