Need help with horse shots today

[Diminished29]

My girlfriend's little sister is practicing some of her horse riding techniques today, I guess thats what you'd call it, sorry for the lack of knowledge about them, but I'd like to do as best as possible.

Problem is I ONLY have the kit lenses nothing else and no stores or people I know that have faster lenses that would let me borrow, so I'm stuck with this.

The good thing is, however my girlfriend said we'll be able to get pretty close to her, but even still 55mm is only gonna do so much, and with the biggest aperture only coming in at f/5.6 I'd be a little weary of using it.

So, what do you guys suggest, I've never shot anything like this before and just got my 30D like 3 days ago, so I need some help.

Thanks,
Chad

[Photodawg1]

Darn Chad,
If you weren't so far away I would come and lend you mine! Hopefully some more experienced people will give you some good advice. The good news is you can get close. Start out with ISO at 400 and progress up as need to help catch that speed. Anticipate. Once you see a couple of go rounds its usually pretty much the same or ask someone what to expect. Anticipating the action and being there first goes a long way! If jumps are involved most people prefer shots either in front or to the left or right near the front of jump showing horses hooves clearing the jump. Don't worry about background... stay as tight as you can on horse and rider. Although my main intention is to capture the action, I always try to get as much of the riders face/expression in the frame if possible. Since you are working with shorter lens today, relax some and take advantage of the casual moments between horse and rider, experiment. I think some of the most enjoyable and interesting shots are of the action outside the ring. Check out my http://photodawg1smugmug.com
equestrian pictures to get some ideas. Again hope more experienced will jump in and offer better advice, I have only shot 3 events. Good luck you will have alot of fun and can't wait to see the pictures!
Linda

[Diminished29]

Awesome Thanks Linda! Your shots we're really good, if I get one today that isn't too terrible I'll try and post it, though then again, I'm not worried if they turn out horrible because mistakes will only make me a better photograher and then you guys in turn can better help me for the next go around.

Oh and yeah, I would LOVE to have that 70-200 f/2.8 IS, but I think I'm gonna go with the 70-200 f/4 as I'm not sure how much I'll be using it in lower light.

[Photodawg1]

Awesome Thanks Linda! Your shots we're really good, if I get one today that isn't too terrible I'll try and post it, though then again, I'm not worried if they turn out horrible because mistakes will only make me a better photograher and then you guys in turn can better help me for the next go around.

Oh and yeah, I would LOVE to have that 70-200 f/2.8 IS, but I think I'm gonna go with the 70-200 f/4 as I'm not sure how much I'll be using it in lower light.

Thanks much, just started showcasing my shots on Smugmug a couple of weeks ago and they look much better than they did on shudderfly!!! Look forward to seeing your equestrians! I checked your website out too, love you cat shots, and that newborn is sooooo cute! Good good captures.