how does a horse become an "xc machine"?

only_me

only_me

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always wondered this really. are they born with the attitude or do they love jumping and going fast? are they naturally not spooky and not bold or have they had really good riders on them to push them and make them bold and brave?

sorry if its a stupid qu, just always wondered how a horse becomes an "xc machine"? opinions please
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I personally think that they should be natrually brave and enjoy their job and would be bold XC even without a rider who has the confidence and ability to push them on into the fences.
 
I don't know, mine is a machine, and I suspect has always been.He gets distressed if you don't let him decide how to jump a fence!
He also can't cope with hunting.... I think because it's other horses on HIS xc course!
 
I think it is natural too. Of course, they will have been properly schooled and introduced and the rider will be confident.

It is very nice to ride a "point and kick horse!"

One famous rider said the most important attribute for an event horse was the desire to get to the other side of the fence.
 
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It is very nice to ride a "point and kick horse!"

One famous rider said the most important attribute for an event horse was the desire to get to the other side of the fence.

[/ QUOTE ]
ditto
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and have a spare leg!!!
 


I think it's natural tbh. Mine has a bad habit (vstly improved) of walking through poles as she knows they are not solid. After schooling she now jumps them but she much prefers 'real' jumps & will fly stone walls with no problem. Not spooky with jumps at all & she adores it although I've found that he prefers to sort herself out as she goes into a jump, you just need to sit tight.
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She is wasted with me really but I love her to bits & sister has recently started doing some jumping on her & XC which is great as she adores it.

Having said all that, training & schooling helps tremendously with some but yes, think the attitude & nerve has to be there to some degree in the first place.
 
This is a question I'd love to have an answer to as both my horses have been somewhat spooky and wussy! The first towed you into fences at high speed but would often stop at the last minute. After many falls, I gave up cross country with her. My current horse is just cautious and goes rather slowly into fences, having a good look and a little hesitation although will usually jump. I have decided its me and I am too wussy so this transmits to him. I find it very frustrating and wish I had a bold x-country horse!! I'm just trying to build his confidence slowly.
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A good pilot and lots of (positive) experience.

Not to be confused with a nutter that has no self preservation!

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oooooo i love that and how true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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