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,...
Maintaining cross country fitness
By Jenny Richardson BHSAI Now that the cross-country season is drawing to a close, some people will choose to let their horses down for a short holiday, while others may wish to continue to maintain full fitness, which can be achieved in several ways. HACKING Road work is essential to maintain muscle strength and strong tendons. Walking and ‘jog trotting’ [a slow trot] two or three times a week is ideal with hill work if possible; if...
