Part 3: The difficulty of the course is increased with the addition of a water element. Mark works with a rider to create forward energy to keep the horse focused and help prevent spooking. The emphasis of the session continues to be on maintaining the rhythm and riding in a correct position, both galloping and two point. This facilitates the best jump round and set the horses up for success.
Up Next in Cross-Country
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Keeping A Rhythm Cross Country - Part 2
Part 2: Mark increases the difficulty by adding a skinny going downhill. Riders are challenged to keep their horses forward without gaining speed. Mark discusses the importance of rider position, particularly sitting up, on the approach to the fence, and maintaining that all-important rhythm. To ...
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Keeping A Rhythm Cross Country - Part 1
Part 1: Mark establishes the goals of the cross country session in getting the horses confidence up and setting expectations for receiving the correct response to the aids and a willingness to move forward. Working on the riders positions, Mark helps them guide their horses into connection and ba...
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In Front Of The Leg Cross Country - P...
PART 2: 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 ...
