I entered the 60cm class on the first day of the Kiara show this weekend… And I did it for a reason.

My last competition with Cavi last year was in the indoor at Bukit Kiara. We jumped the 90cm 1m classes and he was so very sticky and backward. It was not a pleasant experience.

My goal at this show was to go in, ride forward and make sure Cavi doesn’t put a chip in. As I am not the bravest jumper, have a big tendency to pick at my distances especially when the fences go up and Cavi’s brakes are very sensitive, I decided to start with the 60 cm class. This allowed me to be brave and to chase him into the fences if need be. I also put bigger spurs on and took the ear muffs off.

Cavi in his bitless bridle sans ear muffs. I found that this bridle works really well with him.

The plan worked! Cavi was nice and forward yesterday in both the 60 cm and 80 cm classes.

Today we jumped the 90 cm class and although he felt a little lackluster in the warm up arena, he was good in the competition arena. The only clear in the jump off meant that we won the class!

I did get a couple of smart aleck comments about being in the 60 cm class “Where were the jumps?”, “What are you doing in this class?!!” and honestly 60 cm is a little small for Cavi. I agree that we should be jumping at least 9 0cm and above. However I felt I had a valid reason to do what I did and hence we had a good weekend and we achieved what we set out to achieve.. which were nice forward rounds.

My point is yes you do need to be pushed out of your comfort zone but there are also times when you need to stick to your guns and do what you think is best for you and your horse. Onwards and upwards!

In his magnetic rug. His legs have been rubbed with Decron gel and bandaged for better circulation and reducing inflammation