Trainer and I had a talk about the best way for me to enter the show ring on Miss Addy, and I’ll admit that I was very surprised by the way the conversation went.
It started out very basic- we agreed that a smaller VHSA show nearby would be a better idea than a 3 day A show in Pennsylvania. Small and local were the keywords. We’ll find whatever 2’6″ adult classes that are offered, and see how we do.
That’s when it got interesting.
I jokingly said that I couldn’t wait to do the 3′ Adult Medals, and instead of laughing at me and telling me to slow my roll, trainer just looked at me and said we can absolutely do that.
Hold up… You’re telling me that I can move up? Even though I haven’t shown in 10 years? Have you thought this through? Have I thought this through? Party!
So while the plan is still to stick with 2’6″ for the first show and take it from there, I’ve already got my eye on those equitation medals. As long as we continue to do well in our lessons and that first show goes well, I can’t think of a good reason not to go for it!
Any tips for moving up to 3′ at the shows? When/why did you move up in height?
hellomylivia 
This is so exciting for you! When do the local shows start – are they summer shows?
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VHSA actually has local shows throughout the year, so if we can get our act together in time I could be out there as soon as February!
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Good luck! Moving up is always scary but also fun!
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Thanks! A little nervous but definitely excited!
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First of all, I LOVE the picture. That is a very athletic-looking horse. Second, and a bit aside from your question of how to make the jump (sorry, couldn’t help the pun!) from 2′ 6″ to 3′; Jean Piaget’s work suggests that we learn when we’re ready to learn and when we give ourselves permission to learn. What a wonderful trainer who knew that all you needed was “permission”! Great horse, great trainer, great combination! Go for it!
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You forgot the great support system too! We need to get you down here for a visit so you can see this athletic horse up close!
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Do it! If your trainer thinks you can, you can.
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Thanks for the vote of confidence! I think she’s a little crazy for agreeing, but trainer knows best 🙂
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I second this!
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Very exciting! Best of luck
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Thanks! It’ll certainly be an adventure!
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We moved up when 2’6 was boring. We probably could have moved up sooner, but I tend to be overly cautious and type A and want it all to be perfect before we tackle an additional challenge. I also wanted our flatwork to be really, really solid so that I had a horse that did listen between fences, rather than a ride where I was having to let her make choices.
Good luck with the move up, maybe we’ll see you at some shows this summer 🙂
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Good call with the flatwork- it’s easy to underestimate just how important that is when the fence height goes up. I’ll definitely be posting what shows I end up at, it would be fantastic to meet up with a fellow blogger!
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Very nice!! That’s great you want to do it, and your trainer believes in you. Sounds like you’re going to have a great year!
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Thanks! I’m trying to ride my wave of confidence, and it’s great having a trainer that’s behind me like this. Ready to see what 2015 brings 🙂
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Last year I moved up from 2′ to 2’6″ and I did it when I felt relatively comfortable. My trainer definitely helped push me a little bit, but so did my horse. He finally said 2′ was WAY too boring for him to bother, haha
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And we all know that the horse is really the boss 🙂
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I’ve got my eye on 3 foot this year! It’s been a up and down experience getting my mare to the point where she’s confident enough to jump whatever is in front of her. She is definitely a peek at jumps type. So really, her confidence level, and my fear of shaking it is what drives us a lot of the time. Ability is there-but I would never want to overface her before she was ready.
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Addy used to be very nervous over jumps- it took a while of really building her confidence to get her to the point where she trusts her rider to guide her. Sounds like you’re doing the right thing for you and your girl!
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