X-country numpty questions:)

Christmas Magic

Christmas Magic

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Hi everyone. In two weeks time i'm going to my first ever x-country clinic,so loads of numpty questions as i dont have much experience(sorry in advance). Do you have to use breastplate and martingale? Can you use open fronted tendon boots,or it have to be proper x-country boots? What about back legs,do you need boots there too? Over reach boots,yes or no? Can you use your normal snaffle,or need something stronger for brakes(I've got kimbervick). Why it have to be scull without a peak?
Thanks :)
 
Wow that's a lot of questions and I don't know about them all!
But the skull isn't to have a peak as far as I understand because it can break your nose in an accident.
I only do low level and my pony wears brushing boots all round, I wouldn't personally use open fronted as they may knock their legs on solid fences.
Overreach boots I don't do but I don't have shoes either. The other tack would depend on your pony, I don't use martingale or breastplate or different bit but I know some people put the breastplate on so they have a more secure saddle and they can hold the neckstrap area if they get stuck, to save pulling the mouth. (mine has a huge mane which I grab instead :D )
If your horse is strong galloping you may need a stronger bit but you probably won't know until you start if you've not jumped xc before. You could phone the instructor and ask.
 
It will be a clinic so treat it as a learning experience, there is no right or wrong just what suits you and your horse.
A breastplate is a good idea for security but not essential, if you dont use a martingale go without one, the same with the bit use your normal jumping bit, it will be generally controlled so you should not have a problem.
Boots, open ones are ok only put on hinds if you have some that fit well and he is happy to wear them, they are not essential.
A scull with no peak is required for safety reasons, as is a body protector, otherwise usually sensible riding gear, gloves will be a good idea.
Make sure all your tack fits well and is in good repair and enjoy yourself, ask loads of questions on the day and make the most of it.
 
It has to be a skull rather than a peaked hat because fences are fixed and there is more chance of you damaging your spine. You also HAVE to wear a body protector.

Other than that, wear your usual tack. I always carry a whip XC. Whether your horse wears boots/martingale etc is entirely up to you, have fun :) xx
 
Oh and brushing boots are a good idea to stop ponio from taping his legs, especially fronts.

Martingale/neck strap is a good idea if you are nervous..gives you something to hold on to :) I'd use your normal bit if I were you :)
 
Christmas Magic said:
We dont have one as we don't jump:)Apart from logs in the forest and bales and logs down the field:)
Click to expand...

Well whatever you hack him in, if you can hold him ok cantering in forests and fields you should be fine, the clinic should be a chance to get the feel of xc and will be done at a fairly sedate pace not galloping around, hopefully:D
 
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