Making up the time on the XC course
By Jenny Richardson BHSAI Once you are able to produce consistent clear rounds in your cross country competitions, and are hopefully collecting a few placings, it is time to consider the clock and how you can move up the leader board. Organisers will use the time taken by each rider as the deciding factor for placings among the clear rounds in each class. Generally there are three types of timing rules: (1) an ‘optimum’ set by the...
Classical Riding – The Half Pass
The Half-Pass is the next logical step on the ladder of lateral movements, usually being taught after Shoulder-in and Travers. Travers, which was discussed in last month’s article in this series, is a very good precursor to Half-Pass. However, it is a different exercise and requires, as well as creates, more collection and effort on the part of the horse. It therefore follows that the horse must be appropriately fit and prepared...
Speaking the language – Part 23
A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training (This series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms published in ‘Equitation Science’ by McGreevy and McLean, 2010, the standard book on the subject. The glossary definition is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.) BROKEN NECK...
Lacking confidence riding downhill across country?
By Jenny Richardson BHSAI Even the most courageous rider can get butterflies in the stomach at the thought of riding downhill in the faster gaits – as you are required to do on the XC course, or at a hunter trial. Your attitude to downhill riding will probably depend on your horse’s own attitude to self-preservation, as well as his temperament and jumping experience. The careful horse will be a pleasure to ride downhill,...
HORSE BEHAVIOUR – Speaking the Language, part 22
A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training (This series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms published in ‘Equitation Science’ by McGreevy and McLean, 2010, the standard book on the subject. The glossary definition is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.) BRIDLE LAMENESS:...
Classical Riding part four – Shoulder-in – The aids
As described previously in this series, shoulder-in is a very important exercise which, since its inception in 1700’s has revolutionised the way in which we train our horses to become more supple, strong in the hindquarters and especially to become more flexible in all the joints in the hind limbs. It teaches the horse to take weight back onto the haunches, frees up the shoulders and is the gateway to true collection. Collection can...
