Post by helle on Aug 8, 2009 19:59:22 GMT
I thought I would post this problem on here as I know quite a few people and some of you have seen the pony.
I have returned from NPS champs with our section a who we took PURELY for the FUN factor, and she behaved impeccably although she was not placed in any of her classes.
However- the experience of seeing the other ponies, competitors and owners have left my confidence in our ability to produce Jessica to a high enough standard for her to stand a chance of even getting placed next year. She is currently having time out due to a back problem, just about to bring her back into work. But because of the back problem I am a bit reluctant to school her and hack her out myself this winter as I was planning to do, just to help Emily out. She won't lead of another horse, so that option is out. Emily is only 10 - nearly 11- but not experienced enough to school her on herself, she could do a reasonable job with guidance, but it would need a dedicated instructor as she is unable to take instructions from me! I was thinking of maybe getting a schoolmaster for her just for the summer, to get her more experience of what things should feel like, but haven't' really neither got the money/room or time.
My biggest worry is that having gone this year and not got placed was OK because she never expected it, the section A was literally dragged out of the field, only her 4th show this year, and no work has gone into her. I would hate for her to work really hard and then still not get anywhere next year on Jessica. I hope I am just underestimating myself/ her and the pony, but I know several ponies who always get placed, who went and came no-where! How do you all cope with the PRESSURE??
I have returned from NPS champs with our section a who we took PURELY for the FUN factor, and she behaved impeccably although she was not placed in any of her classes.
However- the experience of seeing the other ponies, competitors and owners have left my confidence in our ability to produce Jessica to a high enough standard for her to stand a chance of even getting placed next year. She is currently having time out due to a back problem, just about to bring her back into work. But because of the back problem I am a bit reluctant to school her and hack her out myself this winter as I was planning to do, just to help Emily out. She won't lead of another horse, so that option is out. Emily is only 10 - nearly 11- but not experienced enough to school her on herself, she could do a reasonable job with guidance, but it would need a dedicated instructor as she is unable to take instructions from me! I was thinking of maybe getting a schoolmaster for her just for the summer, to get her more experience of what things should feel like, but haven't' really neither got the money/room or time.
My biggest worry is that having gone this year and not got placed was OK because she never expected it, the section A was literally dragged out of the field, only her 4th show this year, and no work has gone into her. I would hate for her to work really hard and then still not get anywhere next year on Jessica. I hope I am just underestimating myself/ her and the pony, but I know several ponies who always get placed, who went and came no-where! How do you all cope with the PRESSURE??