Possible Dumb Question.....(Showjumpers)

[tye_bo]

Before or after they start/finish their round, why do they have their horses heads swinging left and right so much? They could be walking, trotting or even cantering but it seems so over exagerated? Sorry I can't explain it any better than that?

 

[tye_bo]

Ok, 22 reads and no answer. It must be dumber than I thought!!

 

[Reashi]

Keeps the horses attention and "on the aids". I think.

 

[zigzag]

I always feel slightly sea sick watching lol

 

[NewHeights_SJ]

I always thought it was to keep them supple in the round - flexing and in a shape.

 

[jenbleep]

i saw tim stockdale on a dvd and he did that - apparently it is a loosening exercise - loosens up the neck i think? its alright the horses bending but he didnt want the whole body to bend with the neck, he just wanted the neck to soften.

i havent watched the dvd for ages so i will have to go and have a look............!!!! xxxx

 

[NewHeights_SJ]

Thats what i was tryin to say....just didnt know how to put it!

 

[Forget_Me_Not]

For flexabilty, top horses need to be very supple for those courses.

 

[Weezy]

I do it, my mare flexes so nicely to the left, bit worse to the right, but we are getting there. Only thing is, you have to make sure that your horse will still w/t/c without swinging his/her head ALL the time - I have ridden a fair few that do that and its a mare trying to get them to hold their neck straight.

 

[tye_bo]

Ah I see......thanks everyone

 

[MagicMelon]

Yeah, I thought it was to get them supple. Although you often see someone doing it a LOT if they've just been eliminated, as if they feel they have to make the horse work hard as he exits the ring!