Cross Country

[DixieGirl]

I was wondering if this sport has really low level shows. I have a 14.3 stocky QH and I don't know if she could handle a big course. She does have stamina but not really really good. Also, if there is any facts ect. about this please let me know!

Taylor

[Barrelbabe_23]

Cross Country takes alot!!! You have to know HOW to jump. Your horse has to know how to jump and the horse cant be scared of the jumps.

[Half&Half]

There are low level XC courses, but I would really recommend getting familiar with show jumping and Dressage. Those 2 things are the key elements that you need for XC. I'm not saying that you shouldn't compete in it, but you need to be prepared. The jumps are stable and DON'T come down if you knock a rail. I would spend some time jumping and getting both you and your horse familiar with, not only fast pace, but precision and compulsion. As for your horse's height, that has little to do with it. If she is a good, steady jumper, and you feel confident on her, than that's what counts!

[DixieGirl]

Thanks. The only thing is that she is so stocky adn I don't want her to have future leg and joint problems. They don't just have little little cross country courses?

[silverleprichuan]

Of course they do! Most local shows will have levels called "green as grass" "ameboa" "pre-intro" or something similar. These courses tend to be much shorter and less challenging then a standard cross country course. This is a great way to get your feet wet and find out if you want to pursue eventing further.
At the lower levels the cross country will be similar to an easy stadium course, except it's out in the open with a bigger distance between fences.

[moniexponie]

As for your horse's height, that has little to do with it. If she is a good, steady jumper, and you feel confident on her, than that's what counts!

She's right - Karen O'Connor [eek, I don't know if that's how you spell her name >.<] rode "Theodorable Teddy" in the Rolex Kentucky Derby ... last year I think it was? He's a little [14.2hh] chestnut pony. He's amazing.

[DixieGirl]

Do you have any idea for the low levels what the jumpes would be like?

[Barrelbabe_23]

Satori at Flordia!! Srry. Umm idk about the jumps execpt they have log and water and all that stuff.

[horse_lover]

some of the jumps r pretty scary, but if u ere just doing low jumps, idk, I've onnly seen like 2'-5' (I don't jump 4' my friend does, I've watched her jump really high,) the highest xc jump I've jumped is 2'2'' it is at my house

[silverleprichuan]

Do you have any idea for the low levels what the jumpes would be like?



For the intro-beginner stuff they will literally be a 6 inch long on the ground or a 6 inch wooden coop. Let me try and find some pictures

[DixieGirl]

Thank You!! I just want to see if my horse would be okay with doing this stuff. I know she can jump 10 inches at home.

[HappyHorse13]

She's right - Karen O'Connor [eek, I don't know if that's how you spell her name >.<] rode "Theodorable Teddy" in the Rolex Kentucky Derby ... last year I think it was? He's a little [14.2hh] chestnut pony. He's amazing.

Ahhh, omg I know! Isn't he a Shetland/Arab/Connemara cross?

Dixie, I think your mare would be fine. Draft horses can foxhunt, imagine them running through the countryside and jumping...

:}.

[silverleprichuan]

These are probably around what you would see (maybe some a bit smaller). Most of the horses pictured are giving a big jump over these fences, but depending on your horse, he may trot right over them.


http://webzoom.freewebs.com/fenridge/Romke2.jpg


http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1693047/2/istockphoto_1693047_beginning_horse_rider_navigating_log_jump.jpg

http://www.tourbloke.com/elandlodgenew/photosInUse/140/PhotoLogJump400140.jpg


sorry i couldn't find more. but that's a general idea of what you would see

[DixieGirl]

I know the second one my horse could jump over.On my profile look at Montana and see what you think she can do. I just don't want her to get hurt or have long term injuruies ect.

[Half&Half]

Dixie, I think you are worrying a bit to much. My old instructor rode her 15hh paint horse named Reo in low level XC. He did great! Like I said, get yourself comfortable with jumping and some Dressage first and then move to XC. Personally, looking at the pics from Silver, I think you and Montana would be just fine. :D

[DixieGirl]

Dixie, I think you are worrying a bit to much. My old instructor rode her 15hh paint horse named Reo in low level XC. He did great! Like I said, get yourself comfortable with jumping and some Dressage first and then move to XC. Personally, looking at the pics from Silver, I think you and Montana would be just fine. :D

Thanks. I know I worry way too much. I just don't want my littl Montana to get hurt thats all. Also Montana is what you would call "athletic".

[Half&Half]

She's small, but she might be an awesome jumper! You know, my old instructors TOP JUMPER was only 15.3 hh. He wasn't 17hh like you see a lot. He was smaller, but he was an awesome jumper! Montana and you should give it a try. 14.3 really isn't that small. Look at all those 13.2 hh ponies who can jump. You know Crazy4horses, her horse Tia is 14.3 and she is jumping 2'3 right now and moving up!

[DixieGirl]

I know that but Montana isn't like a Arabian. I just don't know. I don't want to push her thats all. I mean look how STOCKY she is. Thats all I worry about. I don't have anywhere to practice though.

[Half&Half]

She's a bit stocky, but do you know how many draft horses jump! And they make awesome jumpers. My friend was asked to train a draft cross for jumping. He was a show horse. I would forget about her stockiness b/c she might be a great jumper. Just relax about this!

[DixieGirl]

well she can jump 11 inches max now.

[Half&Half]

I say get more familiar with regular jumping first.

[DixieGirl]

yeah thats what i'm going to do.

[Half&Half]

I think that's a good idea. Take it slow.

[DixieGirl]

Yeah I don't want to push her at all.

[Haley]

Honestly, I don't know if the jumps will be any smaller than one foot. If she can't jump a foot currently, I wouldn't try cross-country with her; that seems too strenuous for her. Is she older?

[DixieGirl]

Honestly, I don't know if the jumps will be any smaller than one foot. If she can't jump a foot currently, I wouldn't try cross-country with her; that seems too strenuous for her. Is she older?

no, she is 11.

[Haley]

I would get her checked out then, because she should be able to jump a lot higher - she can step over that. Her hocks might be sore.

Are you using a trainer? If she's not doing well over that sort of jump, then don't try jumping her any larger without a professional. Or, put a more experienced rider on her.

[DixieGirl]

I would get her checked out then, because she should be able to jump a lot higher - she can step over that. Her hocks might be sore.

Are you using a trainer? If she's not doing well over that sort of jump, then don't try jumping her any larger without a professional. Or, put a more experienced rider on her.

I'm just not going to do it. First of all Montana isn't built for jumping and second of all I think this will just be a drag so there.

[Air]

Do you have any idea for the low levels what the jumpes would be like?

Don't take me all the way on this one, but the jumps would probably be little logs, and small water jumps, if any, and bridges. Thats what they have at the nearest xcountry course here.

Just make sure before you show in eventing, that you and your horse are ready. And dont just worry in xcountry, dressage and jumping are major important also.