rel="nofollow" href="#litres_trial_promo">Exercises for Hunters and Jumpers
Exercises for the Dressage Horse
Incorporating Placing Poles and Cavalletti
Chapter 9: Cross-Country Jumping
Chapter 11: Show Jumping Courses
Chapter 12: Competition and the Advanced Rider
Chapter 13: Getting Ready for a Competition
Prep Your Horse: A Braiding Primer
Chapter 14: On the Day of the Show
Chapter 15: Competition Psychology
Acknowledgments
No rider can make it through his or her career without being influenced by others, and an equestrian journalist is no different. I drew inspiration and gained expertise for this project, directly and indirectly, from several fine riders, including Sidley Paine, Christopher Bartle, Mark Waller, Richard Spooner, Kass Lockhart, Maryne Langer, Amber Heintzberger, Cindy Hale, Jane Weatherwax, Perry Wood, Richard Davidson, Karen Dixon, Mike Winter, Blyth Tate, and Timmie Pollock. Special thanks to models Laura Forrester, Katie and Joe Lifto, Lori Gabrelli, and Sherie Grant.
I also owe a debt of gratitude to Moira Harris, a wonderful editor, photographer, and good friend who encouraged me throughout this project.
Introduction
What is the definition of an advanced rider? More than at any other level, the advanced rider possesses a broad spectrum of skills at various stages of development. There are many levels of advancement. Of course, someone who has reached the dizzying heights of Olympic competition is an advanced rider, but a person who has learned the fundamentals of riding and gone on to own a horse of his or her own also can be an advanced rider. For me, the beginning advanced rider is someone who grasps the idea of good horsemanship and puts a great deal of time and effort into developing his or her seat and position. This book will help you develop those skills, and it is my hope that it will also help give you the skills to move on to the next step of your riding career, whatever the final level may be.
Honing the Seat and Position
All advanced riders want to achieve an independent position. Independence means that you’re in total control of your seat at all times, no matter what your horse does—even if she spooks or bucks. This seat allows you to move with any horse’s stride and with your legs lightly against your horse’s barrel, instead of gripping for balance. An independent seat also means you have the ability to maintain a steady contact with your reins, instead of using them as a way to stay on. Most of all, an independent position means you can time your aids correctly and use them effectively.
Checking Your Seat
To sit well, the rider has to be in a vertical line, over his own feet. Think about the best position to take if you are standing on the ground. You won’t stand with your upper body pitched forward or back;
