Training on a succession of jumps
One of the keys to a successful course is to be ready for everything at all time: jump, turn, stop, slow down, or speed up…
Michel sets up a small course that is really effective at getting the rider be in control of her position, her mind, and of course her horse.
Through various exercises over ground poles and cavalettis, we worked on controlling the horse, improving the quality of the approaches, keeping the control upon landings, changing leads, choosing the correct speed, and staying on a precise track….Now, we are going to test the rider’s ability to master all these elements that are crucial for a successful course with higher fences.
Michel sets up a short course that requires the rider to stay in control of her position, her mind, and of course, her horse.
In Michel’s opinion, one of the key elements to a successful approach is to be ready for any possible action: to jump, stop, slow down or speed up…Usually, two to three strides away from the jump, riders are already in the position of jumping with their shoulders forward, their eyes fixing the fence. Horses take advantage of this to get away with the rider’s control, or to rush, or even run out. This exercise is a good way to train the horse and rider to stay alert and responsive from landing from one fence to the take of stride of the next one.
For this new lesson, Michel teaches Marine riding Vivaldi, a stallion owned by the “Haras de Hus”. The set-up consists of six vertical fences. For inexperienced horses and riders, the exercise can be first practised over ground poles or cavalettis.
Marine jumps the course perfectly thanks to Michel’s advice regarding the rhythm and her position in the turns.
There is no distance requirement for this course as it should be adapted to the size of your ring and /or the level of experience of the rider and the horse.
However, in this video, the distance between verticals is of 23 meters.