I see there are "unrecognized trials" in MD, and I suppose that is the kind one starts at (also schooling days at some xc farms)! For instance, I've seen that certain things are required, helmet, vest, but what is a medical armband, and where does one get this?? I am going to join the USEA Area II, or do I join USEA? I am not interested in accruing points at this time. I just want access to information so I can get more knowledge and experience. (Andi)
Thank you for asking this question Andi, as I'm sure there are many others in the same boat as you are! It's hard to learn what you need to know, without already knowing what you need to learn about, isn't it?? The good news is that eventers as a rule are a very friendly and helpful, so don't hesitate to ask questions or ask for help while at your events. You will make lots of great friends in the process as well!
That said, you will feel most confident going into your first event if you are truly prepared for it, so here are some tips: (Click on Question title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Question #4: My name is Cheryl and I just bought a 7 yr old chestnut Irish Sport Horse Mare. Her name is Winnie and we've had probably 6 rides all together. The first 3 were absolutely wonderful and the last 2, not so much! During my last 2 rides she was much "higher" than my other rides (weather very chilly and windy) and we were hacking at a nice trot where she was exceedingly "speedier" seemingly with each step and before I knew it, she let out a big buck! It seemed like it came out of nowhere! She stopped after just one, and I stayed on, but my ride today was similar except that I couldn't even trot without feeling like she wanted to go faster and faster and got tight under the saddle. I could feel a buck just waiting to happen, so we went back to the basics, just walking calmly in the arena. Of course since I just spent a small fortune on her, I am a bit concerned and hope that I am not creating this problem by the way I ride? Any suggestions? Thank you Lesley and I look forward to hearing from you soon!!
Hi Cheryl!
Has anything changed in her routine? Now that you own her, is she still getting the same kind of food and the same amount that she was before? What about turnout? You may just need to lunge her a bit first on the cold windy days, especially if she has limited turnout.
I really can't make any comments on whether or not her tension is due to something you are doing without seeing a video. Can you get someone to video you?
