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Guest
Username: New
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, 01 February, 2009 - 07:10 pm: | |
I found having group lessons in an indoor school ie a cones clinic was really helpful recently to get my pony(s) used to other turnouts passing and learning "the rules", and very helpful to our improvement too! Sponsored/group/club drives on a planned route where you see lots of other turnouts over a longer period where its less exciting is also really good at desensitising ponies at the very outset, and club/novice events are great to learn all this stuff without the pressure of it being IDT! Although I'd imagine that most people wanting to compete at this level, even as novices, would have been through all this first?? (I'm not saying its not still confusing! ;-)
Before that, I asked a friend to trot and canter my mare (who doesn't drive) past our ponies from all directions got them quite used to a manic environment. My horse also became utterly chilled about carriages too! I'd like to have the horse who leads the others past pigs or a tractor, or who is asked to stand with the novice/nervous horse, but I'm still working on it. If everyone tried for that, IMHO there would be fewer hairy moments!
Pippa F |
Guest
Username: New
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, 27 January, 2009 - 08:20 pm: | |
I agree with all your points! Being aware and looking where you are going at all times is essential! especially if you are circling or changing the rein!!! In addition I'm always wary of passing others at a faster speed and if you need to, give them plenty of room. Some horses may be inexperienced at driving with others. Common sense and good self awareness is usually the best policy!
Jem |
Fiona Powell
Username: Fionap
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, 26 January, 2009 - 10:58 pm: | |
Hi, after several years of running indoor trials, I believe that "look where you're going at all times" and "keep well clear" is the best advice (like dinghy racing!) and stands you in good stead wherever you drive.
Not everyone under competition/warming up conditions can remember which is their left! It's no use being confident that you know if the person coming towards you doesn't, and we have ten-year-olds (with adult grooms), Shetlands, pairs and Gelderlanders all sharing the same warm-up area.
I'm also not persuaded that limiting the number of turnouts is necessarily a good idea. We have had more than six safely trotting and walking round - the area is about 22 by 55m. This said, the majority of my competitors have at least a season under their belts and, I think, are considerate drivers. I know that newcomers and those of a nervous disposition prefer to warm up outside, which is the right thing for them, and to come inside only a few minutes before their turn.
It's always made clear to me when there's someone who's not regarded as behaving safely in the warm-up area and I ask them not to do whatever it is that's upsetting people - and everyone so far has always been understanding.
Another thing we do is to try to separate drivers by class, by their size of horse and experience, so horses go together and smaller turnouts go together. Novices and club class competitors we try to look after a bit more: we don't want anyone put off!
Can you borrow an experienced groom for part of the event, perhaps someone who could give you a bit of insight into what's what at your venue and give you confidence? (I'm not criticising your groom, it's just an idea that might help!)
This has worked for us at Wix so far. I'd be interested in others' views? |
Guest
Username: New
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 26 January, 2009 - 12:16 pm: | |
Could someone advice me on the etiquette of the warm up arena, when competing in the Indoor Driving Trials. I know you pass another turnout left to left, but for a newcomer it can be a bit scary! Thank you! |
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