On the RIGHT LINES
IT’S SAID THAT jumping is ‘just flatwork with poles in the way’, and the real work is done between the fences. Both pure flatwork exercises and those including fences that focus on the time spent on the ground will benefit you and your horse, improving your balance, manoeuvrability, adjustability and accuracy. These four examples from American Olympic rider Anne Kursinski will show you how.
The correct approach
In this exercise, you’ll ride the same line two ways, first as a straight line and then as a bending line. In both, the way you turn to the first fence is the most crucial part of the exercise. It’s in this turn that you establish your line, the guiding function of your eyes, and the rhythm and pace to take you through successfully. Study the diagram (right) and
