To begin their cross-country school, William has the riders start over small, inviting jumps to warm up. He wants the horses to go in a forward and soft rhythm to stay relaxed. This gives both horses and riders the chance build confidence.
Up Next in Cross-Country
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Novice Level Ditches | William Fox-Pitt
William coaches riders over ditches alone first and then with fences before and after the ditch. His emphasis is on riding the horse straight. If the horse spooks and stops at a ditch, William wants him to jump it from a standstill. He stresses to put the leg on and stay with the horse if it hesi...
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Novice Level Banks | William Fox-Pitt
William has the riders jump up and down a bank. He tells them to imagine it is level ground with jumps and not think of it as jumping up and down. He wants everyone to stay relaxed. The canter should be collected so that even if they get deep they are still able to jump up or down the bank.
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Novice Level Mounds | William Fox-Pitt
William wants the riders to keep the same canter rhythm up and down the hills. He doesn't want them to let their horses break to trot. They need to keep cantering, keep their balance, keep their reins short and stay organized.
