Equestrian Life May 2018 Issue

RIGHT AND BELOW: Each fence needs to be
approached differently. A tall, upright fence
will require much impulsion and the feeling
of a more ‘bouncy’ canter as the horse sits
and engages the hocks in order for the horse
to make the height. Whereas a wide spread
fence will require more of a forwards pace, in
order for the horse to cover the distance.
an equal distance on the other side. So If
a rider is to take a horse too deep into a
fence this will of increased the distance to
the second part and therefore would need
to make up more room. Likewise if a horse
takes off to early this will decrease distance
so therefore u need to cover
less ground the middle of
the combination.
Whether the jump is set
uphill or downhill also
plays a part in altering a
horses stride. If a jump is
set on a downhill you will be
travelling at a more forward
longer pace. If a jump is
set uphill the canter stride
will be shortened and riders
will have to push in order
to encourage the horse
forwards.
If a jump is set on a
downhill you will be
travelling at a more
forward longer pace
PHOTO BY EQUINATIONAL
Related distances are a test
of a horses training and the
ability to be able to adapt to
a set stride pattern if it does
not match its own. This Is
why flatwork is a crucial part
of a horses schooling to teach the horse to
shorten and lengthern its stride without
resistance or loss of rhythm and balance.
Each fence needs to be approached
differently. A tall upright fence will require
much impulsion and the feeling of a more
‘bouncy’ canter as the horse sits and
engages the hocks in order for the horse to
make the height. Whereas a wide spread
fence will require more of a forwards pace,
in order for the horse to cover the distance.
OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
• Fences – spooky – is there any colours?
Fillers? Water trays which could make
a horse back off or jump higher than
normal.
• Ground lines. Is there one? Are they out
encouraging a horse to take off sooner or
are they set back which pushes the horse
into the bottom of the fence.
• Ground- is it hard or soft. Look at
ground at take off and landing. Is the
course set on a flat surface or are there
any slopes which will play a part in the
way the horse will travel to a fence and
alter their length of stride.
EXTERNAL FACTORS:
• Sun – is the sun in the horses eyes? Is
there a glare on the floor or on the fence.
These factors could encourage a horse to
back off
• Noises
• Flapping Banners
After you have walked the course stand
back and look at your fences and re run
the course through your mind. If it in an
important competition it can be a good
idea to walk the course at least twice to
really familiarise yourself with the course.
The more courses you are able to walk,
the more familiar you will become with
decision making, judgement of fences and
aware of the type of canter which needs to be
established to each individual fence.
It has taken me many years of course
walking, making mistakes and learning from
them which has enabled me to have great
success within the working hunter industry.
When driving a car, or riding a bike you do
not look at the steering wheel or handle
bars when deciding where to turn… you
look ahead.. The same applies in horse
riding.. turn your head and allow your eyes
to lead you to where u want to go. The
moment you look down you lose forward
movement and wander off your true line.
Another tip is to never be afraid to ask
for help, if you are unsure of something
don’t enter the ring worried and unsure.
Ask someone around who maybe able to
help.
Always remember whilst walking to course
to look smart and where a hat.
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