With a record 470 entrants at the Scone One Day Event this past weekend, it is timely to review the requirements for success in this sport.
It all comes down to Training and Preparation.
Specific to the three disciplines involved.
In training
the Dressage comes first, its purpose being to develop the skills of communication and responsiveness between horse and rider.
Then the Show-jumping, develops the paces to an upright fences and the eye for a take-off point. Starting with poles on the ground to shorten and lengthen strides, progressing to poles to cross-rails, then oxers, then strides to jumps on related lines, and introducing dazzle boards, distracting 'fill' to test the rider's character and horse's obedience..and, eventually, higher and angled jumps.
Cross-country jumping is safest to introduce when the rider's seat is secure on the flat, and the horse has confidence in the rider and him/herself and can maintain a regulated speed into jumps. Then ditches, bounce, drops, apexes, trakeners,can be introduced as one takes on new challenges moving up the levels of difficulty.
The young horse then needs to experience competition at Dressage Days; exposure to rope/chain/polypipe arenas. This also gives the rider feedback as to how much and what type of preparation is best to settle their horse for a steady performance in the test. Some horses need to have a warm-up, running through the test movements a couple of hours ahead of their test, for, say 40 minutes, then put away for a rest and some hay, then a final 20 or 10 minutes 'working-in' before the actual test.
Other horses may need an hours schooling directly prior to performing the test! The rider's preparation is crucial to the horse's performance.
Next, competition experience at local Jump Club days. These are great to allow young horses &/or riders the opportunity to watch more experienced horses and riders, and ride a couple of rounds at 30cm, 45cm, 60cm... and with more outings, develop the skills of 'walking the course' to determine the number of strides between fences and how to ride the course to give the horse the best view, footing and take-off point for each jump. (This can also be the first introduction to plastic bunting flapping in the wind, delineating jumping lines!)
The cross-country jumps are best schooled at an instructor's property, where a variety are set up and the rider's seat and skills can be coached for success.
There are a number of experienced and well-credentialled coaches available to young riders these days. Finding one to match your learning style should be very possible.
I'd certainly advise starting with an instructor, so as to develop effective skills, rather than trying by yourself and then having to find an instructor willing to work with you to correct bad riding habits and perhaps a loss of confidence in your horse...a much longer process.
And then the actual HorseTrials presents both horse and rider with no surprises, only the opportunity to enjoy all three phases in a competition environment.
