[horseyfrk145]

HAHA I know the feeling! Are you planning on using a watch?

[I Love BODIE!]

^ Yes, just because I've never REALLY felt what 400mpm was, and I think it would be helpful to make sure I don't get eliminated for going too fast!
My friend, last weekend, on her lazy 15hh small-strided pony (I use that term lightly) was at 3:30 at the second to last fence, and optimum time was 5:27!

[idlewild]

Yes!! You MUST post pictures! We will maul you if you don't!!

Hmm.... I think I already gave you most of my tips. Oh, don't forget to BREATHE!! And ride the first jump, but don't stress it. The first couple of jumps XC set the tone, you want to think about getting into a rhythm, find that rhythm and you're set! But don't overthink it, just let it come naturally and then just have fun!

You'll do great! Bodie is a super star and he's gonna make you proud this weekend!

edit to add: A thought about the watch and timing. If, at the second to last (or even third to last, where ever there is a large space between fences) it's obvious you are going way to fast, it is OK to slow down to a trot or even circle!! As long as you come in after the speed fault time and before the optimum time you're good! (But, the closer to the optimum time the better, in the rare case of a tie, it is broken by the XC time that closer to the optimum)

[I Love BODIE!]

Don't worry, I'll DEFINITELY post pictures and videos Wouldn't want you guys to come to my house with pitchforks and torches for not putting them up! Just kidding!
Thanks for the tips, Emily! Breathing is usually pretty important for me, so I'll try not to forget to do that

[horseyfrk145]

That's good about using your watch in that scenario - and Emily #2 () gave you awesome advice!

[I Love BODIE!]

ONE MORE DAY (until we leave)!!!!!!! I think I'm going to have to bring my laptop, so I can give you guys daily updates

[I Love BODIE!]

Originally Posted by idlewild

edit to add: A thought about the watch and timing. If, at the second to last (or even third to last, where ever there is a large space between fences) it's obvious you are going way to fast, it is OK to slow down to a trot or even circle!! As long as you come in after the speed fault time and before the optimum time you're good! (But, the closer to the optimum time the better, in the rare case of a tie, it is broken by the XC time that closer to the optimum)

Okay, good to know! Thanks Emily! And, just clarifying, you can't slow down after the LAST fence, right?

[idlewild]

Originally Posted by I Love BODIE!

Okay, good to know! Thanks Emily! And, just clarifying, you can't slow down after the LAST fence, right?

Yep, you've got it. Obviously checking your horse to slower gait such as a trot or walk or circling, weaving, serpentining, between the last fence and the finish is classified as delay of finish and is penalized. How severely I'm not sure. But doing circles, serpentines, slowing down between any two marked obstacles NOT a combination (as in, a A and B fence) is allowed.

Lol Becca, Emily #2

[HorseBliss]

Originally Posted by I Love BODIE!

Don't worry, I'll DEFINITELY post pictures and videos Wouldn't want you guys to come to my house with pitchforks and torches for not putting them up! Just kidding!
Thanks for the tips, Emily! Breathing is usually pretty important for me, so I'll try not to forget to do that

Oh.. I will SO do that!

Good luck, and have loads of fun! You guys are gonna rock! I do suppose you know your dressage test inside and out and every which way? My first event (which was elementary btw lol), I messed up where I was suppose to trot in one place, how lame is that? lol

[I Love BODIE!]

Originally Posted by idlewild

Yep, you've got it. Obviously checking your horse to slower gait such as a trot or walk or circling, weaving, serpentining, between the last fence and the finish is classified as delay of finish and is penalized. How severely I'm not sure. But doing circles, serpentines, slowing down between any two marked obstacles NOT a combination (as in, a A and B fence) is allowed.

Lol Becca, Emily #2

Great, thanks again Emily! (The whole Emily thing gets pretty confusing after a while ).

Also, what counts as a refusal/runout? I was reading the handbook, and it was pretty confusing

Originally Posted by HorseBliss

Oh.. I will SO do that!

Good luck, and have loads of fun! You guys are gonna rock! I do suppose you know your dressage test inside and out and every which way? My first event (which was elementary btw lol), I messed up where I was suppose to trot in one place, how lame is that? lol

I THINK I know my test, well, I hope so! Thanks for reminding me, I need to go look at that again