David begins to work through each of the rider's responsibilities, focusing first on speed and the different paces for each kind of cross country fence. He also touches on direction, timing, rhythm, and balance, emphasizing that once the rider is taking care of these responsibilities and has enough awareness to do so well, the horse is free to do his job and solve the puzzle of the jump. He likens coaching this awareness to learning to drive a car, where if the rider has to think about the controls, they are late, and shares how this method has helped his amateur riders have achievable moments.
Up Next in Cross-Country
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In Front Of The Leg Cross Country | I...
Riders each tackle the course individually while Ian offers feedback. Two of the riders work on sitting down in the saddle through their combinations and riding with their legs and seat so the horse doesn't drop behind their leg. Ian uses the analogy of squeezing out a tube of toothpaste to encou...
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Introducing Horses To Ditches | Kyle ...
Kyle removes the rails to reveal the ditch and the riders attempt it from the canter. Kyle talks more about his philosophy on teaching ditches, and the importance of the horse drawing confidence and courage from the rider on the approach. By staying soft and following the established routine, the...
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Cross Country Rider's Responsibility ...
Olympian David O'Connor works with riders on the cross country course, focusing on their responsibilities in the saddle. From the rider managing their own body and position, to having control of direction and timing, David works through everything expected on course. He helps a rider teach her ho...
