Today I faced my fear- xc schooling **videos** CC welcome

Kokopelli

Kokopelli

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 July 2010
Messages
7,170
Location
Gloucester
Visit site
Although my confidence is hugely improved since last year, I can gallop on the beach, go on long hacks messing around and trust my little guy in every other sphere.

But I have huge issues when it comes to xc. Partly because I've never been hugely confident over it but also because last year an instructor who pushed me and Andy too far because he's more capable and would be better off with a different rider. :rolleyes: Anyway this resulted in Andy having a huge fear of ditches and me falling off at every single xc course we went to with said instructor because she forced us to jump too high.

So today I went with just my mum (not that I would ever train with said RI again) and decided to just jump the little jumps. Andy was fab, I said to my mum I was just going to do the first two then come back and do the rest but he was flying so I though stuff it I'll keep going and we jumped the whole course at that height. :D

Then decided to play with some bigger fences, although they were still pretty small, and again he was fab. Jumped everything I pointed him at. He only buggered off with me once which is good. :)

Here is the vid, CC welcome but be gentle on nervous rider. :p
[youtube]TmFz3rYID1w?hd=1[/youtube]

I know I'm a bit restrictive of him and jumped very much like a sj not like I was doing xc but I didn't want to push myself too far out of my comfort zone.

This was also the first time I took him xc in a snaffle, I'm now thinking that it is worth putting him back in the pelham so when I say woah I can give a little touch on the rein rather than have a huge argument with him. I also ride the pelham with two reins so can mainly ride off the snaffle until the curb is needed. What is everyone's thoughts on this?

Any tips much appreciated, I can also hugely recommed the course. It's Manor Farm in Longney, all portable fences were fixed and the course was very well maintained. :)

For comparison this is him in the pelham:
[youtube]vfuzX3oNKQY?hd=1[/youtube]

I think we just look more together and I feel I have more control on these occasions.
 
Looks like you had a good day and well done for just doing what you are comfortable with :). Its a shame you are such a long way away as otherwise you could have come with us as yellow pony loves xc and is quite happy to do leads over ditches (all be it from trot :cool:).

As for the pellham if it makes you happier then I would use it, theres nothing wrong with jumping from a sj canter if it makes you both more confident.
 
Oooh a big well done to you and don't be so critical of yourself you did great and it's all about small steps :)

I am also petrified of XC for only the reason that I have never done it despite desperately wanting to! My new horse is a super jumping school master and after surviving and actually enjoying jump cross a couple of weeks ago I am hoping I might be able to do something similar to you by the end of the summer.

I think that using the Pelham will be good if you are using it with 2 reins as even just knowing you have the option for more control might give you even more confidence :)
 
Hes looks really good :) the course looks nice too! Shame crepelos not safe & sensible or we couldve come too lol.. Andy looks good... I cant see video of pelham but less pulling is always better imo
 
Really lovely - well done!

I think he looks better in the pelham as not so much wrestling :D:D

You did a brilliant job and huge congratulations in overcoming your nerves.

xx
 
Really enjoyed watching your videos, and well done you for getting out there and doing it, you've inspired me to get going myself! Your horse looks more secure in the pelham with less head throwing which has got to be a bonus!
 
Well done both of you :D. He looks a lot easier in the pelham but only you can tell if he feels easier. Looking forward to more updates as your confidence improves more. :)
 
Well done! Wouldn't have guessed that you were nervous! Looks like had a good time and were in control most of the time, but I agree that you might be better to stick with the Pelham if you feel you have more control and you can use subtler aids. Also, I completely agree with using two reins with a Pelham as the aids are a lot more refined.
 
I think you both look great. Wish I had the confidence to give that a go! Am no expert but think Andy's head carriage looks better in the pelham- longer and lower so ultimately more comfy and better for him with the added bonus of more control for you (although he looks nice and chilled in the first vid too) x
 
You look great together, I wouldn't have guessed you were nervous either! Lovely videos, he looks like he's really enjoying himself. If you feel as though you have more control using the pelham then I don't see why you shouldn't use it, he looks to fight a lot less when you have it in and this may help your confidence more? Well done!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top