approaching a jump

One is already aware of the importance of the rider’s eyes as a key player for his/her physical and mental performance. It is well known that the large angle view is one of the most effective ways to keep you in an upright position and connected with your horse.
The next step in the rider’s progression is what Michel calls the perpendicular gaze or sideways view. It has numerous benefits. The exercise is for the rider to look either to the right or to the left compared to the axis of movement of the horse. As Michel explains in this video, the sideways view is an incredible tool that allows the rider to be in harmony with his feelings and also with the horse’s movements. For riders who find it difficult to take their eyes off the ground - especially during transitions or when jumping, and who consequently lean forward - this tip will be life changing. To look sideways will de-activate the negative reflex of looking down. When this technique is well utilized, it allows riders who have a tendency to become stiff and stressed when approaching a jump, to regain softness and confidence in their position and aids.

It goes without saying that the sideways view is a training exercise.  Once the rider has mastered this technique, a quick glance to the right or to the left will allow the rider to regain softness and relaxation in his/her position, as well as being in harmony with the horse.

This exercise is linked to the sheet M2 of the booklet Training program 1

It is a known fact that riders modify their attitude as they come closer to an obstacle. The fear takes over, the rider gets stiffer which consequently disrupts the motion of his horse. The quality of the strides that was good just earlier, deteriorates compromising the quality of the jump.
It is crucial that riders improves their mental and physical state approaching obstacles by practicing specific exercises. This is what Michel offers through this ground pole exercise. Organizing the canter will optimize the horse’s strength in front of obstacles. The deal is to get more movement forward afar and then close up the horse, approaching the fence. It is common for riders to do the contrary. They hold the horse afar and then push the horse in the approach which leads the horse to get above the bit and out of control in front of fences.

This training will help horses gain the correct automatism in front of an obstacle, especially responsiveness, calm, and control. It will also benefit the rider who will feel confident with the quality of the horse’s canter and calm in front of an obstacle.

This creative and fun exercise leads to approaching the fences on a curve and not on a straight line as we usually practise. It is excellent practice for speed challenges. The set-up will encourage the rider to tighten her turns while remaining calm and in control of her horse as well as in control of the track in order to prepare for the rest of the course. This exercise is also very interesting for horses who pick up the game very quickly. The unexpected track encourages horses to pay attention and trust the rider. Bottom line, horses become more responsive and interested in the job.