PorkChop
Well-Known Member
I think it is widely recognised that the XC phase has become alot more technical with the addition of Intro/PN, ie PN now more akin to a novice years ago.
At the lower levels, why is it that I see lots of horses finishing the XC tired? I thought it was all about having a suitable pace according to the course and ground conditions. With so many more techinical fences where a proper boucy coffin canter is needed, (which imo is vastly underated) is it the fault of organisers wheeling tight times, and therefore encouraging riders to go on a wing and a prayer so that they make the time?
I know there are lots of horses and riders who ride beautifully timed rounds, well within thier horses fitness, but it does worry me slightly that maybe the less experienced seem pressurised to go faster than is safe.
There will come a day when everything goes well, ie good dressage, clear sj, and a confident fit horse, and that is the day you go out and push a little more. Or are alot of riders producing thier horses to sell, and therefore need a good BE record.
An observation really, or is it because I am Captain Slow
At the lower levels, why is it that I see lots of horses finishing the XC tired? I thought it was all about having a suitable pace according to the course and ground conditions. With so many more techinical fences where a proper boucy coffin canter is needed, (which imo is vastly underated) is it the fault of organisers wheeling tight times, and therefore encouraging riders to go on a wing and a prayer so that they make the time?
I know there are lots of horses and riders who ride beautifully timed rounds, well within thier horses fitness, but it does worry me slightly that maybe the less experienced seem pressurised to go faster than is safe.
There will come a day when everything goes well, ie good dressage, clear sj, and a confident fit horse, and that is the day you go out and push a little more. Or are alot of riders producing thier horses to sell, and therefore need a good BE record.
An observation really, or is it because I am Captain Slow