Hunter's Run Pony Club Camp 2014
Chapter 3
Cross Country!
There are many facets to the sport of Eventing, but the most unique feature is the Cross Country phase.
This phase combines the partnership of Dressage and the precision of Show Jumping with two challenging features: speed and solid obstacles.
The course can cover quite a large area, and includes all sorts of challenges that would be faced in nature. Think "Calvary in battle"...they didn't "go around". So, traditionally, there are walls, banks, ditches, fallen trees, gates, hedges- you get the idea.
The horses usually look pretty wired when they know where they're headed! Well, maybe not Nikki...she likes it well enough, but why expend the extra energy?
The speed thing starts out fairly unspeedy. Mostly, we are about control on Cross Country!!!
But it does get faster and the obstacles get bigger- but still about CONTROL! A horse that is racing around and strung out has a better chance of not using his back, jumping flat and hitting an obstacle. That can mean disaster!
Thus Cross Country also requires some additional safety features. In addition to the SEI/ ASTM approved helmet and smooth soled, heeled boot required for riding in general, we add a puncture-resistant vest that protects your trunk and lower back, and leg protection for the horses. Also, in Pony Club, the riders always wear an armband that has all their emergency information immediately available. There are other safety additions that are often made (over-girths, air bag vests, grease etc.) but at this level are not required.
Here, McKenna and Starz model appropriate Cross Country turn-out for schooling. Minus the cup. Which
is important for hydration.
Before you ride Cross Country, you go check out the course, walk it carefully, make a plan for every step of the way, and figure out your timing; when you should be where in order to make the allotted time for the course. And, if it is hot out, you must experience the water complex up close!
Some riders get really close.
Most of them want a "heads up!" on what to expect. Others may not want to get their feet wet....
When you're just starting out, a nice trot through the water and jump out over an "X" is a strong beginning.
But as you gain confidence and skill, you move to jumping in the water, or out, or both!
Letting a newer rider "go" just out without anything to help stop them other than their own skill and trust in the pony can be nerve-wracking. But, we are blessed with kind, respectful ponies who do a nice job of partnering.
Mostly, they go along, nicely together.
Even when something seems strange or scary, it is remarkable that the horse will often "do it" anyway, simply because we ask.
Nellie isn't terribly certain about this long ditch lined by telephone poles, but right over she sails!
Other times, they are pretty sure we don't mean to get anywhere near something possilbly dangerous. But, mostly, we can assure them it will be okay, and they comply.
Sometimes the anxiety about a challenge is just too great. So, you do something that builds their confidence and move on. Some days are just darker than others.
It can be frustrating with all your pals watching. But, remember, we are here to cheer you both on! If you're a rider, you've been there. With a challenge not yet ready to be faced.
Quiet confidence means another day finds you sailing again!
Or maybe discovering new things about your horse- like they are fearless, athletic, and
LOVE Cross Country!
Or, the opportunity to blow bubbles.
Each trip out on the course gives you a chance to learn about yourself. Like maybe you have more grit than you knew.
Or, you can put your horse smack dab in the center, framed perfectly.
Also, that maybe your big lug of a sweetpea "pony" doesn't have to pick his feet up yet. He's just figuring out you want to go over!
And, Mom is there to pat you both with a "well-done!" Appreciate the gifts of these moments, learn and remember.
Mimi, your friends, the Moms, Grandma, and even a Dad are around to give you support.
And I am here, taking 1500 pictures. So if you think you might forget the lessons of the past year, jog your memory!
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Proof I was there.
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