Riding across the countryside, whether it be eventing, hunter trails or hunting, or just being out in the country is one of the most exhilarating experiences we can have with our horse. There is always the sense of excitement of the unexpected, the bigger than normal fence, the uncertainty of line or direction to be taken.
To make the most of this experience, it’s important for both rider and horse to be fully prepared, to enjoy this experience as safely as is possible. But at times, too much thought and analysis slows the natural responses. By explaining how both horse and rider learn, we can train the partnership to produce instinctive responses.
The exercises offered are simple yet can be used at all levels of riding with the aim of focusing on the rider/trainer relationship to produce a better canter and line and allowing the horse to jump the fence.
Published by the British Pony Club.
Eric Smiley has had a full and interesting career in horses, from his beginnings in Pony Club to starting a career in horses at the age of 28, and on through to becoming an Olympic Rider and a Fellow of the British Horse Society.
