Getting Back in the Game: Conquering the Hunter Jumper Arena

Ultimately, my ultimate goal was to once again conquer the Hunter jumper arena. Simply riding for the fun of it no longer fulfilled my soul. I yearned for a clear objective, whether it was selling a promising horse for profit or showcasing my skills in a show. The thought of leisurely trail riding just didn’t ignite the same passion within me. Thankfully, with the guidance of my new local trainer and the camaraderie of my fellow barn mates, an opportunity presented itself for me to achieve this goal.

After several months of lessons and gradually regaining my confidence, a gem of a horse named Sol entered my life. Sol was a true blessing. Fresh off a lease and up for sale, he captured my heart despite being beyond my financial means. However, I was fortunate enough to be granted the privilege of riding and showing him for a few months. This horse possessed an unparalleled intellect and intuition, making him one of the most exceptional equine companions I had ever encountered. Although he had his spirited moments, I always felt secure and in harmony with him. It was during one of our training sessions that my trainer posed an intriguing question: would I be interested in taking Sol to the prestigious Sacramento International Horse Show?

It’s important to note that I had not participated in a rated hunter/jumper show for an extended period—several years, to be precise. I believe my last venture into this competitive arena was in 1988 or 1989, where I primarily focused on the hunter and equitation disciplines. As for jumping, my experience with jumpers dated back to the early 1980s. Considering Sol’s unsuitability for the hunter classes, I found myself faced with the daunting task of competing in the jumper ring after such a prolonged hiatus. To say I felt intimidated would be an understatement. However, the unwavering support of this horse, trainer, and barn mates transformed my apprehension into excitement.

I expressed my fears and concerns to my trainer, who reassured me that the landscape of the sport had evolved over the years. Nowadays, there are numerous smaller divisions available. Unlike in the past, when the jumper classes didn’t commence until 3’6″ (approximately 1.05 to 1.10 meters), she informed me that we could enroll me in the “puddle jumpers”. It was a relieving revelation. With newfound hope and determination, I declared, “What the heck! Let’s do this!”

And so, armed with a resolute spirit and an extraordinary horse by my side, I embarked on this journey to reenter the Hunter jumper arena. With the unwavering support of my trainer, barn mates, and Sol, I knew that together, we could conquer almost any challenge that lay in our path.