Cantering downhill

[Twizzel]

Just wondering whether any of you guys canter downhill- I'm not talking steep slopes here or anything and not a fast canter at all, but still a canter...

I had a riding lesson last night and we went out to the fields because it was such nice weather and popped a few jumps. BEfore we got onto that my instructor asked me to canter up and down the field- it's on a hill. I did it, we did fine and went on to have a great lesson jumping various obstacles (not huge but it was a big acheivement for me).

Told my friend today who I know doesn't like going down hills even in walk. She said it was dangerous and she'd never do it, which I can understand. But when I said to her that she'd have to do it at some point- not all cross country courses are flat, she really went off on one and said yes they are!

I just wondered what your opinions are, and whether you would canter downhill on a xc course?

 

[CheekyCob]

I canter downhill but not if it's really steep. I don't like it much but as long as it's controlled, I find it's ok. I've done a few XC courses, and jumped downhill but my horse has always been controlled if it wasn't I'd pull up.

Hope I've been some help!

Kat xxxx <font color="pink"> </font>

 

[madhector]

dont think I've have been round many flat xcountry courses

 

[Twizzel]

That's what I was about to say to her- but gave up in the end as I think she'd have an answer for that!!

 

[claireross]

I hate going downhill fast, or jumping downhill.

One of my friends used to say I should canter (slowly) downhill to help improve my horses balance. So I do occassionaly and its fine if your in control

 

[Cinders]

hardly any xc courses are flat!! even the triers course i did at a hunter trial on sunday involved cantering up and down a steepish hill!

 

[clipclop]

I don't think there is such thing as a flat cross country course in Cornwall, is there?

I canter downhill. So long as you and your horse are balanced and you are in control, enjoy!

Perhaps your friend is feeling a bit snakey because she is scared of going downhill? Try not to rub her nose in it

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

I don't but thats because I'm a chicken

need to learn though before we attempt xc!!

 

[clipclop]

I used to be chicken too. Hehehehee.

Just build it up slowly.

Go do your cross country and just trot down the hills

 

[Law]

Hey Twizzle- funnily enough I've just started to canter downhill recently (other than when forced in a XC course) 'cause i think it is quite important to be able to do this- like you say, not many XC courses are flat! I'd rather know that I can control Mr D downhill than find out I can't when i have to approach a fence

 

[flyingfeet]

It's really good for your horses - best way to build up their backsides and get them balanced

Start with trotting if they find it hard and then go up a gear. You should feel your horse truly engaged when reasonably steep.

 

[MagicMo]

Of course you need to canter downhill for XC - has she not seen Gatcombe?

I don't do XC any more but I do canter down hills as my horse is older and well balanced it is not a problem.

You might be surprised by how easy your horse finds it but just take it steady at first - nothing too steep!

Charisl

 

[Alibear]

I think cantering up and down hils is very good ofr horses balance and muscles.

But your post made me laugh, when i cantered Mac down hil the one and only time I discovered he handled worse than any dogy shopping trolly. We were going to work on that but then he went permenantly lame. But the thought of that catner down hill still makes me laugh, he seemed to quite enjoy it !