Eventing debut tomorrow ! Yay !

[mandalea]

So, I have just entered my first Official ODE, which is on 2 weeks and I'm so nervous !

I've groomed/photographed/spectated at a couple of ODEs, so I know how it works on the ground (sort of) but not necessarily the saddle.

What tips would you give somebody for their first ODE ?

Any would be great !

[deltawave]

You will have been schooling and preparing all summer/fall, right? If so, you'll be ready, just review the rulebook so you don't make any silly mistakes, do your best, and go for fun. :yes:

[oldbutnotdead]

My standard first piece of advice: take plenty of good food and you'll make many new friends!

Also, have fun!

[Foxygrl516]

The only thing that caught me off guard at my first 1-day was how tight time got during the day. When you get your ride times and think "Oh, well I have 2 hrs between dressage and sj, I'll walk xc then", it doesn't always work out that well. By the time you get back to your trailer/stall and untack and get to xc start you'll probably realize that you only have like 20-30 min to walk (not enough time!) before you have to start tacking up again to get to sj warm up on time. So my advice? Get there early enough to walk your course before Dressage!!! That way between phases you aren't rushing and panicking and you can relax and enjoy the experience!

[oldbutnotdead]

Here are a few more thoughts.

It helps to have everything organized by phases if possible. For example, all your stadium jumping grouped clothes together, and all your stadium saddlery, including horse boots if you use them, grouped together. Large plastic containers can be used, or you can organize your trailer this way when you get to the show.

Walking xc before dressage is a good idea -- but be really early. I always seem to find myself running short of time, and just barely having time to warm up before the different phases. Of course, my lateness may be tied to my disorganization. I do not aways practice what I preach.

Make sure to eat and drink enough - both you and your horse. Keep your energy levels high. Do not get dehydrated. If your horse won't drink foreign water, make sure you take some from home.

And have fun!

[ACMEeventing]

Step 1: buy ice for cooler

Step 2: buy plenty of gatoraides and water for cooler

Step 3: pack beer at bottom of cooler and water/gatoraide on top of cooler

Step 4: when water/gatoraide is gone it is time to drink beer

Note: when in need, the water/gatoraide can be moved easily aside so that the beer is more accesible. one large swig prior to XC is usually in order.

[the lady of shalott]

Congrats to making it to your first event! First of all remember to breather =] It's really not as "big a deal" as you have made it up in your mind to be. Here are a few tips off the top of my head
: Drink LOTS of water, even if your not thirsty
: If your not hungry still eat SOMETHING, my trainer brings salami as its high in protein
: Like others said, make sure your ready way beforehand. Things will be more rushed than you think
: once again BREATHE
: remember to wait for the bell in dressage before you enter the arena=]
: read the rulebooks, you wouldn't believe how easy it is to get the Big E!
: remember that even your warm-up fences have to be jumped a certain direction (red on right, white on left.. I think of it just as "right on red" like stopping at a light and then turning)
: Just keep breathing!
: Make sure you have your armband! (this is required for one days right?)
: This should go without sayin.. but walk your cross country course with the EXACT lines you are going to ride it. and if you have time walk it a couple-three times
: have fun!
: pics are required!

[mandalea]

You will have been schooling and preparing all summer/fall, right? If so, you'll be ready, just review the rulebook so you don't make any silly mistakes, do your best, and go for fun. :yes:

I've done XC once :uhoh: and it was a disaster ! But since it is in the school holidays, I'm getting a couple of jumping lessons, because they are our weaker point :uhoh: Dressage, we're fine. Now, if only there was more dressage in an event... :winkgrin:

The only thing that caught me off guard at my first 1-day was how tight time got during the day. When you get your ride times and think "Oh, well I have 2 hrs between dressage and sj, I'll walk xc then", it doesn't always work out that well. By the time you get back to your trailer/stall and untack and get to xc start you'll probably realize that you only have like 20-30 min to walk (not enough time!) before you have to start tacking up again to get to sj warm up on time. So my advice? Get there early enough to walk your course before Dressage!!! That way between phases you aren't rushing and panicking and you can relax and enjoy the experience!

That would be a good idea, since the course is MASSIVE ! I've ridden at the venue once before, and was surprised how long the course was - only did the first 6 jumps, and that took a while ! Though, because I'm in the lowest level, I will be on super early - so I don't know how much time I will have, since he has to have a long warm up for dressage or he goes feral.

Here are a few more thoughts.

It helps to have everything organized by phases if possible. For example, all your stadium jumping grouped clothes together, and all your stadium saddlery, including horse boots if you use them, grouped together. Large plastic containers can be used, or you can organize your trailer this way when you get to the show.

Walking xc before dressage is a good idea -- but be really early. I always seem to find myself running short of time, and just barely having time to warm up before the different phases. Of course, my lateness may be tied to my disorganization. I do not aways practice what I preach.

Make sure to eat and drink enough - both you and your horse. Keep your energy levels high. Do not get dehydrated. If your horse won't drink foreign water, make sure you take some from home.

And have fun!

I'm wearing the same stuff for dressage as stadium - white blouse, navy tie, mustard waistcoat (is a must - is lucky :)), navy coat and banana jodhpurs - or maybe cream.. ? Haven't decided. Maybe cream sticky-bums for XC..

I have about a bazillion plastic totes that everything is sorted and stored in already - I'm am completely anal retentive :yes: Everything has to be organized, otherwise I have no idea what I'm doing.

I washed his stadium boots the other day (Weatherbeeta/Roma open fronts) and accidently spilt baby oil on the shell - which makes them quite shiny :winkgrin:

I bought new riding boots for me - Dublin Advanced zip-ups, because I use gaiters, and I also bought a bridle number holder - but I still need a XC number holder and a arm band - but my friend is not competing because she has a job interview at a Welsh pony stud (as is going to tell them I need a job too.. :uhoh:) and I am going to borrow hers.

I also bought Old Mac G2s, because where I school, the ground can be quite slippery and poorly, and he has really soft feet, and I'm wondering if I should use them or not :confused:

And I will definitely have enough food. I don't normally eat or drink, but then I get a massive headache when I get home. And I will need to by another bunch of drink bottles, because when I do get thirsty there, 2 bottles isn't enough :lol:

He doesn't normally drink when he's not at home, even if we bring our own water, so I went to the produce store and got a big bottle of molasses :D

Step 1: buy ice for cooler

Step 2: buy plenty of gatoraides and water for cooler

Step 3: pack beer at bottom of cooler and water/gatoraide on top of cooler

Step 4: when water/gatoraide is gone it is time to drink beer

Note: when in need, the water/gatoraide can be moved easily aside so that the beer is more accesible. one large swig prior to XC is usually in order.

That would be a good idea - except I'm only 15 :lol:

Dad might have to take some for his nerves though, because it will be his first time towing somewhere with out my mum because she already had stuff organized :lol:

Congrats to making it to your first event! First of all remember to breather =] It's really not as "big a deal" as you have made it up in your mind to be. Here are a few tips off the top of my head
: Drink LOTS of water, even if your not thirsty
: If your not hungry still eat SOMETHING, my trainer brings salami as its high in protein
: Like others said, make sure your ready way beforehand. Things will be more rushed than you think
: once again BREATHE
: remember to wait for the bell in dressage before you enter the arena=]
: read the rulebooks, you wouldn't believe how easy it is to get the Big E!
: remember that even your warm-up fences have to be jumped a certain direction (red on right, white on left.. I think of it just as "right on red" like stopping at a light and then turning)
: Just keep breathing!
: Make sure you have your armband! (this is required for one days right?)
: This should go without sayin.. but walk your cross country course with the EXACT lines you are going to ride it. and if you have time walk it a couple-three times
: have fun!
: pics are required!

I will have to find my Rescue Remedy so I remember :lol:

We're pretty down pat on the deal with Dressage now. Been to a few shows.

I've done a couple of CT shows, so I'm pretty ok with Stadium warm up as well.

Armband is being borrowed off friend :)

Might have to bring a bicycle to walk XC :eek: Is LOOONG course !

Have bookmarked rules books, and go through them all the time :)

And pictures should be fine - Dad is genius with camera, and his big d300, like the 'pros' use :winkgrin: These pics were taken by me, but with said camera :) http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/mandaleacalico/Silverhills%20ODE%202009/

I'm just wondering thought, would I possibly need a watch ? Would a normal stop watch suffice ?

Anyways, thanks guys ! :) Big help !

[mandalea]

Er, ner !

I just remembered out ODEs run over 2 days :lol: What a noob !

So, yes, I will have plenty of time to walk XC :lol:

[broughton_sporthorses]

Are you allowed a dressage whip in the dressage in the USA?
In Australia you aren't, and it catches out SO many people. It is unbelievable. If you have to warm up with a whip, remember to drop it before you go in. I usually don't even warm up with one, I'm too paranoid I'll forget to drop it!

[broughton_sporthorses]

Oh woops, I just saw you are from Australia too! :P

[mandalea]

:lol:

Silly billy !

Said event is Berrima Winter ODE. I've been to Araluen for Oxley, and we failed miserably.

Are you going ? I'm only doing newcomers.

By the by, I am person who added you on facebook :)

[deltawave]

You've been talking about this event for months but still have only schooled XC once? :eek: :no: I don't mean to be grumpy (but I am scared to death of the course I have to jump today, LOL) but you're not exactly setting yourself up for a good experience there. :)

[broughton_sporthorses]

Ohhh right right, hi!
No I'm not going, I don't event anymore. I just do dressage and showjumping.

Berrima is not a very difficult course for intro (so newcomers should be okay too), the last time I rode there. It will be freezing there though, so bring lots of warm clothes and extra horse rugs!

[the lady of shalott]

I'm just wondering thought, would I possibly need a watch ? Would a normal stop watch suffice ?

Anyways, thanks guys ! :) Big help ![/COLOR]

I don't know how the levels vary over there, but if your in the equivalent of our Beginner Novice Level, you DON'T need a watch in my opinion. I ride BN without a watch all the time. You can get through in just a nice working canter, when you watch it looks sooooooo slow, but it gets through the time quite nicely=] Plus if its your first time, you really don't want to be fuddling (is that a word?) around with a watch, the important thing is to get through clear =] Don't concentrate on your time, just have fun and use your leg!

[mandalea]

You've been talking about this event for months but still have only schooled XC once? :eek: :no: I don't mean to be grumpy (but I am scared to death of the course I have to jump today, LOL) but you're not exactly setting yourself up for a good experience there. :)

I've jumped xc a few times in the past couple of months, but only rode it like a proper course once. I've (sorta) done this course before.

Berrima is not a very difficult course for intro (so newcomers should be okay too), the last time I rode there. It will be freezing there though, so bring lots of warm clothes and extra horse rugs!

Will do :yes: I live in Tahmoor, so I'm pretty use to it. But, he does have a very sexy light pink quarter sheet now ;) :lol:

I don't know how the levels vary over there, but if your in the equivalent of our Beginner Novice Level, you DON'T need a watch in my opinion. I ride BN without a watch all the time. You can get through in just a nice working canter, when you watch it looks sooooooo slow, but it gets through the time quite nicely=] Plus if its your first time, you really don't want to be fuddling (is that a word?) around with a watch, the important thing is to get through clear =] Don't concentrate on your time, just have fun and use your leg!

Uhk. Newcomers is about 45 - 60 cm (I think)

I'm just thinking I might be too slow :uhoh: My friend did Preliminary there a couple of moths ago, and the max length for that is between 2000 and 3000 m, and they had it at 3000 m ! I dunno. I'll see. If I can find a decent one, I'll take it :)

[broughton_sporthorses]

If you can find a watch, it would be good. Sometimes when you first start eventing, you think you are galloping like a maniac, and really, you are doing a slow canter :) Well, that's what I found when I started eventing, hehe.

[mandalea]

If you can find a watch, it would be good. Sometimes when you first start eventing, you think you are galloping like a maniac, and really, you are doing a slow canter :) Well, that's what I found when I started eventing, hehe.

:lol:

We use to have a really good watch that had a stop watch in it, and you could set it for a certain time, and if you went over time it would beep a couple of times, the record how long over time you went. Like when you do a 'lap' on an ordinary stop watch. Was cool.

[enjoytheride]

I remember from past posts you don't have a trainer and have not taken lessons. Has that changed?

[BarbB]

TOTALLY off topic....mandalea, I posted that youtube video on FB, it is hysterical, thanks so much for finding and sharing it!

[ohhthatgirl]

I did a little research on the Newcomer level, and it sounds pretty similar to the Tadpole/Maiden/Green as Grass levels we have in the states. The time should be pretty easily made, but at this level (and since its your first time out), you shouldn't even need to worry about it. The time is slow enough for a good canter and even allows you to trot in some places that you feel uncomfortable. I wouldn't wear a watch; just worry about getting back safely and having a good time :)

As for hydration, my trainer always recommended Pedalite since its a good source of electrolytes and its easy on your stomach. If your horse won't drink water away from home, you can also mix in some Gatorade in one bucket of water a few days before the competition to get him use to it. Then, when you get to the competition, have one bucket with the Gatorade and one bucket of fresh water. It just helps to mask the water "flavors." Watermelon flavor has been dubbed a favorite by a friend's horse.

Also, make sure you have a couple of extras just incase things break -- reins, stirrup leathers, halter, etc.

Lastly, have fun! Just relax and allot plenty of time for everything. I'm sure you'll do great, and you must let us know how it goes when you get back!

[mandalea]

I remember from past posts you don't have a trainer and have not taken lessons. Has that changed?

Uh. I DO have a trainer and I DO take lessons. I always have. I just don't have JUMPING lessons.

TOTALLY off topic....mandalea, I posted that youtube video on FB, it is hysterical, thanks so much for finding and sharing it!

:uhoh: What video. I don't remember ! Please do enlighten me !

[BarbB]

the one in your signature line :lol:

[mandalea]

the one in your signature line :lol:

OH :uhoh::D shh ! my bad :D

Is well funny isn't it ?

Well, a sorta update thingo on the event - going to Horseland on the weekend to get a medical armband and xc number holder ! Hopefully :uhoh:

They haven't put the draw up yet :sigh:

What do you guys think of quarter marks ? I just wanted to do something fun, since I'm in Junior, and there will probably be lots of little kids.

This is what I came up with :D : http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/mandaleacalico/Picture004.jpg?t=1246954352

And yes, it is my horse, and yes, it is a template, that took me ages to cut out ! And yes, it is poor quality, because it is off my phone.

[mandalea]

Mum bought an armband on Wednesday when she was doing groceries. ANd new jodhpurs :D

Now, all I need is my number holder and I'm good to go !

None of the stores around here sell them :sigh: So I either order one in, or sit up till 1 am like I am now and get one off ebay :lol:

And I think I have a jumping lesson sometime during the week.. ?:confused:

[deltawave]

Now, all I need is my number holder and I'm good to go !


And some XC schooling. :rolleyes: Ninety percent of the thread is about what items you've bought or how you're going to dress your horse--where's the part about all the in-the-saddle preparation?

[Mtn trails]

What is a number holder?

[mandalea]

And some XC schooling. :rolleyes: Ninety percent of the thread is about what items you've bought or how you're going to dress your horse--where's the part about all the in-the-saddle preparation?

Ok then.

Sunday - Lesson

Monday - Practice dressage test

Tuesday - Stadium practice - oxers and doubles

Wednesday - Jump

Thursday - Practice EVERYTHING

Friday - Same as Thursday, but wash, plait etc :)

Saturday + Sunday - YAY ! :D

[AKB]

Remember to relax and have fun. Eventing is not about winning, unless you are one of the few people who is a professional.

Try to take your time in each phase. Arrive early so you have enough time to watch a few horses go and to slowly warm up for each phase. If there are several dressage rings, find out which one is yours. Then listen to see what your judge uses as a bell. One judge may have a bell, another a whistle, another a horn. You want to know if it is your judge who is signaling you to start. Watch a couple of dressage tests so you get some sense of the ring. If horses are slipping in the corners, you want to ride the corners carefully and slowly. Ask questions if you don't understand something. The ring stewards and other competitors are usually happy to answer a quick question. Remember that if you get eliminated in one phase, you may be able to keep competing, depending on how you got eliminated.

My neighbors had a "funny" experience when their daughter began eventing. They arrived at the event and began tacking up. When they checked in at the secretary's desk, the secretary told them that they were at the wrong event. Their event was a few miles further down the road. They packed up, and hurried to the correct address. After getting to the correct event, they realized that they had forgotten the bridle for their large headed mare. No other competitors had an extra bridle that would fit her, but one suggested that they could buy a used bridle at the tack sale near the secretary's stand. They quickly found a large bridle that fit, only to realize that the mother had left her purse and money at home with the forgotten bridle. Another competitor leant them the money to buy the bridle. After that, everything went smoothly.

I hope you and your horse have fun at the event.

[enjoytheride]

I think at your level you can leave out the galloping sets, regular riding should be just fine to keep your horse fit.

You said you didn't have a jumping trainer, then that you're taking a jumping lesson. We want you to do well and part of that is having an experienced person on the ground to prepare you properly at home so you can deal with everything that comes up.

I also think that jumping in a lesson once during that week should be sufficient.

[mandalea]

Had a jumping lesson on Sunday.

Went really well :)

Kept jumping really long, but settled down after a while. Went around part of her XC course as well, and he was good.

Worked on my test, and getting him to relax on canter circles.

My draw isn't out yet, and it's Tuesday already. Not happy :mad:

Doing final packing today, of all the stuff I wont need before Saturday.

[mandalea]

Ok, today, practiced Dressage test, and cantered up and down hill, in case there are some on xc course, because I cant remember if there is :uhoh:

Going for ride on local trails tomorrow, so I can work him in the sand along the lake :)

Deciding which gloves to take for saturday - Black or white ? :confused:

And if I should wrap his legs on friday, since they are white, or should I not bother, since they will probably get dirty as soon as he gets off the float ?

Well, my draw is: Dressage @ 8:42, Stadium on Saturday at 1:04 and XC on Sunday at 9:35.

What time should I get there? I need at least 45 minutes warm up, because it will be cold, and it takes 1/2 hour to get there. Maybe be there about 7:00 ?

Have plenty of people I know going in higher levels, so I can photograph them between my dressage and stadium :)