How to ride cross country fences?

H

HenryandPeta

Well-Known Member
Joined
1 May 2007
Messages
778
Location
Gloucestershire
Visit site
Sorry if this is in the wrong bit but I thought you guys would be the best people to ask the question to! I am doing a HT on Sunday, the VWH HT in Cirencester Park. Last year, Henry and I did the 2'6" and although I was TERRIFIED before hand, he skipped round with virtually no effort and we went clear. This year therefore, we are doing the 3', in a pairs class (but Henry will have to lead as the other gelding is very green). Now I know from walking the course last year, that there are 2 jumps that I am bricking myself over, and I'm sure they'll be there again!! So can you please give me some pointers on how to tackle them?

First there is a large stone wall - it is the solidness of the jump that frightens me. Ok I know it's ONLY three feet high, but to me that is large! I am scared Henry will knock it and I'll shoot over his head and get hurt. I am intending to just try and sit deep, kick on and let him sort his legs out (which he prefers to do, having hunted before I got him, he knows his job!). Any advice or have I got the right idea?

The second one is the Quarry. For some reason, leaping off the top of the Quarry into the pit, really scares me (I'd much prefer to jump up than down)! Again, I know to sit up, let the reins go through my fingers and pretty much let Henry launch off the end, but is there anything else I should think of?

Thanks in advance for any advice, even if it is just humouring me!
grin.gif
 
Wow, well done, 3' classes still scare me over solid fences!
Biggest thing I have found that helps me is having somethig to hold on to - neck strap, mane, anything really! I had a revelationary XC lesson at MKEC in June, where the instructor (Jo Burchall) totally change how I ride XC - she got my bum out of the saddle, shortened my reins to the point where I am almost holding the leather the bit-side of the rubber sections, and taught me to use his neck to brace myself if he slams the anchors on in front of a fence so that I stay on board!
So that is all I can suggest that helps - having something to hold on to! Sounds like Henry isn't too likely to stop on you, more likely to throw a big one in, so in that situation I'd let him sort his stride out, keep your leg on and hold on to something!! (Bear in mind I am certainly no expert, I can still count all the XC rounds I have ever done on my fingers!)
Going down the drop - sit up, leg forward as he launches, and deffo slip the reins!
Good luck, enjoy it, and remember that everything will look much smaller once your are on a horse!!
 
yes, you've definitely got the right idea. first, 3' is not a big jump for any horse (someone proved years ago that any horse can jump 4'6" from a standstill if it really wants to, iirc!), and he'll jump them better cos they're solid.
don't ride those two dramatically differently because you're worried about them, just approach the wall in a good rhythm, using your legs within the stride (as he canters along, leg leg leg leg with every stride is a good habit to get into, approaching a fence!), as long as he's not leaning on your hands, you'll be fine. don't come into the drop fast, ideally trot to give him time to see that there is somewhere to land, and just pop down. be prepared to give him a quick tug straight and instant kick if he dithers. if he launches, shoulders right back, slip the reins to the buckle, catch up later! best of luck, xc is exhilarating, hope you have a great time!
 
Thank you both for taking the time to reply and provide reassurance to a mad nervous wreck! I know Henry is more than capable of jumping 3 foot, he gives the fences about a foot clearance usually, it's me that needs the confidence boost! I am looking forward to it as well as being so wimpish!
 
I can't really give advice how to ride them but they both ride very well. the large drop, horses usually make nothing of it. i'm very nervous too, riding a horse round it who i have only ridden once so far and is a bronker and rearer lol
 
[ QUOTE ]
you'll be fine, i hope it's a lovely course and you have fun and get totally bitten by the bug. hes got a super jump if he's the one in your siggie.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes that's him
grin.gif
He can jump beautifully, it's just me!
 
[ QUOTE ]
the course in the Park is always very inviting and encouraging. Good luck!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks! I did LOVE the smaller course last year so am looking forward to it this year. Once I get round I'll be flying!
 
[ QUOTE ]
I can't really give advice how to ride them but they both ride very well. the large drop, horses usually make nothing of it. i'm very nervous too, riding a horse round it who i have only ridden once so far and is a bronker and rearer lol

[/ QUOTE ]

Oooh good luck! I'll keep my eyes open for you!
grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top