State College Classic, Part III

This is the third part in a series documenting our trip out to central Pennsylvania for the State College Classic held at Kocher Farm. I was riding Duncan, my 2001 American Paint Horse gelding. I have had him for almost two years, and the Classic was our first overnight show.

This was the first time I ever had asked Duncan to do two days of showing over fences back-to-back. He really was wonderful about the whole thing; it's the most I've asked of him so far. On our second day of showing, we did the Puddle Jumpers, Non-Pro Jumpers, and the Schooling Jumpers. The earlier courses were set at 2'6 (I think); our final course is at 3'. In our first course, we had a refusal on fence 2--I think I just let him get too behind my leg there, because he certainly wasn't fearful of it (as evidenced by him flying over it the next time!). In the Puddle Jumper, we took 7th of 8 among some good competitors. In the Non-Pro--which conveniently was the same course--I asked him for a little more speed, since we both knew exactly where we were going. We had an unfortunate rail near the end of the course--he just tapped the pink-and-green oxer before the sailboat in-and-out, and it came right down. Regardless, I was very pleased with his responsiveness and effort; we took 7th of 9. Lastly, we did the Schooling Jumpers. Duncan seemed completely unconcerned with the slightly higher fences, and if anything, gave me a better effort over them. Where we ran into trouble was the VERY LAST combination of the course--we refused on the very last fence! Gah! Our time would have netted us second place (it was a power and speed class), according to Jen. All I can think is, he was used to seeing the butterfly as a single jump--he seemed genuinely surprised when we jumped in and there was another fence there. I could have supported him better and pushed him through, but I totally wasn't expecting the refusal--I really try to stay out of his way in one stride in-and-outs, because a lot of times you do more harm than good when you override them. I got him back around and came to it again--knowing there was a combo, he went right through it pretty as you please. If you look carefully, you can see I'm yelling "Good boy!" on the landing. Even with our refusal, we took 7th out of 16! Like I said before, I wasn't out there for ribbons, but for the experience (for both of us) of doing an overnight show. I am SO proud of him for dealing with a new place and new jumps, taking so well to life in a temporary stall, and trying his best on extended days of effort under a hot, hot sun. We still have much to work on, but I walked away from this show very proud of everything that the four of us (Jen, Ozzy, Duncan, and I) accomplished.

Stay tuned for Part IV: the International Hunter Derby!

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• american
• paint
• horse
• apha
• gelding
• buckskin
• jumper
• jumping
• three
• foot
• puddle
• non
• pro
• schooling
• jump

[xDannyx24]

You are a great rider! I love watching Duncan and your other horse! They are very good jumpers! I have a TB mare and I am trying to get her to jump courses, but she runs through them and I just need her to slow down a bit! Are there any thing that you could tell me that might help her?? Thanks so much!

~Danielle!

[dragonfly1030]

Thank you! There's no one universal solution for all horses, but getting her responsive to half-halts and your seat on the flat will aid you over fences. If she's running through the bit, you may need to reassess what bit you're using.

[xXxHurleysGurlxXx]

I love how your always matching Duncan! lol I love it! My OTT thoroughbred is the same age as him an we're still working on flat work... :/

he tossed me a month after I got him an its taking untill now to get over my fear of cantering him but we're making progress! but we'll never get as good as you two! :)

[dragonfly1030]

Nah, don't sell yourself short! If you've been watching my videos, you know I get tossed every now and then. As long as you've not broken anything, get back up, dust yourself off, and try to figure out what went wrong. That's really the best solution. Just start quietly again at a pace you're comfortable with, and keep working at it until you feel more confident.

[Phayzzer]

Your doing a great job with Duncun. I'm really enjoying watching his progress. I'm stuck in very, very northern canada with not a horse in sight, so thank you for helping me with my 'fix'!

[dragonfly1030]

That's so sweet of you to say!  Thank you! :)

[dragonfly1030]

@jennydylan12 No problem. It's a Roma brand pad--I bought it in the local tack shop. :)

[xDannyx24]

Thanks I will try that the next time I ride her! ~Danielle

[JesDaOinkHansDaNeigh]

Duncannn! :D

[dragonfly1030]

Thank you very much! :) I agree! :D