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What it takes will depend on the relative riding levels of those showing.
Overall, the judge is likely to be looking for a consistent pace, straightness through the lines, correct leads (at this level trotting the changes should not be penalized) and good equitation (heels down, legs steady, good release, good posture, etc.).
At your first show, your focus should be on having a fun, positive experience. Make it your goal to have a safe, successful trip, and if you happen to win, that would just be the icing on the cake.
Have fun!
Exactly - take care of your horse, give him confidence, no rush, give him/her
a good experience and build from that in the future. Just the atmosphere takes some getting used to even in a schooling show, new place,other horses milling around, etc. Even going away from the gate and the other horses and going to the far end of the arena is a big thing for a green horse.
I agree with the others here, and on your other thread - the focus should be having a positive, fun, and safe experience for you and your horse.
But here’s a tip that will set you apart from others in a cross-rail class. Jump the middle of each jump. The EXACT middle. The lowest point of the cross-rail. Many of your fellow competitors will just be happy to make it somewhere between the standards. To really shine, jump the middle of each jump - and be completely straight between the jumps.
If your horse is green and you are as well (guessing you are as it’s crossrails) just look to have a pleasant experience. Ride nice straight lines and regroup/take deep breaths on the turns. Use the whole ring, not cutting corners. Many crossrail divisions allow for trotted lead changes, if there are changes of direction. If so, and your horse doesn’t change easily, trot them rather than getting into a tussle with him.
Equitation basics like heels down, eyes up and a nice release are important at this level. To be honest, if your horse has any “green” moments (and he may) it may move you down because the judge may see him as unsuitable for a beginner. Think about keeping everything as calm and settled and “easy” as possible.
Have fun!
You both are green, focus on your horse and having a good positive ride. Don’t worry about winning.
Have a good ride–try not to worry about doing well your first show. As my trainer says, first we learn to get around the courses, then we focus on being competitive. Don’t put pressure on yourself to be competitive first.
Like others have said, correct diagonals, correct lead, good consistent rhythm for your horse and jump the middle of the jump (or pole).
For you, heels down, good posture, relaxed elbows and eyes up and ahead. Good luck and have fun!
Don’t even think about the ribbons. I mean this is no negative way but thinking about ribbons will only stress you out.
With my mare when I had started her over fences we did crossrails for a couple months at the shows. I used my opening/closing circles to allow her to get a look at the fences. Think about exposing her to everything and letting her see things, you don’t need to focus on proper hunter round etiquette right now.
Walk in, walk past a couple fences letting her see them, not stop or anything but see it, pat her. I have yet to meet a judge that will dock you for taking a couple extra seconds when your round is bang on. Pick up your trot, go on the opening circle, pick up your canter in the second half, pat, continue to fences.
Our courses were always set against the wall. I aimed for just slightly off centered towards the wall to give my mare less of an option. We are going. Leg on, never waiver. Use your voice quietly after each fence she does well. “Gooood”.
You don’t really need to two point over cross rails. Practice staying in a three point position, weight down through your calf for a stable position in case of a stop and to have a good supporting leg on, release with your arms.
Otherwise, get your diagonals, set the rhythm and lots of praise. Crossrails probably isn’t your end goal, it is a stepping stone make it extremely positive.
Closing circle I always let out my reins a bit. My mare LOOVEESS to stretch down and out after a good round.
Good luck!
How am I green? No hate just wondering?
How am I green?
[QUOTE=SweetIndulgence;7859415]
How am I green? No hate just wondering?[/QUOTE]
Because you are asking how to ride a cross-bar class.
You repeatedly said it was your horse’s first show. Who cares about winning a cross-bar class…what you really should be targeting is a good, positive experience for your horse (and to set you/your horse up for future shows with bigger fences/divisions).
[QUOTE=SweetIndulgence;7859416]
How am I green?[/QUOTE]
They are considering you green because you are new to the horse show world. Green doesn’t mean anything bad, just that you are new.
Coming over from eventerland, I can’t add much about what you will be judged on but most importantly have fun! This is all for fun (for the majority of us) and sometimes we need to remind ourselves that.
Then why are you asking how to win if you’ve shown before? Your wording is very confusing, reread it and you will see why everyone is assuming this is you and your horses first show.
