Horseback riding at BOK Ranch
At BOK Ranch we do different examples like trotting and trail riding, volunteering and also leading a horse. What i like about riding a horse is that it is a lot of fun and exciting.
- Trotting- (of a horse) to go at a gait between a walk and a run, in which the legs move in diagonal pairs, but not quite simultaneously, so that when the movement is slow one foot at least is always on the ground, and when fast all four feet are momentarily off the ground at once. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/trotting?s=t
- trail riding- riding along a roughly blazed path http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/trail+riding?s=t
- riding- used in traveling or in riding http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/riding?&o=100074&s=t
The Beginner Rider Chapter One
Getting Started
- Finding A Riding School - The Riding School that i go to every Tuesday is B.O.K. Ranch at Woodside Road.
- What to Wear - All I just wear is boots, Jeans, one short and a over short.
- A Suitable Horse - I have a Suitable Horse to ride tomorrow and that horse's name is Twilight.
- Introducing the Tack - They already tack the horses before we get there.
- Group and Individual Lessons - We do both group lessons for horses at 3:00-4:00 till 4:00-5:00.
- Lead and Lunge Lessons - For first lesson at 3:00 till 4:00 my leader is Crystal is the one who leads Twilight. For the next lesson at 4:00 till 5:00 I lead Twilight for the next rider who rides her.
- Trail Riding - We go out on a trail ride for my lesson after we train the horses and do some jumping and trotting on the ground poles.
- Out on a Hack - We have a lead rope but we still with the horses that we are working with.
Getting On and Off
- Getting On - To get on our horse we either use a mounting block or a ramp.
- The Sitting Position - Today I am going to work on sitting straight on Twilight so I won't hurt her back on the Western Saddle that I used.
- Sitting Securely - The Western Saddle that I used is different than the ordinary saddle because it has a horn.
- Getting Off - We get off differently because we have leaders that hold on the lead rope to keep the horses still so we can get off.
Walking and Trotting
- Walking on the Lunge - We do have a lunge line but we use a lead rope for walking.
- Learning to Trot - For me I want someone to lead my horse that i ride on because twilight is a fast place walking so her trots are faster.
Start, Stop, and Steer
- Contacts and Aids - All of the people at Horses have to sit up straight so that the horse's back would hurt.
- Holding the Reins - We do number B that we keep our hands level and our wrists facing slighty inward on our reins.
- Starting and Stopping - We warm up the horses be starting and stopping at each letter on the fence.
- Steering - Second we start steering the horses around the brown or black barrel.
- Practicing Steering - We start practicing steering the horses on some cones.
Beyond the Basics
- Developing Feel - When I relax myself on Twilight she also relaxes when I am relaxed on her back.
- Rising Trot Diagonals - Even though I didn't like trotting we have to be it so that the horses don't fell asleep.
- Developing the Rising Trot - We can either do a sitting trot or a two point trot.
- Trail Riding - The Second class is that we do the same thing as the first class and then we go out on a trail ride.
- Learning to Canter - We haven't learn how to canter at all.
- Cantering on Both Reins - I don't know if we cantered at all for the lesson.
- Cantering - Cantering is like galloping but trotting faster.
- Time Out of the Saddle - After the both lessons we all wait in a line facing the barn for dismount.
- Understanding Horses - I know when a horse is going to reach for some glass when we go out on a trail ride but I catch them doing it.
Coping with Nerves
- Being Realistic - I am realistic person like when I trot sometimes it feels like I am going to fell off of Twilight.
- Fear of the Unknown - Sometimes it is possible to fear of the Unknown when someone is on horses.
- Fear of the Known - It can be also possible to fear of the Known when I trot at Horses.
- Preparing for a Fall - When I get bucked the horse that used to ride is named Joe, I trotted on him but I accentily kicked him to go faster when he bucked me.
- Vaulting Competition - I don't think that we ever do vaulting before.
- Fear of Falling - I have a fear of falling because when i trot i feel like falling off again.
- Knowing How to Fall - I do know to fall when I got bucked when I was riding Joe I fell off but now since now I ride Twilight sometimes i feel like I am going to fall again when I trot on her.
An Introduction to Jumping
- Riding Up and Down Hills - We do riding up and down hills on the trail after we finish our assignments.
- Riding Uphill - On the trail we ride uphill.
- Maintaining your Balance - Yesterday I maintain my balance so that I can be relaxed and also Twilight can be also.
- Riding Downhill - When go back to the arena we also ride downhill.
- Introducing Fences - I don't think my teacher Shannon introducted a fence yet.
- Progressing to your First Fence - We do something different Shannon progress us to our first ground poles.
- Working Toward a Set of Fences - We don't have frences instead we have ground poles that we work towards.
- Jumping a Fence - We jump at the ground poles instead of a fence.
- Jumping a Small Course - Sometimes we do jumping but this weekend on May we are doing neck reining.
Riding Activities for All
- Getting Going - We first get on the horses that we ride and go some activities and then we go out on a trail ride.
- Competitions and Events - I don't know if we go competitions but I know that we do events for the assignments.
- Going to Shows - I went to a horse show before at BOK Ranch.
- Team Games - We do play some team games like Red Light, Green Light for the next lesson.
- PoloCrosse - I have not seen PoloCrosse before but I think I have seen it on TV.
- Carriage Driving - I think people do carriage driving but only in races.
- Western Riding - A Western saddle has a horn at the top of the saddle.
- Western Riding Class - Maybe I should ask Shannon if the other kids for my first lesson can try using a western saddle.
- Trail Riding - We take a trail ride so we can check out the scenery.
- Trail Rides - At horses at BOK Ranch I like trail rides because they can get relaxing when it gets both hot or cold.
- Para Dressage and Jumping - I am sure we do dressages and jumping for horses at BOK Ranch.
- Parlympics - I don't think if we have a Parlympics at BOK Ranch but I am sure that the Parlympics is sometimes in the Olympics on TV.
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This video is Jumping lesson with there X-Coach that is teaching them jumping at a canter. This shows how these three kids on horses how to canter at a jump.
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This is a video about Riding Technique for Posting this video teaches how to post on horse at a trot.
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This video shows about jumping over ground poles.
Today at B.O.K. Ranch at the horse park I think that we are still jumping at the ground poles.
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This video it gives instructions to neck reining.
I know how to neck reining because i did that before when i was working with Ms. Julie and her friend Ms. Deb. I do neck reining when I go out on a trail ride. |
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This video is about talking to your horse.
Today I talk to twilight the horse that i ride every Tuesday. I talk to her what we are supposed to do for the lesson and also going out for a trail ride. My horse teacher tells us to talk to our horses that we ride on.
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I do horseback riding at B.O.K. Ranch at Woodside Road on Tuesday.
This video shows the stuff that we do in my lessons. The things that we are:
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This video talks about lunging a horse with a long rode.
This also show how long you lung our horse for example when my mom and I drive up to the horse park I sometimes sees a horse lunging in the round pen.
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This video teaches how to mount on a horse and also telling the horse to back up.
We can either use a mounting block or a ramp. Some people use a mounting block and other people use a ramp either one at horses at B.O.K. Ranch.
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How To Help Your Horse Settle In
This video teaches me how to settle in the stable or a round pen.
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Teach Your Horse to Lead
This video teaches you how to your to lead. For my first lesson at horses people are assigned to lead the horse out on the mounting block and we go our assignments and we also go out on a trail.
My next lesson i help volunteer and also I help Shannon be leading twilight or another horse or watching her dog named Bella. |
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How to lunge a horse to prepare for Riding
This video how to lunge our horse to be prepared for Riding. I don't think that we lunge a horse before we start riding but we warm the horses up on the arena before we go out on a trail ride.
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Understanding the Horse Chapter Two
The Structure of the Horse |
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The Herd Instinct |
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A Horse's Senses |
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How A Horse Learns |
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The Contented Horse |
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The Rider as Coach |
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Basic Horse Training Chapter Three
Training Equipment
- Handler's Clothing - I just wear boots and jens when I go to horses.
- Cavessons and Bridles - I don't think that we have both Cavessons and Bridles.
- Halter - I think we have halters on the horses.
- The Young Horse and Coach - My coach's name is Shannon and Twilight is a young horse not like Little Buck.
- Lunge Rope and Lunge Whip - We do have Lunge Rope and Lunge Whip but we don't use them.
- Roller and Pad - I think we have a roller and pad that we use for the horses back.
- Side-Reins - I think we do have a side-reins but I don't know if we use them yet.
- Choosing the Correct Bit - I don't think that we even use a bit for the horse's mouth.
- Training Bits - I don't think we have tried using bits for the horses.
- The Action of a Snaffle - I don't think that we use a snaffle yet at horses.
- Boots - I bring my boots at school and then wear them before I go to horse park.
- Training Facilities - BOK is a training facilitie for people that have special needs and know how to ride horses.
- Additional Space - The Stables that the horses use have space for them to go to sleep in.
Handling a Young Horse
- Imprinting - Both Humans and horses can teach each other on how to learn.
- Hitting a Halter - We have use a foal slip as our halter to put on the horses sides.
- Leading your horse - The Leaders lead our horses to Shannon and she check the saddle and halter before we ride them.
- Leading - A volunteer bring leading a horse or bring walking in front of the horse like I did with Kitty in the next class.
- Grooming - After we take the saddle or western saddle off of the horses we groom them so they look nice.
- Grooming a Young Horse - The people who work at BOK Ranch they groom the horses before we came or after.
- Introducing Lunge Work - I don't think that we ever introduce Lunging for the horses.
- The Lunge Position - Lunging position is when you are in the middle when the horse is running around you.
- How to Lunge - When I get to the horse park today I see a horse running around the round pen.
- Voice Aids - Today at BOK Ranch we say voice like walk on, trrot, and walk and whoa.
- Using a Lunge Whip - I see the people inside the round pen with they horses and they have both a lunge whip and rope.
- Using the Back - When people lunge their horses they straighten their backs when the lunge.
Introducing Riding Tack
- Timetable - The person in the other sabble the person and his horse go in the round pen where they lunge.
- The Progression - The person introducte the lunging to his horse knows how to put the bridle, browband and saddle on the horse.
- Saddle Pad - A person that works with lunging a horse is that the let the horse look at and smell it before the person lunges it.
- Putting on the Bridle - Then A person put on the bridle on the horse's month.
- Introducing the Saddle - Then the person put on the saddle on the horse's back after when they put on the saddle pad and bridle.
Preparing for a Rider
- Introducing Side Reins - A person introducite the horse side reins while he lunge the horse he or she can either tie the horse or take it off.
- Connected - The person has connected to the horse with the lunge rope.
- Not Connected - The horse is not connected when the person in the back is the horse.
- Connecting The Back - The person is connecting to the back of the horse when it does a good job you say in a soft voice good to the horse.
- Long Reining - I see Ms. Julie and her friends going a long reining for her lesson.
Jumping without a Rider
- Jumping on the Lunge - The person goes in the middle of the horse and arena while holding on to the lunge rope.
- Preparing Fences - The horse jumps on the fences while you have the lunge rope in our hands.
- Jumping on the Lunge - The horse jumps while you hold on the lunge rope.
- Assessing Jumping Style - The horse are good at jumping without a rider on their back so they cannot hurt them.
- Loose Jumping - When the person clips off the lunge rope the horse can be free to jump around.
Introducing the Rider
- Preparation - For prepare at horses by either used the ramp or a block or getting by the stirrups.
- Leaning over on the move - A person can lean over on the move while the horse is lunged.
- Bouncing - Bouncing is where on the horse a person can stringing lightly up and down while the horse is still.
- Lying Across - The rider lies across the horse but not hurting the horses back.
- Mounting - A rider mounts on the horse be either using the ramp, a block along side the ramp or on the side of the horse.
- Leading - Yesterday at BOK Ranch the leaders lead to horses so that they hold on the lead rope for us.
- Riding Loose - We don't lunge loose but we do ride loose when the leaders clip off.
- Lungeing - Lungeing is when a person that has a long lunge rope and the horse is in front of them going around in circles.
- Riding Away - When we are clip off at horses the leaders stay with us or the walk away so that we can ride away.
- Walk - The Leaders walk us to the arena where the do the stirrups or fix the stirrups for the western saddle.
- Trotting - At BOK Ranch we trot sometimes so the first class but we did trot for the second class yesterday.
- Cantering - I am not sure if we cantered yet.
- Riding Outside the Arena - We can't ride before ourselves outside the arena because we might go somewhere else that is why the leaders clip on to the horses so they won't go anywhere they like.
- Cantering Uphill - I don't think we cantered uphill on the trail.
- Hacking Out - I lead the horses on the trail when we go out from the arena.
Jumping with the Rider
A Suitable Rider - Me and the kids that I ride with on Tuesdays are suitable riders.
Dressage Work - Yesterday we did different dressage work we do what we go on the trail.
Jumping a Bank - I don't think that we ever jumped on a bank because it is on trail where the tree is at BOK Ranch.
Using Trot Planks - I don't know if we ever used a trot planks before at horses.
Preliminary Exercises - We don't confuse the horses when we have preliminary exercises yesterday at horses.
Preparing for the First Fence - I think we have preparing the first ground poles but they are already set on the floor of the arena.
Introducing a Fence and Filler - I don't think that we introducte a fence and filler before.
Jumping Out of Canter - I don't think that we ever jump out of a canter before I did before when I was riding on Joe.
Building the Grid Backward - I don't think that we build a backward grid before.
Left and Right Canter Lead - We do left and right at a walk and tort but not a canter on lead.
Using Left and Right Canter - I don't know using a left and right canter before at horses at woodside road.
Introducing Natural Fences - We do introduce a natural ground poles before but not fences.
Making Progress - Shannon my horse teacher at horses already make progress on the ground poles and different stuff that we do.
Adding the Back Rail - I don't think that we ever add the back rail.
Dressage Work - Yesterday we did different dressage work we do what we go on the trail.
Jumping a Bank - I don't think that we ever jumped on a bank because it is on trail where the tree is at BOK Ranch.
Using Trot Planks - I don't know if we ever used a trot planks before at horses.
Preliminary Exercises - We don't confuse the horses when we have preliminary exercises yesterday at horses.
Preparing for the First Fence - I think we have preparing the first ground poles but they are already set on the floor of the arena.
Introducing a Fence and Filler - I don't think that we introducte a fence and filler before.
Jumping Out of Canter - I don't think that we ever jump out of a canter before I did before when I was riding on Joe.
Building the Grid Backward - I don't think that we build a backward grid before.
Left and Right Canter Lead - We do left and right at a walk and tort but not a canter on lead.
Using Left and Right Canter - I don't know using a left and right canter before at horses at woodside road.
Introducing Natural Fences - We do introduce a natural ground poles before but not fences.
Making Progress - Shannon my horse teacher at horses already make progress on the ground poles and different stuff that we do.
Adding the Back Rail - I don't think that we ever add the back rail.
Training Challenges Part 1
- Avoiding being Caught - Two different reasons that a horse can get is cheeky and afraid.
- Refusing to be Led - Three different reasons that a horse can get is Fear, Lack of understanding and Unwillingness.
- Turning Quarters Toward You - Two different reasons that a horse can get is Pain and Aggression.
- Turning Around on Lunge - Three different reasons that a horse can get is Fear, Preference for one rein and Submission.
Training Challenges Part 2
- Too Much Bend in the Neck - Three different things that a horse can do is Lungeing circle too small, Pulling on the lunge rope and Not thinking forward.
- Lifting His Tongue - Two different things that a horse can do is Too much pressure on the tongue and Habit.
- Holding Head Up - Three different things that a horse can do is Fresh, Discomfort in the mouth and Lack of impulsion.
Training Challenges Part 3
- Tongue over the Bit - Two different reasons that a horse can is having a Habit and Too much pressure on the tongue.
- Napping (Attempting to Return Home) - Three different things that a horse can do is have Pain, Fear and Naughtiness.
- Rearing - Two different things that a horse can is rear by being Trapped and frightened and Conditioning.
- Bucking - Four different things that a horse can buck is Fresh, Reaction against the girth, Conditioning and Not ready to be ridden.
Balanced Riding Chapter Four
Understanding Balance
- The Horse's Natural Balance - Ever Tuesdays I go at BOK Ranch at Woodside Road and I check my balance on the Western Saddle that I used to ride on Twilight.
- Dressage Balance - We do balance when we do Dressages.
- Jumping Balance - We also balance when we do jumping on the ground poles.
- The Rider's Effect on Balance - Instead I go a ordinary saddle I used a Western Saddle when I ride Twilight.
- Using The Hindquarters - I think that we used hindquarters when the horses trot and jump.
- Position in the Saddle - There are four different ways of positioning in the Saddle are called Saddle to the Inside, Saddle to the Outside, Seat to the Inside and Seat to the Outside.
- Levels of Training - There are two different ways levels of training on a horse are Novice Horse and Advanced Horse.
- Adjusting Your Stirrup Length - The leaders that lead the horses for us are the people who adjusting the Stirrup for Length.
- Riding with Long and Short Stirrups - There are three different ways to ride with long and short stirrups are Dressage Length, Jumping Length and Cross Country Length.
- Giving Aids - At BOK Ranch we sit straight when the horses go forward.
- Wrong Position in Short Stirrups - Some people do a wrong position for the short stirrups but they correct the position on the horse.
- Misconceptions about Balance - We can maintain our balance on the horses back at BOK Ranch on Tuesdays.
- A Natural Balance - We put our foot in the stirrups on the correct way by keeping them straight on the horses back.
- Riding Shorter - When we jump at the ground poles we look at it then we ask the horses to either walk or trot.
Balance and Form
A Form for All Activities - At BOK Ranch were I go to ride horses we do all forms for different activities like in the arena we pratice the same things that we do in the trail.
Adjusting your Stirrups - Since I am going to horses tomorrow and I use a Western Saddle, Shannon or one of the leaders adjusted the stirrups that is right for us.
Steeplechasing - A steeplechasing is when the stirrups are up from the saddle to help the person that helps them be secure.
A Range of Balances - There are six ways to balances the first is Basic Dressage Position, second is Advanced Dressage Position, third is Classic Showjumping Position, fourth is Showjumping Position, fifth is Cross-Country Position and the last and sixth is Cross-Country Safety Position.
Adjusting your Stirrups - Since I am going to horses tomorrow and I use a Western Saddle, Shannon or one of the leaders adjusted the stirrups that is right for us.
Steeplechasing - A steeplechasing is when the stirrups are up from the saddle to help the person that helps them be secure.
A Range of Balances - There are six ways to balances the first is Basic Dressage Position, second is Advanced Dressage Position, third is Classic Showjumping Position, fourth is Showjumping Position, fifth is Cross-Country Position and the last and sixth is Cross-Country Safety Position.
Moving with the Horse
- Moving in a Walk - Moving in a Walk means that you move with the horse by sitting straight on the horse's back.
- Moving in a Trot - Moving in a trot means that you are sitting straight at a trot.
- Rhythm of Different Paces - There are two different rhythms of paces are Working Canter and Working Trot.
- Moving in a Canter - I used to ride a horse named Joe and I sat up straight when I ask him to trot but he canter and I did a good job at sitting striaght up on the Saddle.
- Movement in Canter - When I go to horses at Woodside Road on Tuesdays I see people moving at a Canter.
Becoming a Better Rider
- A Simple Progression - At BOK Ranch we have a simple progression like we trot and jump at the ground poles when we have a great saddle position.
- Achieving a Good Position - There are four positions that are called Maintaining your Balance, Keeping a Good Shape, Staying Secure and Moving with the Horse.
- Becoming More Effective - There are four ways of becoming more effective that are called Understanding your Horse, Being aware of your Horse's movement, Good Communication and Doing Exercises.
- Being your own Coach - When I go to Horse Camp at BOK Ranch on July 29th to August 1st I am going to coach some kids in my group when we ride horses.
Achieving A Good Position
- Developing Your Position - At Horses when I ride Twilight on the Western Saddle I check my position and balance.
- Beginner Rider - I was a beginner but now I know how to ride so when Horse Camp comes I get to help Shannon out.
- Setting Yourself Goals - We have our goals at horses like we do assignments then we go out on a trail ride for both lessons.
- Position Benchmarks - There are four ways to Security, Harmony, Balance and Form at BOK Ranch for horseback riding.
- Advanced Rider - There are advanced riders at horses that canter and jump.
Becoming More Effective
- Physical Effectiveness - At horses I also keep calm when I am on Twilight.
- Beginner Rider - When I was a beginner I first work with Ms. Julie and Mrs. Deb but now since I know how to ride I am with Shannon now at Horses.
- Mental Effectiveness - At horses I have a self-control and discipline when I ride Twilight.
- Effectiveness Benchmarks - There are four ways for Language, Empathy, Exercise and Feel on Twilight's back at Horses.
- Advanced Rider - I want to be a advanced rider someday.
Dressage Training and Competition
Inspirational Dressage
- Origins of Dressage - I am not sure that we do have a Original Dressage at horses but I think I have seen a little bit on TV.
- Ultimate Partnership - I think at horses me and Twilight have a ultimate partnership.
- A Painstaking Progression - The people in Original Dressages are more self-control, consistency and more how to trot in pace.
- Achieving Real Beauty - In the Olympic they do it more beautifully.
- Sport for All - In the Olympic they have a lot of sports for all who do the original dressage.
- Spanish Riding School - I think that they have Spanish Riding School in Spain for these Lipizzaner horses.
Equipment and Arenas
- The Rider's Equipment - The Rider's Equipment have Waistcoat, White breeches, White gloves, Long, Black Boots and Spurs.
- Snaffle Bridle - A Snaffle Bridle is for horses that do lower-level dressages.
- Dressage Turnout - The riders that have turnouts to look elegant in their top hats ans tails.
- The Horse's Equipment - The Horse's Equipment have Double bridle, Dressage saddle, Dressage saddle pad, Dressage girth and Dressage Bandage.
- Dressage Bandaging - The Dressage Bandages help the horses foot to not hurt them.
- Dressage Bridles - A dressage bridles have a loose-ring jointed snaffle with its flesh noseband.
- Two Different Arenas - There are two different arenas that weigh 44x22-YD (40-x-20-M) for one arena and the other weigh 65-x-22-YD (60-x-20-M) for the other arena.
- The Dressage Arena - The Dressage Arena is bigger than the first arena because it has different numbers inside and outside.
- Competition Arena - This arena weighs 65-x-22-yd (20-x-40-m) and does international competition in Goodwood House, Chichester, England.
- Arena Surfaces - The Arena Surfaces have a lot of dirt and numbers.
Developing Form and Balance
- The Rider's Position - The rider's position have to been straight and relax if you are relaxed then the horse is relaxed as well.
- Good Form - I have a good form at horses today and i am going to relax and keep striaght on Twilight's back.
- Rider's Position on Broad and Narrow Horses - There are two ways to Position on a Broad Horse and Position on a Narrow Horse.
- Holding the Reins - There are two different ways be holding a Single Rein and Holding a Snaffle and Curb Rein.
- Position of the Arms - There are four different ways to position your arms on a horse.
- Riding Wide and Narrow Horses - At horses we do the same thing as in these book Complete Riding Manual.
Harmony with the Horse
- Achieving Harmony - I achieve harmony at horses with Twilight when I sit straight.
- Security in the Saddle - I have both harmony and security when I ride Twilight.
- Movement of Rider in Walk - There are six ways to move in a walk.
- Movement of Rider in Trot - There are six ways to move in a trot.
- Movement of Rider in Canter - There are six ways to move in a canter.
Developing Language and Feel
- Good Communication - Me and Twilight the horse that I always ride on Tusedays have good communication.
- Perfect Understanding - At horses me and Twilight have a perfect understanding.
- Rein Contact - There are nine ways to check the rein contact are Good Position, Reins Too Short, Reins Too Long, Hands Too Low, Hands Too High, Thumbs Out, Hollow Wrists, Rounded Wrists and Thumbs in in the horse.
- Simple Signals - At horses we have different simple signals that involves small increase when riding.
- Artificial Aids - I think don't we do have a Dressage Stick and Spurs yet.
- The Range of Leg and Rein Aids - We can use our legs and reins very differently at horses.
- Weight and Seat Aids - We always have to check our weight and seat when we go on the horse's back.
- Refining the Aids - I think that we do refine the aids at horses on Tuesdays at BOK Ranch.
- The Basic Aids and Halfpass - We have to keep the reins to control to horse's neck.
Introducing the Constants
- The Five Constants - There are five constants called Straightness, Fowardness, Calmness, Acceptance and Purity.
- Controlled Impulsion - Twilight and the other horses at BOK Ranch have controlled their impulsion and combination for Strength, Suppleness, Speed and spring.
- Acceptance and Calmness - They can accept both physically and mentally and they can be calm while they eat their food.
- Forwardness and Straightness - They also can go forward and being straight when a rider is on them.
- Purity - They can also have naturalness and correctness of their paces.
- Achieving the Constants - Me and the other kids that ride every Tuesdays have achieved our calm, forward and straight with the leaders who lead our horses.
The Purity of the Paces
- Analyzing the Paces - The Horse's paces are specific, rhythmic of their steps.
- Walk - There are four beats for a horse walking.
- Trot - There are two beats for a horse trotting.
- Canter - There are three beats for a horse cantering.
Variation of Paces
- Novice Variation - A novice horse can work on working trot, working canter and medium walk.
- Learning to Lengthen - The rider that do oridinary dressages slip back a little bit on the horse's back.
- Collection in Trot - When the horse trots their heads is up a little bit then collection in walk.
- Working Trot - When the horse trot their foot overtrack then we have a free walk.
- Medium Trot - When the horse does a medium trot their legs are diagonal pair of legs then do the same for medium walk.
Introducing the Variables
- The Variables - There are five variables that are called Balance, Timing, Direction, Speed and Impulsion.
- Direction and Speed - At horses yesterday we have direction and speed that we all do together.
- Trot, Halt, and Canter - I think we did trotting and haltting but not cantering.
- Achieving Impulsion - I didn't see if the horses that we rode on Tusedays pickup their hind legs ever.
- Balance and Timing - Yesterday at horses we had the perfect balance and timing.
- Relating the Variables to Jumping - At horses since we practice what we do out on the trail but we used the ground poles as trees.
- Impulsion - I think the horses that we ride on Tuesdays do put their hind legs up but we didn't see them do it.
Constants and Variables
- Good Basic Training - At horses we have a good basic training with going some pratice in the arena.
- Putting A Horse Between the Aids - When a new horse comes to BOK Ranch that is not untrained they him or her out in the arena.
- Using Gadgets - The gadgets that we use are reins, a bridle and a helmet.
- Coming Between the Aids - In the example a the horse is not using his or her hind legs and back.
Developing the Constants
- Accepting and Calm - The horse that is next to the arena yesterday accepted and he was also calm.
- Calm, Forward, and Straight - Twilight and the other horses are calm, they go forward and also go straight when we go out on a trail ride.
- Lunge Work - I am not that we ever did a lunge work at horses.
- Purity - At BOK Ranch for horses we go forward when we trot and we walk striaght on the trail.
- Improving the Constants - There are five ways that you can list the constants are called Purity, Straightness, Forwardness, Calmness and Accepting.
Using the Variables
- Direction, Speed, and Impulsion - At horses we have a lot of direction, speed and impulsion when we ride on horse on Tuesdays.
- Unique Requirements - For jumping it takes a lot of direction, a little bit of speed and impulsion.
- Impulsion, Balance, and Timing - At BOK Ranch for horses we have the perfect impulsion, balance and timing when it comes to jumping and trotting.
- German Scales of Training - In German have a rhythm for the purity of the paces.
- Improving the Variables - There are five ways that a person can improve is timing, balance, impulsion, speed and direction.
A Training Program
- Long-Term Planning - A long-term planning can be possible when it comes to horseback riding.
- Novice Level - I am not sure we are in novice level yet.
- Short-Term Planning - There are four stages is warming up and loosening, suppling, strong work and cool down.
- Medium Level - I think we are at a medium level in horses in Woodside Road at BOK Ranch.
- Advanced Level - I am not sure that we are in advanced level yet.
Transitions
- Making Good Transitions - We do have good transitions to walking to trotting at BOK Ranch on Tuesdays.
- Half-Halt - A Half-Halt helps the rider to balance when the horse is still moving slowly.
- Trot to Canter - We do a different transitions we do a walk to trot but not cantering.
- Canter to Trot - We trot to a walk at horses on Tuesdays each time.
- Simple Change - People at horses do a simple change in a trot to canter that do more advanced stuff.
Turns and Circles
- The Aids for Riding a Circle - At BOK Ranch on Tuesdays we warm up the horses in the arena and we do a little bit of circles around the cones on the ground.
- Riding Bigger and Smaller Circles - I think that we do bigger and smaller circles around the cones and barrel.
- Achieving the Right Bend - I think that we have not tried going a right bend.
- Keeping the Correct Bend - We did do a correct bend but that is when we did a dressages assignment.
Corners and Bends
- Simple Change of Bend - I think we do some bit of bend at BOK Ranch for horses.
- Corners - I don't know if we do corners before but I think that we are going to do corners at Horse Camp at July 29th to August 1st.
- Serpentine Bends - There are two different serpentine bends called Serpentine Change of Rein and Half-Circle and Serpentine.
- Serpentine Loops - I don't think that we even did serpentine lops before.
- The Golden Serpentine - I am not sure yet that we even did a golden serpentine before at horses.
- Serpentine Loops - There are four different serpentine loops called Figure-of-Eight, Three-Loop Serpentine, Shallow Loop and Light-Bulb Serpentine.
Straight Lines and Bends
- Riding on the Outside Track - I don't think that we even ride on the Outside Track at horses at BOK Ranch.
- Straight Lines - There are four straight lines are called Basic Lines, Long Diagonal Lines, Inside Track and Short Diagonal Lines.
- Riding on the Center Line - At BOK Ranch we always ride on the center line in the trail.
- Straight Lines with Bends - There are only one straight lines with bends and that is called Three-Loop Serpentine.
- Shoulder Fore - When we either do serpentine or circles our shoulder is straight.
Leg Yielding
- Introducing Lateral Work - On Tuesdays at BOK Ranch we first get our horse and straighted the stirrups then we warm up in the arena.
- Turn Around the Forehand - I am not sure yet that we turn around the forehand before at BOK Ranch.
- Leg Yielding - I don't think that we ever do leg yielding before at horses on Tuesdays.
- Where to Leg Yield - I don't know that we ever practice leg yield before.
- Rein Yielding - I don't think that we ever did do rein yielding before.
Shoulder- IN
- Shoulder - IN - I think we are going to do shoulder - in at horses at BOK Ranch.
- Using Shoulder - IN - When we go out on a trail ride after we do our assignments i think we do shoulder - in.
- Angle of Shoulder - IN - At horses we maintain a particular angle of the shoulder - in.
- Aids for Shoulder - IN - We ride into a shoulder - in from anywhere of the arena.
- Giving and Retaking the Reins - I am not sure that we have not tried doing a giving and retaking the reins.
- Rein - Back - I think we have done a rein - back before at horses at BOK Ranch.
Flying Change
- Performing Single Changes - The horse will not understands fully the canter before you do flying changes.
- A Single Flying Change - When the horse will started up with cantering that is when you do a single flying change to not confused the horse.
- Two-Time Flying Change - There are five ways to show the two-time flying changes.
- Counter -Canter - I am sure when my Dad or Mom takes me to horses on Tusedays I see some people do a counter-canter.
- Sequence Changes - It can be easier for the horses to do a single change in the arena.
Travers, Renvers, and Half-Pass
- Travers and Renvers - I don't think if we ever done travers and renvers before at horses.
- Half-Pass Right - We have not done a half-pass right before.
- Half-Pass - I am not sure if we ever tried doing a half-pass at horses before.
- Half-Pass and Travers - I don't think if we done half-pass and travers on horses at BOK Ranch.
Pirouettes
- Walk Pirouettes - We do something really different walking in pirouettes we walk around the cones in the arena.
- Canter Pirouettes - The People who are more advanced do cantering in pirouettes.
Collection and Extension
- Shortening and Lengthening - The horses that we ride on for Tuesdays have to shorten and length the rhythm for a tempo or step.
- Medium Trot - I think we do a medium trot at horses but I ask for a slow and medium trot because Twilight the horse that I ride has a fast pace walk.
- Advanced Collection - The horses that we ride on Tuesdays have advanced collection that they can get suspension out on the trail.
- Advanced Extension - The horses that we ride have advanced extension for good collection, good impulsion and good athletic abilties.
- Combination of Exercises - There are only one way of combination of exericses and they are called Using Collection and Extension.
- Passage and Piaffe - I don't think that we ever done passage and piaffe before at horses.
Combining the Exercises
- Working with Paces - At BOK Ranch for horses we work on two different paces like walking and trotting but not cantering yet.
- A Team of Exercises - At horses people can have advantages and disadvantages but that helps by working together with the horse that you ride.
- Using the Arena - At horses in BOK Ranch we only use the arena that is close to the ramp and block for mounting on a horse.
- Combination Arenas - There are two arenas to do travers to pirouette to half-pass and shoulder - in renvers.
- The Collective Marks - At BOK Ranch for horses we have to constant components for acceptance, calmness, forwardness, straightness and purity.
Exercise Overview
- The Paces and their Variations - The paces at BOK Ranch for horses has a objective analysis of a natural walk and trot.
- Developing the Horse - The horses that we ride on Tuesdays have a feel, empathy, acceptance, agreement, calmness, confidence, and willingness.
- Transitions, Movements, and Exercises - We have different transitions to movements like walking to trotting and exercises in the arena.
- Dressage Benchmarks - There are six ways to exercises that are called Paces, Transitions, Movements, Lateral Work, Pirouettes, Flying changes and Other activities.
Riding the Novice Test
- Analyzing the Test - In the arena we warm-up like stopping on each letter than we do our assignments and a little bit of trotting.
- The Judge's Scale - I am not sure if we do have a judge's scale but Shannon our teacher and judge says good job to our riding skills.
- Reaching Novice Level - When the horse and rider that are on a novice level have to work well through its training.
- A Novice Test - There are six keys to test a novice are free walk, medium walk, working trot, medium trot, working canter and halt and salute.
Riding the Elementary Test
- Analyzing the Test - The people who are more advanced do a counter-cantering when I see them at BOK Ranch for horses on Tuesdays.
- Elementary Level - Only the novice people do a elementary level is well-balanced and they have a form of good partnership.
- An Elementary Test - There are eight keys for a test of elementary are free walk, medium walk, working trot, medium trot, working canter, halt and salute, halt and rein-back and halt.
Riding the Medium Test
- Analyzing the Test - The people that are training their horses in the arenas are practicing a serpentines and also doing a simple flying change.
- Medium Level - The people that are in medium level are developing muscular and strength.
- A Medium Test - There are fourteen ways to practice the medium test are collected walk, medium walk, extended walk, collected trot, medium canter, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, halt rein-back, halt and salute, shoulder-in, half-pass and flying change.
Riding the Advanced Test
- Analyzing the Test - The advanced rider and horse go a canter toward the X for a half-pass.
- Advanced Horse - The advanced rider is lightness on the horse's back and the joy of the rider and horse have a great partnership while doing the dressage.
- An Advanced Test - There are sixteen ways to test the advanced are collected walk, medium walk, extended walk, walk pirouette, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, canter pirouette, halt and rein-back, halt and salute, half-pass and flying change.
At the Competition
- Preparing for a competition - At BOK Ranch for horses I see a lot of people preparing the competition for jumping.
- Warming Up - Everyday when I go to horseback riding at BOK Ranch we always warming up our horses before we go out on a trial.
- Putting on a Performance - In the Olympus they put on a performance for the judges and they also do that at horses.
- Dressage to Music - Sometimes we have some music when we are going our dressage to the music at BOK Ranch.
- Timed to Perfection - At horses my horse teacher Shannon timed to perfection when we do it well.
- RingCraft - I think when we go to the arena to ride in have a RingCraft.
- Riding away from the judge - We ride away from the judge that is Shannon then we come back for the next assignment.
- Riding for the Judge - At horses we do ride for the judge and that judge is Shannon.
- Returning to the outside track - We do return to the outside track but that is when we go out on a trial ride.
- Remembering the Test - Since we do the same thing on Tuesdays we remember the test that we do out on the trial.
Rider Challenges Part 1
- Bumping in sitting trot - There are three ways for possible causes of lack of suppleness, horse not using his back and unsuitable saddle for Bumping in sitting trot.
- Loose Leg Contact - There are three ways for possible causes of riding too long, unsuitable saddle and lack of suppleness for Loose Leg Contact.
- Nonallowing Rein Contact - There are three ways of possible causes for lack of understanding, poor balance and poor suppleness for Nonallowing Rein Contact.
- One-Sided use of the Body - There are two ways of possible causes for a one-sided rider and a one-sided horse for One-Sided use of the Body.
- Sitting Crooked - There are two ways for possible causes of lack of suppleness and horse leaning on the rein for Sitting Crooked.
- Poor Feel - There are three ways for possible causes of lack of balance, lack of harmony and lack of understanding for Poor Feel.
Rider Challenges Part 2
- Misuse of Dressage Whip - There are three ways for possible causes are poor positioning of the hands, Stick held between the wrong fingers and a bad attitude for Misuse of Dressage Whip.
- Ineffective Warm-up at Competition - There are three ways for possible causes are lack of time, unsure of strenghts and weaknesses and neglecting to analyze the test for Ineffective Warm-up at Competition.
- Under-Riding in Test - There are three ways for possible causes are frozen by stress, too much concentration on appearance and a sensitive horse for Under-Riding in Test.
- Over Riding in Test - There are three ways for possible causes are trying too hard, lack of preparation and lack of feel for Over Riding in Test.
- Forgetting the Test - There are three ways for possible causes are mental block, lack of preparation and lack of concentration for Forgetting the Test.
- Underperforming in the Competition - There are three ways for possible causes are not prioritizing, negative state of mind and unrealistic expectations for Underperforming in the Competition.
Horse Challenges Part 3
- Lacking Acceptance - There are three ways for possible causes are poor understanding, rider stiffness and discomfort for Lacking Acceptance.
- Lacking Calmness - There are two ways for possible causes are poor preparation and over-riding or discomfort for Lacking Calmness.
- Lacking Forwardness - There are three ways for possible causes are lack of confidence, restricting rein contact and discomfort for Lacking Forwardness.
- Lacking Straightness - There are two ways for possible causes are riding off the outside line of a circle and too much use of one rein contact for Lacking Straightness.
- Lacking Purity - There are two ways for possible causes are restriction of the head and neck and restriction in the back for Lacking Purtiy.
- Lacking Impulsion - There are two ways for possible causes are lacking calmness and forwardness and lacking assertive riding.
Horse Challenges Part 4
- Mouth Resistance - There are three ways for possible causes are restriction by the rider, lack of impulsion and habit for Mouth Resistance.
- Not Between the Aids-Hollow Outline - There are three ways for possible causes are discomfort, lack of impulsion and habit for Not Between the Aids- Hollow Outline.
- Not Between the Aids-Short Neck - There are two ways for possible causes are inappropriate use of gadgets or a restrictive rein contact and pain for Not Between the Aids-Short Neck.
- Shying in the Test - There are two ways for possible causes are poor impulsion and past experiences or restricted vision for Shying in the Test.
- Running Steps - There are three ways for possible causes are rider lacking harmony, lack of impulsion and habit for Running Steps.
Horse Challenges Part 5
- Breaking in Trot and Walk - There are three ways for possible causes are lack of calmnes, lack of impulsion and over-riding for Breaking in Trot and Walk.
- Not Square in Halt - There are two ways for possible causes are lacking straightness and being tapped up in halt for Not Square in Halt.
- Inaccurate Movements - There are two ways for possible causes are lack of preparation and unware of optical illusions for Inaccurate Movements.
- Changing Legs in the Counter-Canter - There are three ways for possible causes are lacking calmness, not understanding the aid to canter and discomfort for Changing Legs in the Counter-Canter.
- Quarters Leading in the Half-Pass - There are one way for possible causes are beginning a movement too early for Quarters Leading in the Half-Pass.
- Loss of Impulsion in Lateral Work - There are two ways for possible causes are restricting rein contact or a lack of harmony and progressing too quickly.
Showjumping Training and Competition Chapter Six
Inspirational Showjumping
- The Challenge of Showjumping - Showjumping can both be science and art because you can learn about gravity and angles at the jump.
- Inspirational Jumping - I think I am going to see the people who do inspirational jumping at BOK Ranch tomorrow.
- A Short for All - In the Olympic games someone can win a international medal for showjumping.
- Technical Skill - In Mexico Olympic games the people are skilled at showjumping because they got trained before they jumped.
- All-Around Excellence - In Olympic games they cannot showjump without doing the dressages.
- Small Jumper - In the United States has a small jumper in its Los Angeles Olympic games.
- World Leader - In Britain someone can win the world cup in 1990 and 1991 in showjumping.
Equipment and Facilities
- The Rider's Equipment - The Rider's equipment are just a hat with chinstrap, gloves, showjumping jacket, whip and spurs.
- The Horse's Equipment - The Horse's equipment are a d-ring snaffle, stoppers, running martingale, saddle pad, elasticated girth, fetlook boots, foreleg boots and overreach boots.
- Belly Guard - A belly guard helps the horse not to get any injuries while going showjumping.
- Competition Gear - The showjumping competition the rider must wear a jacket, shirt, tie, breechers, boots, gloves and a hat.
- Suitable Arenas - The indoor arenas work because they are useful in bad weather.
- Using Studs - I am not sure that we even use studs when we ride the horses for Tuesdays today.
- Types of Fences - A different types of fences can present challenges for the rider and horse.
- A Showjump - For showjump the fence are together, ensure that the poles are heavy enough for the horse can jump over them.
- Training Fences - There are four different types of training fences are cross poles with ground rail, vertical with ground rail, cross-pole over and barrels.
- Fence Fillers - The Fillers are used in the area beneath the fence poles to give the rider and horse to jump with height and spread.
- Ground Planks - They train approximately six planks will be needed for both rider and horse to use the ground.
- Safety Cups - I don't know if we even have safety cups at BOK Ranch for horses.
- Competition Fences - There are four different types of competition fences are vertical, triple bar, square oxer and ascending oxer.
The Rider's Position
- Achieving a Consistent Balance - At BOK Ranch for horses we achieve a consistent balance while riding on Twilight and the other horses.
- Staying Balanced - Today we are going to stand up in the stirrups with a straight leg to achieve our balance the horses that we ride.
- A Good Jumping Balance - Last lesson on Tuesday we practice our jumping balance at the ground poles.
- On the Flat - While jumping we the riders at BOK Ranch stays the same while the horse is trotting and jumping.
- Harmony with the Horse - Today I am going to harmony with Twilight the horse that i ride on ever tuesdays.
- Rein Contact over the Fence - There are four ways for rein contact over the fence are hands higher - with contact, hands lower - with contact, hands higher - without contact and hands lower - without contact.
- The Rider's Form - The Rider's leg is lowered while they are jumping.
- Jumping Position over a small fence - Today I think we are going to same thing that we did last tuesday for jumping position over a small fence.
- Jumping Larger Fences - There are two ways for jumping larger fences are jumping a medium fence and jumping a high fence.
- Keeping a Secure Seat - For horses we have to securcity of the rider comes largely for having a good balance and for keeping harmony with the horse that i ride at horses.
- Jumping Straight - The riders weight has on their stronger leg has to be unbalances the horse for the jump.
Feeling a Stride
- Judging Stride Lengths - I am not sure that we even judging stride lenghts at horses.
- Takeoff Points - There are two different ways for takeoff points are takeoff point too close and takeoff point too far away.
- Counting Strides - We don't think that we have counting strides at BOK Ranch for horses before.
- Stride Lengths - The stride lengths is the grid is set up for trot plank, cross pole and then to the canter plank.
- Progressive Exercises for Counting Strides - There are three different ways for trotting to progressive exercises for counting strides.
Analyzing the Horse's Jump
- Achieving the Constants - In Showjumping and Dressage the rider is to be acceptance, calmness, forwardness, straightness and purity to achieve the constants.
- Acceptance and Calmness - The rider has to be both acceptance and calmness while he does the aids around the arena.
- Pole-Vault Effect - The Pole-Vaulting effect helps when the horse's forehand passes over his forelegs that pushes the horse upward.
- Forwardness and Straightness - Both the horse and rider has to willingly forwardness and straightness while demanding beyond his ability to jump.
- Purity of the Jump - Many of horses are prevented from producing a natural, efficient jump for purity of the jump.
- Understanding Biomechanics - For the act of jumping comprises have several variable factors to include direction, speed, impulsion and stride length and various horizontal and vertical forces to applied at different types.
- Takeoff, Ascent and Descent - The horse and rider has to do all three takeoff, ascent and descent for jumping.
- Phases of the Jump - There are different action of a jump that can be divided into several phrases for approach, takeoff and ascent has well as flight, descent and landing.
- Approaching the Fence - For approaching the fence to maintain a canter to be calm, forward and straight.
- From Approach to Ascent - Approach to Ascent the horse finishes by completing the last stride before gathering his hind legs underneath his hindquarters to provide power for the jump.
- At A Glance - There are five ways at a glance.
- Takeoff and Ascent - The most important part of the jump is to approach with a canter so the horse's hind legs land separately at a jump.
- The Flight - The Horse curves over the top of the fence and he stretches his neck out to keep his legs tucked up underneath him.
- From Flight to Riding Away - Landing is important because at the first stride starts of the approach to the next fence and the rider be already thinking ahead.
- Descent and Landing - A descent begins by the horse starts to release his hind legs and stretching them out behind him to follow the line of his belly.
- Riding Away - When after the forelegs have landed there is a brief period of suspension again when the horse's forelegs leave the ground just when they return to the ground.
- Absorbing Shock - After the jump the horse's forelegs reach the ground when his withers sink down and the fetlock joints act like they are shock absorbers.
Jumping Variables
- Controlling Direction - A showjumping round change when the variables less than for a dressage test.
- Maintaining Speed - Showjumping speeds are given in meters per minute but for ease of accessibility.
- Developing Impulsion - A Impulsion are combination of suppleness, strength and spring and also it can originates the engagement of the hindquarters and the proper way to use the horse's back.
- Keeping A Good Balance - You can acheive speed and impulsion during a showjumping while keeping a good balance.
- Timing Strides - A horse's stride has to be timed so that the rider can get the right takeoff point for all of the fences.
- Jumping A Round - The approach this massive height is about 7-ft (2.1-m) fence for a canter at the correct speed.
A Training Program
- Long-Term Planning - A long-term has extraordinary things that are possible. In the World Cup finals or the Olympic games has jumping.
- Novice Level - In the novice level you don't need a Olympic-standard horse to learn the basic techinques to jumping.
- Medium-Term Planning - In medium-term you can decided for a long-term aims that you can form a training program that will help you to make a steady progress each year you jump.
- Short-Term Planning - You and your horse can do things in order to develop a weekly program of a varied work that is required.
- Intermediate Level - In the intermediate level you can be able to jump higher fences on a different related distances and achieving more accurate takeoff points.
- Advanced Level - A Brazilian showjumper named Rodrigo Pessoa the 1998 world champion is example of an advanced rider who has a excellent harmony and feel on his horse.
Understanding Distances
- Walking the Course - In arenas the fences can be arranged in various ways they can be double consists of two fences with only one or two strides between them.
- Walking Distances - In the arena you can practice measuring out and marking a distance on the ground equal to two horse strides with our feet.
- Imperial and Metric Stride Lengths - They can commonly used stride lengths be comparing the imperial and metric by suitable riding clubs.
- Jumping Different Fences - There are three different fences that are called vertical, oxer and triple bar for jumping different fences.
- Comparing the Jump - In the arena are compared with the fences use here are 4-ft-3-in (1.3-m), 3-ft-6-in x 4-ft-3-in (1.1 x 1.3-m) and 4-ft-3-in x 5-ft (1.3- x 1.5-m).
- Walking Doubles and Combinations - You can use the method to find the distances between double and combination fences by walking in the arena.
- Varying Takeoffs and Landings - A horse's distance is away from the vertical on takeoff that will surprise that riders who like to put their horses closer to the fences.
- Working with Different Distances - The distance charts that is shown here are intended to give a starting point for the rider's work and to indicate a possible progression but there are no rigid rules in working with different distances.
- Basic Grid Distances - There are different exercises are walk planks, trot planks, trot planks to cross poles, single trot placing plank to cross poles, cross poles from trot to a vertical in one stride, vertical to oxer in one stride, cross poles from trot to a bounce and canter planks and their distances.
- Practicing with Planks - The rider and horse practice with planks by cantering over the ground planks at a fixed distance.
- Jumping with a Pony - At BOK Ranch for horseback riding lessons only the smaller kids use a pony for the jump.
- Competition Distances - Horses can tend to stand off by take off early at oxers and run deep with the first fence and second fence with their distance in between in the jump.
- Varying Stride Lengths - It can also be necessary to take into account the different factors that can affect your horse's stride length when they jump.
- Using Grids - I am not sure if i see people using grids when they ride horses at BOK Ranch when I go on Tuesdays.
- Distances for Training Exercises - There are three strides for number of non-jumping strides for approaching first fence in trot and approaching first fence in canter.
Jumping A Novice Grid
- Warming Up - At BOK Ranch for horses we realistic about the demands that are set for yourself and your horse and too many horses have been frightened by a difficult grids but we don't do the grids not yet anyway.
- Jumping the Gird - Once the horse is jumping each individual fence with confidence the rider that is you can be ready to jump and complete the grid.
- Building Up the Grid - Instead of building the grid Shannon build something way different to a grid we use the ground poles as a tree from the trail.
- Horse and Rider's view of the Gird - The rider keeps the arms supple then looking toward the next fence then try not to make any changes to the stride then keeping a good balance and then maintaining the canter stride.
- Jumping the Oxer - You have started the grid well and maintained a good even a canter stride and keeping your horse focused on the end of the grid and the jump.
- Grids for All Levels - Oxers can be useful because they can help you encourage a horse to make the highest point of his jump over the middle of the fence with can produces a good technique and there are two examples to the grid are two-oxer grid and reducing the distance.
Improving your Horse's Jump
- Achieving Consistency - The Grid work is the key to start with a consistent approach at the right speed to the jump.
- Figure-Eight - Trotting in circles can help you go in front of a fence until the horse is facing the fence in a calm manner to jump.
- Using Different Fences - When you once have achieved a consistent approach to and departure from the cross pole and try putting another fence two or three strides away for jumping.
- Aiming for a Symmetrical Jump - There are three most efficient jumps that are called ascending oxer, square oxer and vertical.
- Getting the Hind Legs Together - When the jump is both the quality and height is largely dictated by how the two hind legs of the horse is pushed off the ground.
- More Advanced Grid Exercises - There are two different advanced grid exercises they are called the bounce grid and triple bar exercise.
Jumping a More Advanced Grid
- Jumping the Grid - You start the grid by approaching the poles laid out in a funnel shape at a trot and the there six example how the grid can work out.
- Engaging the Hind Legs - When the shorter distance to the second oxer encourages the horse to use his hind legs together and creating a more power and a slightly steeper angle of ascent.
Related Distances and Turns
- Straight-Line Related Distances - The people who do the simplest exercise using a straight-line distance is to trot to a cross pole land in a canter and take a specific number of strides to a canter plank.
- Working Toward Jumping a Course - There are two different courses that are called dog-leg turn exercise and course of straight-line related distances.
- Correct Canter Lead - Only the difficulty with a dog-leg turns comes when you land over the first fence on the wrong canter lead and making the turn less easy to ride.
- Riding A Dog-Leg Turn - You can approach the first plank in a canter then after the two straight strides take two strides on the turn to the right then before taking two straight strides to the second plank.
- Changing the Canter Lead - By achieving the right canter lead after a fence helps you can make a smoother turn.
- Changing the Lead - By following the dotted line to fence 1 makes a serpentine shape and leaving you in a counter canter just before the fence and getting ready to change your lead over the fence.
Jumping Against the Clock
- Saving Time - By simply going faster in an effort to beat the clock can be counterproductive and a young horse will jump fewer clear rounds and his style will deteriorate if you can encourage him too go fast and too soon.
- Staying Focused - Today at horses I always stay focus because I think that is why Shannon wants my help at horse camp on July 29 to August 1st.
- Jumping Angled Fences - In the training as soon as your horse is jumping straight and start practicing jumping angled fences as well as going a little faster but you can always finish with your horse being in a calm state.
- Jumping an Angled Fence - For the key to jumping on an angle is to stay on the same line throughout by maintaining consistent leg and rein contacts.
- Narrow Fences - The jumping to the right or left of the center of a fence will help you make a shorter line or improve the line to a subsequent fence.
- Jumping on a Turn - For a turnback is a development of a dog-leg taking the angle of the turn further. Like the dog-leg it can initially be based on a 65-ft (20-m) circle.
- Progressing from a Dog Leg to a Turnback - Introduce a turnback by using canter planks on the ground and this will make the exercise easier and let you practice it without tiring your horse. There are two different ways that are called six-stride turnback and five-stride turnback.
- Setting Up a Turnback - The initially practice riding a 65-ft (20-m) half-circle over two planks and before turning the second plank into a small fence.
- Turnback with a Fence - By cantering over a plank on the ground before turning to a fence makes a related-distance exercise and the planks are laid out on the ground can help guide the rider on an accurate half-circle as she turns toward the fence.
- Fifth-Leg Training - A horse that has the ability to get himself out of trouble and save himself from a fall is described as having a fifth leg and the fifth-leg training is a major part of preparation for the jump-off.
- Small Fence with Fillers - By a solid-looking fence encourages the horse to respect fences and to watch out for himself.
- Big Fence with Light Polls - By using light poles and safety cups on the back pole will help maintain the horse's confidence.
- Adjusting Stride Lengths - In the foundation of your weekly work is to maintain the 12-ft (3.7-m) stride and consistently find exact takeoff points and every week you can also begin work on shortening and lengthening your horse's strides so that you can cope with more difficult distances.
- Shortening and Lengthening Strides - There are two different ways to the shorten and lengthen strides are called progressing to adding strides and progressing to taking out strides.
- Jump-Off Strategy - Before preparing for a jump-off round and you must decide on your strategies then you are ready to go fast at this stage.
- Choosing a Route - By having to decided on your strategy you need to choose your route and in a small arena by reducing the number of strides around a course by taking a shorter track often be more effective than simply going faster.
- Thinking Ahead - For as you begin the descent from one fence and you should already be turning as this rider is and looking to the next fence.
- Jump-Off Course - For the first-round (the red route) you can approach the fences in a straight line by using the flowing turns and for the jumping-off round (the blue route) can reduce the number of strides by a third by jumping the verticals on angles and you will then be competitive even if you do not increase your speed.
Combining the Exercises
- Exercise One - For the standard grid bounce over a cross pole and a vertical is followed by one stride to an oxer.
- Exercise Two - As you progression from exercise one you can jump either of the two verticals to the left and right of the oxer and these area set-up as four-stride dog-leg related distances on a 45-degree angle.
- Exercise Three - In this example of how you might bring together a grid and normal fences from a course to produce a very effective schooling track.
- Exercise Four - When there is an enormous range of possible variations but in this exercise is designed purely to encourage consistency of stride length and fluency through the turns.
- Using Base Grid Two - In this setup (to see in the right) of vertical fences based on two 65-ft (20-m) circles and gives you an endless variety if exercises.
- Exercise One - In this type of exercise is the foundation of your preparation for jumping a course because it is so important to be able to change canter leads over a fence.
- Exercise Two - This can be a very effective exercise but particularly for a horse that lacks acceptance of the rider and consistency in the canter.
- Exercise Three - In this exercise tests your ability to jump fences at an angle.
- Exercise Four - In this example of just one course that you can jump with this setup.
- Choosing your Exercises - In the great advantage of a setup that offers various routes is that you get to know it very well and it gives you a focus for your training.
Exercise Overview
- Levels of Achievement - In the chart opposite can be used to assess your current level of ability and to identity your strengths and weakness.
- Good Flat Work - You must do dressage exercises as well as jumping exercises for it is not possible to fulfill your potential as a showjumper without doing good work on the flat.
- The Importance of Varied Work - It is impossible to separate the showjumping exercises from the dressage exercises for the dressage exercises have to be done before the jumping exercises because every showjumping round comprises flat work as well as jumping.
- Showjumping Benchmarks - There are fourteen different course elements and four levels.
Novice Course
- The Novice Partnership - For there is a huge range of horses that may be suitable for showjumping but whatever the type for they need two main attributes they have to canter calmly down to a fence on a 12-ft (3.7-m) stride and they need to jump confidently and economically and for attributes such as a good trot are not mandatory.
- Aerial Overview - For the height of the fence is 3 ft 6 in (1.1 m) and the width of each oxer is 3 ft 9 in (1.2 m) for the length of the course is 440 yd (400 m) and it should be ridden at a speed of 13 mph (350 m/min) and the time allowed for the round is 69 seconds.
- A Confident Partnership - In here the rider has a good rein contact and a supple position that has the potential to be excellent he must take more weight through the leg and firm up the lower leg so that he remains secure when he jumps bigger fences for the horse is trying to jump cleanly and is calm and athletic although he should not be asked to jump bigger fences until he can get a little closer to the fence.
Elementary Course
- The Jump-Off - For if you make it into the jump-off round set your own goals and avoid being led by others.
- Aerial Overview - The fences are 3 ft 9 in. (1.2 m) high with spreads of up to 4 1/2 ft (1.4 m) for the course is 575 yd (525 m) to be ridden at a speed of 13 mph (350 m/min) in a time of 90 seconds.
- Ready to Progress - For this rider has her weight through the leg and an easy balance that will enable her to jump even at bigger fences.
Medium Course
- The Jump-Off - For the jump-off track for this course is relatively straightness but it offers the opportunity to use different patterns than the ones used in the first round.
- Aerial Overview - The fences are 4 ft 3 in (1.3 m) high with spread of up to 4 ft 9 in (1.5 m) and the course length is 575 yd (525 m) to be ridden at a speed 13 mph (350 m/min) in a time of 90 seconds.
- Top-Level Technique - This kind of horse is showing the kind of technique that is necessary for a real international showjumper.
Advanced Course
- The Jump-Off - For leaving out a stride or two between fences 8 and 9 in the jump-off is not difficult but beware of trying to turn in the air over any oxer.
- Aerial Overview - The fences are 4 1/2 ft (1.4 m) high with spreads of up to 5 ft 2 in (1,6 m) for the distance of 490 yd (450 m) requires a speed of 14 mph (375 m/min) for a time of 72 seconds and plan your strategy for the jump-off.
- Technique Limitations - The top showjumping horses all need to jump cleanly and have plenty of spring.
At the Competition
- Warming Up - If when you arrive at the competition find out exactly where and at what time you will be jumping so that you can complete your warm-up to 10 minutes before your round starts.
- Walking the Course - There are any distances you are unsure about it is perfectly acceptance to go back and walk them again until you are satisfied with your measurements.
- Practice Fences - You can start your practice fences by trotting or cantering to a cross pole or a small vertical with a ground line and jump it five or six times raising it slightly on each occasion until it matches the height of the fences in the arena,
- Walking the Course - You can walk the course remind yourself that it is just a collection of exercises joined together and turns related distances and types of fences that you have already practiced at home.
- Types of Classes - There are only four different classes called equitation classes, hunter and working hunter classes, speed classes and jumper classes.
- Remembering the Course - For some riders find it difficult to remember a course but it is easy if you stay calm and focused.
- In the Competition Arena - The competition arenas can feel enormous to a novice rider and the presence of a crowd can be especially daunting.
- Dealing with Inner Fears - For admitting to nerves and negative feelings is not easy for many riders but it is the first step toward overcoming fears.
- Assessing your Round - For it is rarely beneficial to assess your performance when you a retired or fed up after a round.
- The Big Occasion - For it is an extraordinary achievement to canter into a huge international arena like this and knowing you are both fully prepared and the course is well within your ability.
Rider Challenges Part 1
- Slipping Saddle - There are three ways for possible causes that are called a loose girth, shape of the horse and a badly fitting saddle for Slipping Saddle.
- Getting Jumped out of the Saddle - There are three ways for possible causes that are called horse jumping too big and stiffly, a stiff riding position and weight in the saddle, rather than through the legs for Getting Jumped out of the Saddle.
- Losing the Stirrups - There are three ways for possible causes that are called being jumping out of the saddle, slippery soles and stirrups and keeping too much weight in the stirrup for Losing the Stirrups.
- Throwing the Body Forward in Midair - There are three possible causes that are called gripping with lower legs, jumping for the horse and riding young horses for Throwing the Body Forward in Midair.
- Getting Left Behind - There are three possible causes that are called lack of confidence, inadequate use of shoulders and elbows and loss of balance for Getting Left Behind.
Rider Challenges Part 2
- Over-Riding - There are only two ways for possible causes that are called riding young or difficult horses and anxiety for Over-Riding.
- Under-Riding - There are three ways for possible causes that are called negative thinking, trying to look beautiful and riding highly strung, assertive horses for Under-Riding.
- Not Feeling Strides - There are three ways for possible causes that are called lacking the constants, lack of consistency and a negative attitude for Not Feeling Strides.
- Getting Nervous in Front of Crowds - There are three ways for possible causes that are called lack of self-esteem, lack of support and lack of preparation for Getting Nervous in Front of Crowds.
- Forgetting the Course - There are only two ways for possible causes that are called nerves and lack of concentration and poor preparation for Forgetting the Course.
Horse Challenges Part 1
- Excited and Strong - There are three ways for possible causes that are called fear in the horse, lack of calmness and pain for Excited and Strong.
- Lack of Confidence - There are three ways for possible causes that are called lack of progression in training, slippery or soft surfaces and rider restriction for Lack of Confidence.
- Dislike of Doubles and Combinations - There are only two ways for possible causes that are called jumping canter not established and grids too demanding for Dislike of Doubles and Combinations.
- Dislike of New Fillers and Ditches - There are only two ways for possible causes that are called bad early experience and lack of preparation for Dislike of New Fillers and Ditches.
- Refusing A Fence - There are three ways for possible causes that are called being overstretched, pain and rider restriction for Refusing A Fence.
Horse Challenges Part 2
- Distances Between Fences Riding Short - There are three ways for possible causes that are called canter stride too long, overjumping and over-fresh for Distances Between Fences Riding Short.
- Distances Riding Long - There are three ways for possible causes that are called canter stride too short, overcautious and pain for Distances Riding Long.
- Jumping Crooked - There are three ways for possible causes that are called uneven development on the flat, rider is unbalanced and restricted vision for Jumping Crooked.
- Not Trying to Jump Cleanly - There are three ways for possible causes that are called rider over riding, lack of fifth-leg training and pain for Not Trying to Jump Cleanly.
- Hitting Fences with the Front Legs - There are only two ways for possible causes that are called takeoff out of balance and takeoff too close for Hitting Fences with the Front Legs.
Horse Challenges Part 3
- Hitting Fences with the Hind Legs - There are three ways for possible causes are not opening the hind legs joints, rider restriction and turning in the air for Hitting Fences with the Hind Legs.
- Careless Toward the End of a Round - There are three ways for possible causes are lack of consistency in the canter, tiredness and lack of fifth-leg training for Careless Toward the End of the Round.
- Losing the Line in the Jump-Off - There are three ways for possible causes are lack of control, giving away the rein contact and not thinking about for Losing the Line in the Jump-Off.
- Performance deteriorating Toward the End of a Season - There are three ways for possible causes are discomfort and tiredness, lack of mental maturity in the horse and gaps in the range of the rider's technique for Performance deteriorating Toward the End of a Season.
- Too Much Bend in the Neck - There are only two ways for possible causes are overuse of the inside rein and not paying attention to the priorities for Too Much Bend in the Neck.
Cross-Country Training and Competition Chapter Seven
Inspirational Eventing
- The Complete Training Test - Wilhelm Museler wrote "Riding across country is not just a test it is the ultimate goal of all training including dressage." for a classic dressage book.
- World Class - With Jimmy Wofford both a successful rider and now a respected coach and with Carawich his horse completing the final phase at the 1978 World Championships in Lexington, Kentucky.
- Top Achieves - For the achievements of horses like Charisma, Murphy Himself, Supreme Rock, Biko, Custom Made, and Gilt Edge bear comparison with top horses from any sport.
- Record Breaker - For Lucinda Green is the best-known female eventer ever and she won a record six Badmintons on six horses and inspired generations of riders.
- The Ultimate Horseman - When New Zealander Mark Todd who is considered the greatest all-round rider of all time and the diminutive Charisma winning an Olympic gold medal on their second at Seoul in 1988.
Cross-Country Equipment
- The Rider - In the most obvious addition to the rider's normal clothes is a body protector which is compulsory for competition.
- The Horse - For the bit shown here is a snaffle and some horses may need something stronger such as a pelhem which works by exerting pressure on the tongue and lower jaw through a curb chain that fits around the chin.
- Horse and Rider ready for Cross-Country - For every piece of clothing and equipment has a purpose and is essential and with the addition of color-coordinated shirt and silk on the skull cap and possibly coordinated bandages horse ans rider can also look superb.
- Cross-Country Bandages - The cut lightweight plastic sleeves to fit around the cannon bone and allowing for the bend of the knee. For they should be the same width around the whole leg so there are no pressure points and using an elasticated sticky bandage and starting at the top create an even support by winding the bandage down and back up with regular turns and then tape the bandage for security.
A Cross-Country Facility
- An Ideal Training Facility - The cross-country training is often neglected simply because of the lack of a suitable practice area and as a result some riders take the opportunity to do their schooling during competitions which can create more risks.
- Progressive Training - With the novice horses and riders it is important to allow some time to relax and get used to the area before jumping and it is also vital to have done sufficient work on the flat to get in gear.
- A Cross-Country Playground - Apart from a large variety of fences it is important that the surfaces on a cross-country facility are suitable and they must be secure around takeoff and landing points so that the horse does not slip and lose confidence.
- Following a Lead Horse - To do your cross-country schooling in company if possible with more experienced horse and rider and this will give you and your horse more confidence and will satisfy the horse's naturally gregarious nature.
- Getting the Novice Horse used to water - For before jumping into water the novice horse should walk in alongside a more experienced horse and do this several times to reassure him that both the water and the surface under the water are safe.
- Introducing Ditches - For the ditches can be frightening for horses because they are difficult to see and start in a trot with small ditches that have wings at the side and follow a lead horse to hold on to the mane in case your horse takes a big jump.
- An Introduction to Banks - The small banks are the best type of fence to start your cross-country schooling.
Taking Safely Precautions
- A Safe Sport - For cross-country riding is safe if a horse is working well within his physical limits and if he and the rider are training progressively under the guidance of a coach.
- Training Safeguards - For when taking part in a competition safely procedures are stipulated and enforced by the rules of the sport and the rule book is constantly evolving and is backed up by official scientific research.
- Accident Prevention - For the accidents can be minimized by using well-qualified coaches safe facilities and progressive exercises and general fitness and muscle tone will also help.
- A Safe Horse - For a cross-country training philosophy in which the horse learns to take responsibility for himself and his rider is an important factor in safety.
- Walking the Course - For walking the course beforehand with an experienced coach or rider is arguably one of the best investments in safety a rider can make.
- Safe Advice from a Trainer - For even the top riders walk high-level courses with coaches and other riders and for novice riders must not set out on a cross-country course without getting advice about the routes to take and the pitfalls to watch out for.
- Risk Assessment - For before visiting a cross-country facility be sure to have the appropriate insurance arranged for yourself.
The Rider's Position
- Shortening the Stirrups - For the priorities for achieving the correct rider position are the same in cross country as for showjumping for the rider's weight acts in exactly the same place with the seat out of or just touching the saddle so the horse will feel that the rider's balance is identical to that for showjumping.
- A Good Cross-Country Position - For it is important to maintain a consistently balanced position so that your weight always feels the same on the horse.
- Slipping the Reins - For in the safety position your hands move farther away from the horse's month and it is necessary therefore to slip the reins through the fingers to avoid being pulled forward and to prevent restriction of the horse's head and neck.
- Safety Position - For at any fence across cross country and in particular at drops and it is important to open up the knee and hip joints on the descent.
Being Effective
- Working with your Horse's Stride - For the large variety of fences seen in cross country means that the rider has to cope with several lengths of stride.
- Judging your Speed - For develop a precise feel for the various speeds and strides lengths required from the beginning.
- Using a Stopwatch - For using a stopwatch in training will teach you to develop a feel for specific speeds.
- Speed and Stride Lengths - The different activities and fences require different speeds and since you cannot look at a speedometer on horseback the ability to feel the different speeds and change from one to another is of vital importance.
- A Tired Horse - For if your horse starts to feel a little unresponsive slow him down between fences between fences to allow him to recover before getting him back in gear to jump.
- A Job Well Done - If your horse should always finish ready and able to do more than was required and you have prepared well he will feel that he has had a pleasant experience and you will have had a wonderful time.
- Kicking On - For it is easier and safer to start out on a cross-country course if both you and your horse are in gear mentally and physically.
- Turning the Whip Over - For if when you are riding across country it may occasionally be necessary to use the jumping whip or stick once on the horse's bottom to help put hum in gear.
- Getting in Gear - For you can send the horse forward and make your legs more effective by sitting into the saddle with your heel close to the girth and reward the horse when he responds.
- Sticking On - For the two main factors that help you to stay on when riding across country are a secure lower leg with the weight dropping down through your heels lower than the toes combined with a relaxed harmonious position,
- The Next Day - For if your horse is ready and willing to work the day after doing a cross-country course then you will continue to make good progress in the sport.
- Looking Forward - In New Zealander Andrew Nicholson demonstrates a secure supple seat.
Constant and Variables
- The Importance of Impulsion - In the constants of acceptance, calmness, forwardness, straightness and purity together produce controlled impulsion which is the most vital requirement for a good cross-country round and for safety.
- Being Flexible - For the more advanced the competition the more advanced the partnership between the horse and rider needs to be in terms of communication, awareness and speed of reaction.
- Understanding the Fifth Leg - For a horse that consistently gets himself out of trouble across country is said to have a "fifth leg."
- Tips for Fifth-Leg Training - For there are nine ways to train your horse to think for himself.
- Cantering Downhill - For it is in training cantering uphill will develop your horse's strength while reducing impact on the forelegs.
Developing A Partnership
- A Horse-and-Rider Partnership - For the start the rider should visualize the division of responsibilities in cross-country as a contract between rider and horse.
- The Rider's Responsibilities - For having the horse in gear is the same as achieving controlled impulsion the horse going forward with energy and balance and for this the five constants is acceptance, calmness, forwardness, straightness and purity are required and must always be in place.
- Horse Locked on to a Fence - The rider must allow the horse his responsibility to assess the fence. For this horse has been given that opportunity he has locked on to the fence and is therefore concentrating.
- The Horse's Responsibilities - For it is remarkable how much a horse will do for you if allowed but many riders find it difficult to leave him alone to find his own balance.
- Horse and Rider Responsibilities - There are different responsibilities for both horse and rider.
- Horse and Rider in Gear - It is to ride safely across country both horse and rider need to be "in gear," which means they are controlled, focused and thinking forward.
A Training Program
- Long-Term Planning - The Extraordinary achievements are possible if you have a plan.
- Novice Competition - It is for this level, this horse and rider look happy and confident although the rider needs to establish a firmer lower leg position to be more secure.
- Medium-Term Planning - For if your aim is to progress through the competition levels both you and your horse need to complete qualifications via both one-day and three-day events.
- Short-Term Planning - For the paradox of an event horse's fitness is that he has to be conditioned to gallop and jump for several miles at a three-day yet be calm and obedient for the dressage and showjumping phases.
- Intermediate Level - For this rider's lower leg is a little loose for comfort however use of the snaffle bridle and the rider's calmness and focus suggest an educated approach.
- Advanced Horse and Rider - For this is a typical big corner at Badminton. For it demands great accuracy and anything less than total commitment from the horse will result in his running out.
- Weekly Program - For in eventing there is a greater need to plan ahead with training than in other sports because there is so much to fit in.
Narrow Fences
- A Basic Understanding - In the key to jumping narrow fences is to teach horses to understand what is required.
- Narrow Fences on a Dog-Leg - To practice jumping over a barrel with wingstands at each end and then jump the barrel without the wingstands.
- Using A Placing Fence - For if the takeoff point is a long way from the narrow fence the horse is more likely to run out and to prevent this use a placing fence two or three strides away to create a takeoff point slightly close to the fence.
- Practice Narrow Fences - The jump narrow fences as a regular part of your training approaching first from a trot and then a canter.
Angled Fences
- Jumping An Angled Fence - To warm up by getting your horse cantering and jumping on a straight line.
- Barrels At An Angle - For this horse is jumping from right to left at an angle of approximately 20 degrees.
- Related Angled Fences - In the order to save time against the clock showjumping need to clear fences on an angle.
- Angled Combination - In the distance between these two fences is 42 ft (12.8 m) - 2 1/2 jumping strides.
- Jumping to the Left and the Right - For many horses are naturally stronger on one side than they are on the other and this means that your horse is likely to find one angle easier to jump than the other.
Corner Fences
- Progression to the Corner - As with all jumping successful negotiation of the corner begins with dressage training when your horse is taught to canter straight ans it continues in showjumping when he learns to hold a straight line in front of a fence.
- Jumping a Corner of Poles - In here the angle of the corner has been gradually increased to 60 degrees and the horse is jumping the corner with confidence and both horse and rider are looking ahead to the next test.
- Jumping Filled-in Corners - For the majority of corners encountered in real competition are solid and filled in.
- Jumping a 60-Degree Corner - For the start with six barrels in two rows of three and jump diagonally across them.
- Jumping a Filled-In Corner - In the practice jumping a filled-in corner by using a barrel as a guide and then remove the barrel.
Ditches
- Jumping Ditches - For over-riding is a common fault in jumping ditches because they can look frightening a fence with a ditch underneath it always looks bigger.
- A Small Dry Ditch - For this horse is jumping confidently but a horse can surprise you by jumping higher than necessary over a ditch.
- Water Ditches - In this progression of water ditches and placing fences will help you and your horse develop confidence by demanding different stride lengths and speed in a controlled way.
- A Wide Ditch - The horse and rider are making the 10-ft (3-m) ditch look easy despite taking off almost 3 ft (1 m) from the water.
- Achieving Different Stride Lengths - For this type of ditch complex will teach you how to produce different stride lengths on demand and the 11-ft (3.4-m) stride is used when jumping into most water fences the 12-ft (3.7-m) stride is mainly used in showjumping and many cross-country combinations and 13 ft (4 m) is the basis for cross-country work before you learn to go faster.
Sunken Roads
- Building Trust - For after you have introduced a novice horse to a small bank you can progress to a sunken road obstacle and this is a wonderful exercise for building trust between you and your horse because although sunken roads initially look strange to the horse they are generally east to negotiate.
- Sunken Road on a Dog-Leg - For the width of this sunken road is 31 ft (9.5 m) which is designed to give two strides in the bottom when approaching at a trot.
- Negotiating a Sunken Road - For the priority for the rider is to maintain the right direction and speed and in this sequence the sunken road contains a slightly short distance of 31 ft (9.5 m) which means that riders should approach by trotting into it slowly.
- Land Effectively - For it is vital to a horse's technique for going down banks or drops that he gets in the habit of landing with his front legs apart.
- Making Progress - For most horses do not find sunken roads daunting and your horse should end the exercise having had a pleasant experience and one that he found simple.
Banks and Drops
- A Bank Complex - It is apart from water a bank complex is the most valuable part of a cross-country facility.
- Medium Route Over Bank Combination - For the medium-level route is a double-bounce combination and is good preparation for jumping the most advanced route.
- Jumping The Bank - For in the medium-level route across this complex the width of each bank is 13 ft (4 m) which is fairly long.
- Improving Your Position - In the banks like this are excellent fro teaching riders how to keep a safe balance both down drops and for the second half of fences.
- Drop Into Water - This is an excellent drop on the part of both rider and rider and for the rider has opened the knee and hip joints to give a straight line from shoulder to hip to back of heel which is ideal for a big drop and the horses's forelegs are apart and the next stride is going to be easy for them both.
Jumping In and Out of Water
- Training for Water Jumps - For in the training practice jumping banks, tables and sunken roads to establish both the rider's safely position and the horse's technique for going down drops and up banks.
- Jumping Into Water - For in the sequence below there is a fence before the drop into water.
- Introducing your Horse to Water - For in the first stage is to walk the horse quietly into water and allow him to move around in it.
- Jumping Into Water - The fence before the water lines the horse up for the drop and there is then a 45-degree turn in the water which requires the rider to be thinking ahead on landing.
- Jumping From Water - To take your time when in the water so that the horse remains calm and splashing is kept to a minimum.
- Checking The Variables - For success in water the variables of direction, speed, impulsion, balance and timing need to work together and approaching at an angle can result in lack of normal support from the horse's legs on takeoff but a slow speed allows hum to have a little more impulsion and a collected balance.