My name is Muireann. I am in 4th class and recently I went to JAG equestrian centre in Naas Co. Kildare for an equestrian interschool competition. I thought I would share with you what the day was like and what I have to do to prepare for a competition like this with my horse Bailey.
In the morning I fed my pony Bailey and let him out in the field for an hour. I returned to the house to get everything ready, including cleaning my tack and getting my clothes and my lunch. I put everything into the car and double checked it. I got Bailey from the field and gave him a bath. My Mum braided his mane and tail. I brushed him and put the travel gear on him and loaded him into the trailer.
An hour later, we arrive at the event location. We met up with other friends and walked the course together. The course was 13 jumps long. I checked the stride lengths, the heights of the fences, and walked the course from jump to jump.
I watched people jump the course and then got Bailey ready. I put on my clothes and took Bailey out of the trailer. I took his travel gear off and tacked him up. I got on and walked to the warm up arena and saw one of my friends so we talked a bit. I started trotting for about 10 minutes and then I went for a canter and did some warm up jumps. I heard my name so I went to line up for the 75cm. I completed my round, and I got one run out and knocked one pole. I was a bit unhappy but I was proud of Bailey and myself. I had a long time to wait between competitions so I put on his cooler. About 15 minutes before my next competition, I took off his cooler and warmed him up again. I trotted for about 5 minutes and then I went for a canter and jumped him again.
I watched the first few jumpers, and I prepared myself. I knew that I needed to go clear, and as fast as possible on the second round. I was a bit nervous, but everyone wished me good luck and off I went. Although I was a bit scared, I urged Bailey over every jump. Everyone cheered when I went over the last. I had to wait until everyone had jumped before I knew my place. I was so thrilled when I heard my name being called out in first place. I walked down on bailey and congratulated my friends and they congratulated me. I got a rosette and some grooming supplies. I was really excited I untacked Bailey and got his travel gear on. I brought him into the trailer he didn’t want to go in at first but then he walked in.
That was the full day I loved it.
