JenHunt
Well-Known Member
today I think I truly conquered my fear of hedges!
twice today the field were offered the chance to jump an enormous hedge. you know the sort, thick, black, imposing, and really quite large! when I rode past it on the way home, it came up at least to his withers (he's 16.2).
I declined first time. I did line up for it, but then two of the whips fell off in spectacular style, so I chickened out!
Second time around I thought I'd just go for it. Only 4 other people lined up for it. 1st, over clear, 2nd, fell off on landing, 3rd, over clear, 4th, over clear. So I asked Ron to trot on, he tried to nap back to the rest of the field and got a dig in the ribs for his trouble, then he realised what I was asking, had three strides of canter and cleared the hedge (by all accounts with plenty of room to spare!), and we landed nicely (well, he did, I landed in a bit of a heap, and in shock!). the onlookers cheered for me and I got a pat on the back from 2 of the others who'd jumped it too.
Ron bounced off down the field, ever so pleased with himself!
twice today the field were offered the chance to jump an enormous hedge. you know the sort, thick, black, imposing, and really quite large! when I rode past it on the way home, it came up at least to his withers (he's 16.2).
I declined first time. I did line up for it, but then two of the whips fell off in spectacular style, so I chickened out!
Second time around I thought I'd just go for it. Only 4 other people lined up for it. 1st, over clear, 2nd, fell off on landing, 3rd, over clear, 4th, over clear. So I asked Ron to trot on, he tried to nap back to the rest of the field
and got a dig in the ribs for his trouble, then he realised what I was asking, had three strides of canter and cleared the hedge (by all accounts with plenty of room to spare!), and we landed nicely (well, he did, I landed in a bit of a heap, and in shock!). the onlookers cheered for me and I got a pat on the back from 2 of the others who'd jumped it too. Ron bounced off down the field, ever so pleased with himself!
