Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Starter or Beginner Novice? THAT is the question!!!

No, seriously that IS the question.

I have decided to enter Octoberfest CT at Hoosier Horse Park on 15-16 in October(obviously!).  I am completely torn whether to enter at Starter or BN.  Really the only difference will be 4" in jump height that really would not be a problem.  It would be stiffer competition for us and we most likey will not place(which really isn't a concern for me).  The dressage test is no more complicated.  It is the difference of BN test A at starter(which we did in April and scored 41 straight out of winter) or BN test B at BN  I don't know.  I haven't done this very long.  When you make a move up you don't really start out winning on your first move up anyways, right?  It is about the experience in a schooling show anyways.  We did starter in April and it was fun and not a huge challange but good coming out of winter.  I cannot imagine starter being a challange at all.  But we will be at a new place and he has pretty much only shown at CAF.  So maybe that will add a challange, though for a horse how has raced in over a hundred races in different countries I cannot imagine it being a huge deal to him.  Hmmmm your thoughts? 

Off the topic of the CT though is that it is a 2 day show and they have OTTB classes which I would love to enter with Steady!!  And I have already purchased a XC schooling armband for HHP so we will get to school while down there!!!  I am starting to get excited!!  Yay! 

6 comments:

  1. Well, I went back and forth reading your post. Since you have already done a starter and found it easy, I would suggest BN. The only warning would be - are you familiar with the course? Not so much having ridden on it, but do you know what kind of terrain you will have? If the terrain is a lot more challenging than your previous starter trial, then it might be good at starter level.
    See? I can waffle with the best of them. But I am a firm believer in building a good strong base and never giving the horse a bad day.

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  2. I Am going to take Hampers too!! YAY! Want to stable together? Also, I can't find the entry form - only the show bill!?!?

    ... I'd pick whatever division you would feel most confident in. From what I've seen of Mr Steady, he's capable of either division. So do what you feel comfortable with. :) I think we are only going to do dressage ... MAAAYBE the starter division. We'll see how CAF goes next week!

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  3. I think you will be just fine in BN. It's really very manageable and a horse-friendly division, I would not worry at all.

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  4. It is only a CT, no xc so no worries about terrain.

    Lets totally stable together! What about a hotel room? Or is that too creepy of me to ask? Lol

    Thanks e79 your vote of confidence means alot.

    The decision has been made! More on that in posts to come.

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  5. Yay I'm excited! I can't wait to hear all about it.

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  6. COOLNESS..can u show in an OTTB saddle pad? U have tooooo
    I don't know enough of xc to offer advice but I can offer my good luck and can't wait to read about it!

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Steady and I love your feedback, so don't be shy!