Angled Combinations

[Ali_H]

Just a query on the best way to take a combo with four jumps and very little turning room. Should i do it in two sections or know im more experienced jump in the middle of the fence at each. I had this problem a few weeks ago and i have just seen an article in Horse & Rider. Should i play safe or go for the more difficult path? I have tried both.
Advice and other options would be great!!
Thanks
Ali

 

[Bossanova]

You very rarely get 4 fences to angle- what are the strides in between?
I'd say a lot depends on the individual horse- a horse that turns well will be able to lessen the angle slightly, one that is accurate and that you trust to always jump where you place him will cope with angling.
On my horse I know to always angle- he takes a hold but is so accurate to his fences that it's easiest for both of us. You say you tried it before, which way did the horse jump it best?

 

[Ali_H]

When i jump them all at an angle he tends to be inaccurate and if i jump in two parts he tries to rush, it seems to be six and two threes.

 

[SillyMare]

As Boss says, it depends on the horse, for example:
India is as honest as they come but not the fastest. I would always choose a tight angle to save time and give her a more comfortable jump than try to make too much of a turn.
Lexi is less straightforward but quick and clever on her feet - I would always try to present her as straight as possible to a fence to cut down her options.
Another horse I ride always runs out to the right so I would take a far greater gamble jumping right to left than left to right (if that makes sense).

A good way to practice at home would be using a 20m circle with 4 poles on the quarter markers - aim is to ride a smooth curve and put the same number of strides between each pole(harder than it sounds). Once you have cracked that in both directions the poles can be raised to small fences.

Just a question of knowing what you are sitting on and what you can get away with.

 

[H-J]

I did this excersis with David Merret once, alot more difficult then it sounds!!!

 

[Ali_H]

Thanks, will try that, was at cc training today and did a 3 jump one and was really good!!