Mason's first XC schooling session - cc please!

Splish & Masons mum

Splish & Masons mum

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Our first XC schooling session - constructive criticism only please!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhSs7C7-KzQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyd_nJymcgM&feature=player_profilepage

I'll go first - I think I could be a bit more "giving" with my hands over the jumps.

Also, any tips on getting him to JUMP ditches?
While I'm really happy that he's clearly not at all bothered about them, as my instructor says - he can't go in every ditch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghBkeHGbJiM&feature=player_profilepage
 
Looks really good for a first time XC. Quite impressive really as my first time XC involved a very well schooled horse who knew his job over fences and me really scared and just sort of letting him get on with it. Both horse and rider look really relaxed and a really good partnership.

Hands aren't really that bad but do agree that you could give more over the fence. It may just be apprehension as it was first time with him so it doesn't look too much to be worried about. The only other thing was that you need to maybe sit deeper into the saddle in the canter towards the fence or take up a two point position as it doesn't look to be clear what you are doing, sorry if this doesn't make sense but it doesn't look as confident a position as it could be. But really good and not so much criticism and others may think differently.

Nice Cob too.
 
I want to do something similar next year. Whereabouts did you go?

I do agree with TF, a more positive approach to the fence would be nice. It will come in time though.
 
Looks good. To help with ditches put a pole across it on the ground to encourage him to jump it (sort of mini trakehner if that makes sense).
 
Thanks for the nice comments everyone!
He is only 5, and for some reason was terrified of showjumps, and it's taken the best part of a year to get him jumping tiny cross poles without having a mental breakdown! So I was understandably a bit worried about taking him XC!
I'm really pleased, I thought he did well for a first go, but I know (as always)there are areas I can improve!
I am also aware that he's a bit on the tubby side - we are now working on that as he seems to have ballooned in the last week!
LaurenM - it was an XC course called Rosehill near Henley-on-Thames - bit far for you I think! but I'm sure you could find somewhere similar nearer.
ajn - that sounds like a good idea - he'll definitely jump a pole!
My main worry is that he'll try and step in a deep ditch and scare himself silly (which isn't that hard to do!)
Thanks for the suggestions and again for the nice comments, any further suggestions still welcome!
 
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