The thrill of cross country....

[Mary Poppins]

Last night I had my first proper x country lesson and it was fab. I now understand just how challenging x country riding is. We did some steep banks with the aim of getting our lower leg stable, we jumped some reasonably sized logs (some would call them small but they were huge to me) and we galloped round the field. The horses loved it and it was nice to ride outside of the arena. In 25 years of riding I have never understood why people would want to jump over solid jumps, but now I am starting to see why.

There is no real purpose to this post. I am just bursting to tell someone what a good time I had!

[marli@missi]

I cant wait to get to that stage, that is my aim with mine but still got a long way to go, but well done and yes def to let others know so not a pointless message. Congrats! :D

[Lauran]

You're absolutely right MP. XC is both amazingly fun and amazingly challenging. I definitely had no idea as to the amount of skill that is required to safely gallop a course and jump solid fences. Good on you for having a fabulous time and am looking forward to pics from your next outing!

[Mary Poppins]

I will try and take pics - haven't got any since I moved yards and started these great lessons.

I learnt that it is really important to look up - especially when you go down a bank. I was terrified at first as it felt like I was steping off a cliff. With some major encouragement (some would call it bullying) from my instructor we ventured down and I was much more balanced when I looked straight ahead rather than looking down. I didn't realise how far my lower leg had to be forward or how much weight I had to put into the stirrups to stay in balance.

I also learnt that you just have to put your leg on and go for it. When we were going over the logs I really had to think "GO" and make sure that we got over it. I found it difficult to canter in a forward seat at first as I am so used to sitting back but when I did, the different was amazing.

I ride a real saint of a horse who totally looked after me. I was nervous about the first gallop round the field (with 5 other riders) but my horse listened to me and didn't go until I asked him to, and came straight back to me when I asked him to. I love this horse.

[marli@missi]

Have you got a place near you that does jump cross as this is really good from what I have read up and been in touch with one local. They do training days to ensure safetly and the fences aren't solid!!

[Ems_and_Madge]

Yeah i love cross country, especially on a really brave horse who enjoys it too! :)

[acw295]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

I'm getting the bug again - popped a few little x country jumps (no more than 2ft ish) at our yard yesterday (on my own, totally unprompted) and was beaming afterwards :D:D

I much prefer solid fences to show jumps - I've no idea why! :confused:

Last night I had my first proper x country lesson and it was fab. I now understand just how challenging x country riding is. We did some steep banks with the aim of getting our lower leg stable, we jumped some reasonably sized logs (some would call them small but they were huge to me) and we galloped round the field. The horses loved it and it was nice to ride outside of the arena. In 25 years of riding I have never understood why people would want to jump over solid jumps, but now I am starting to see why.

There is no real purpose to this post. I am just bursting to tell someone what a good time I had!

[l7oopys]

oOOH YEAH!!
XC is by far my fave!! Im an addict!!! :D

[Neptune]

I much prefer solid fences to show jumps - I've no idea why! :confused:

Me too :D

I think it's cos you have to attack them a bit more....I've just my nerve a bit with SJ...the other week I was riding a horse that has a tendency to take off a mile before the jump. My RI was getting me to try and keep his canter collected but a few strides out I can't help but just kick on...I'm so scared of them refusing!

[Ginger Thing]

OMG MP :eek: I can't believe you're doing that - not so long ago you only walked ;):D

So pleased for you - it is a thrill isn't it? I only jump about 2'3" xc, but it's still exciting :D I enjoy the uphill and downhill bits and going through water as much as the jumps, it just feels more exhilarating than riding on flat ground :cool:

[Mary Poppins]

OMG MP :eek: I can't believe you're doing that - not so long ago you only walked ;):D


I know! I can't believe how my confidence is growing. It is all down to a change in riding school. My instructor is amazing and the horses I ride are safe but able enough for me to try all these new things. Maybe one day I will do a one day event or even a sponsored ride! So many things that once seemed impossible to me are starting to look appealing. I have such a warm fuzzy feeling when I think about the lesson.

[smartie bean]

i love xc and its strange how most horses respond to being out and mine in particular is alot more willing and powerful from behind!!

Well done in your lesson :D