Proper training for jumping out of the corner of an obstacle
In this discipline, practice does not necessarily make perfect; correct practice does.
In my view, this principle applies especially to the precision questions on a cross country course.
When learning to jump corner fences, the work should not be complicated.
In fact, it should not be complicated at all.
This skill must be taught gradually and deliberately.
When a rider wants to teach his or her horse to jump a corner or any other precision question, two key points must be kept in mind.
First, you must start slowly and in a controlled environment.
Second, it must be remembered that sufficient preparation creates respect for the question being asked.
The goal, above all, is to create a positive experience for riders and horses from the very beginning.
Precision questions, especially corners, are deliberately designed to offer the rider the easy way out; that is, instead of staying between the flags, to go around the obstacle.
But when the horse or rider has been properly trained, neither should be tempted, even when faced with surprises, to give in to that easy route.
Start slowly and in a controlled environment there is a real difference between practicing corners in the ring and approaching them on a cross-country course, but the lessons learned in the ring transfer fully to the field.
For that reason, I prefer to teach young riders and horses in a more controlled environment first.
In this setting, one can build an understanding of the question more gradually, identify what is needed for the correct response, and even reduce the likelihood of thinking about the easier route — namely the runout, which is a common fault.
Although a rider may not have to ride a real corner until the upper levels of eventing, I think many riders do not show the respect this obstacle demands from the very beginning.
Even at Training level, a rider should not approach a corner like a wide table or a brush fence.
I do not think any rider can approach a corner carelessly or at a charging pace.
This obstacle is designed to force the rider to ride with more discipline, and if he or she leaves the easy way open for the horse, correcting it will be one of the most difficult problems.
Practice in the ring using poles, standards and perhaps even barrels makes it possible to change the height and angle and helps the horse and rider gradually learn what it feels like to focus on a line and stay between the flags.
For that reason, from the very beginning I like to see the horse and rider who are thinking about jumping a corner with the understanding that this obstacle is always more challenging and requires more thought at every level.
There is no reason, when the horse or rider is only just learning, to leave open that easy way in the cross-country environment, when they can learn preparation and technical precision in the ring.
Then, once they understand the right feel of it, they can take it to the cross-country field.
Proper preparation creates respect Sara Kozumplik و Catchascatchcan ©Amy K.
Dragoo When the horse or rider learns to respect the corner as the precision question that it is, then it can be jumped like any other obstacle.
This may seem contradictory, but let me explain.
The key still lies in preparation, but this time in a more tangible sense.
The rider must take as much time as necessary to come back from a cross-country gallop and reach that forward, bouncy, show jumping-type trot that his horse needs in order to jump out of the corner and answer this question with the necessary respect.
Only then can he ride it like a show jumping fence.
I like to see riders establish their line about six strides before the face of the corner and come into a balanced trot.
He should be light in a three-point seat in the saddle, and the horse should also be moving uphill and in balance.
It doesn’t have to happen exactly six strides back, but in my opinion six strides is a longer distance than most riders think.
The point is that he needs to be ready sooner than he thinks.
Of course, this distance may become shorter as the horse or rider reaches the next level, or as their relationship improves.
Just as we need to take time in coming into the main arena, I want the horse and rider each to take whatever time they need in order to feel comfortable answering the question.
Even when a surprise happens, for example if the horse hesitates, becomes frightened, or slips, if there is a suitable distance from the face of the corner, the rider will have the time and confidence needed to react, communicate effectively, stay on his line, and keep the horse confident, straight, and balanced.
A point about using poles or flags has for some time been the subject of debate as to whether the horse or rider should learn to “look for the flags” when jumping corners or other accuracy questions such as narrows or chevrons.
From my point of view, it all comes down to making sure the horse and rider have a good experience from the start and that neither of them ever feels that the easy way is the only way forward.
We have already talked about a gradual approach to reducing excessive pressure on the horse or rider, as well as the proper preparation path in approaching a fence at any level.
So is the use of poles or flags really necessary?
If it helps create a positive learning experience, my answer is: yes.
Chris Burton, the Australian Olympic rider, often uses something I like to call “training wheels” on either side of his cross-country fences.
These help guide the horse or rider toward the correct line of an accuracy question.
In fact, in training he rarely has a narrows or a corner jumped without poles on both sides.
Top riders do the same, and I do not think anyone is necessarily training the horse or rider to hunt for flags or lean on poles as bumpers; rather, the aim is simply to reduce the risk of a bad experience.
This removes the easier escape route until staying between the flags becomes a normal and rewarding thing.
In fact, it simply says: “Look, this is the line, and it doesn’t matter what shape the fence is.”
It is about preparation and taking the time to make sure there is proper understanding; then, the training wheels can be removed.
For anyone at any age, learning to ride a bicycle for the first time can be difficult and sometimes frightening.
Jumping a corner or any accuracy-based question is pretty much the same.
The horse and rider need time to understand how they should prepare, what this feels like, and that choosing not to do it is not nearly as appealing.
Gradually, as the training wheels are raised and make less contact with the ground, riding without them also becomes easier.
In my opinion, if the horse and rider learn how to jump corners, or tackle any new obstacle in the same way with proper practice and preparation, then they learn to ride it so that, just like a bicycle, they never forget it.
Source: Practical Horseman – Training