[Solly Jumper]

My barn is having a little in-house show on the 16th. I promised myself I would get the guts to go up a level this year (novice instead of pre-novice) and I think I'm starting out well. I know that when I put too much thought into enterance forms, I always end up doubting myself when I'm aware of my abilities. So, instead of thinking this time, I checked off Novice (2'3)and handed it in with my money. I haven't done a full course on Will for a while, but I know I can do it. I don't think we have enough room in the arena for a full sized, general hunter course... so it'll probably be a bit smaller. I'm very excited! I hope I'm able to be successful - it'd be a nice start to the show season. I also won't be as nervous, as it's in a familiar place.

Pictures (and hopefully videos) will be taken! Wish me luck!

[Buckshot]

Good luck! I'll look forward to the pictures.

[I LUV BESS]

yey!! were having an in-barn competition to

good luck!!

[Solly Jumper]

Thanks so much! I'm so excited. I just hope Will doesn't go lame again... my barn just had 5 of their regular schoolies go lame (one who got a puncture wound, the others just "off.") If he does go lame I'm worried I might be put on a horse I'm not comfortable with, but we shall see. I would probably just do the flat class in that case. There are o/f divisions, and then seperate flat classes, so that wouldn't be a problem, I don't think.

[kellidahorsegirl]

You can do it! Be brave and confident and all will go well

Good luck!

[Fox Glove]

Solly! Solly! Solly!

The real reward is not the ribbon,
it is just doing it, for the pleasure of doing it well

You know the old saying..

Throw your heart over the fence,
and the horse will follow.

Good luck!
Paula

[Solly Jumper]

I always smile when I see you've posted because I know you'll always say something motivational. I'm very excited as well because, since my regular coach has left, I have a VERY experienced hunter/jumper coach now... who's placed so, so well. I believe she got a 2nd o/f at a Championships? And she's trained horses that have sold to very accomplished riders. I'll be riding with her for the month of February, then I'll be getting some lessons from Kitty Bowland (she's a well-known judge in my area and does rider level testings, she actually did my rider level 1.) Both are not "warm and fuzzy", but they tell you like it is... they're both pretty technical, and my coach for February has noticed my leg issue and we're working on it!

Fox Glove - You speak the truth! I am, of course, not in it for the ribbons (though they're always nice to get, I have more than enough wallspace left )

[Feliche]

Fox Glove, very good advice

...I like the ribbons too, personally :O They're shiny and...pretty But yeah, it's not about the winning, just getting out and doing it! You can do it easy Your horse is great and those fences are just itty bitty little things (gotta keep telling yourself that even if you don't reaaaally believe it :O Haha!)

You're gonna have a blast and do so well Just get out there and Rock N' Roll.

[Solly Jumper]

Thanks, Feliche! It kills me to be afraid of jumping because I enjoy it so much. I've come such a long way though! I used to be absolutely TERRIFIED of oxers (just ask Kelli!) and I have overcome that. Just the word "course" scares me. I'm cool with 3 jumps... maybe even 4... but the idea of having to remember a course makes me want to cry, haha. I freak out over it so much, but it alway comes together once I'm in the ring and "in the zone." Singing or counting strides helps a lot.