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Your guide to
February 2016 ÂŁ3.49 Issue 808
jumping tips
dy? Are you rea to get jumping – it’s great
r o f e r a p e Pr
! f f o e k ta ping Whether you’re itching to start jum e hav or but aren’t sure what to expect, fect per started jumping and want to de tells your technique, our jumping gui you all you need to know!
Many riders are keen fun after all! But how do you know when you’re ready? Fill in the checklist below to find out!
CHECKLIST
l Can I canter confidently on my own? Yes o No o l Is my riding position secure? Yes o No o l Can I give effective aids? Yes o No o l Do I feel ponies listen to me? Yes o No o l Am I excited about the thought of jumping, rather than overwhelmed? Yes o No o
Did you tick yes to all the questions? If you did, you’re ready to tackle the take-off! If not, work on improving the parts you ticked as no, and you’ll soon be ready.
What to expect There are five stages of jumping – here’s what happens at each stage, and what you should do as a rider:
Approach
This is the few strides before the pony actually takes off. The quality of the jump often depends on the quality of the approach. A good approach should be balanced and rhythmical, and the horse should be going forward with impulsion.
Get away
Take-off
Before a pony takes off, he will slightly shorten his neck, raise his head and shoulders off the ground then immediately bend his knees and lift his forelegs. He will bring his hocks underneath and use the power in his hindquarters to spring forward and upwards. While his does this, he will stretch his head and neck.
The get away (sometimes known as the recovery) is the stride a pony takes after he has landed. The stride should be fluent and the pony should brin g his hocks through undern eath him effectively. This will enable balance, rhythm and imp ulsion to be regained as quickly as possible.
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Landing
Moment of suspension The moment where the pony has taken off but hasn’t yet landed again is called the moment of suspension. A pony will stretch his head and neck forward and down while in the air and round his back. If he doesn’t do this and instead hollows or flattens his back, the quality of the jump will be affected, and he will have to make much more effort to clear the fence.
The moment the pony meets the ground again is the landing. He will stretch his forelegs and prepare to meet the ground, and will lift his head slightly to balance himself. One foreleg will touch the ground first, followed by the other and then the hindlegs.
Top tip!
Keep in mind that when jumping a course or a combination, the get away phase is very important, as it might also serve as the approach to the next fence.
A secure jumping position comes with practice
3 secrets to staying secure 1. Keep your hands low – hold onto a neckstrap or a piece of your pony’s mane to help you stay in balance and feel more secure. 2. Keep your lower leg at your pony’s girth – don’t let it slide back as this will tip you forwards. When you look down, can you see your toe? If you can’t, your leg is too far back. 3. Look up and ahead! Ever heard the phrase If you look at the ground, that’s where you’ll end up? There’s a reason the phrase is an old favourite among instructors! Looking ahead to where you’re going not only helps you focus, it improves your balance, too.
Top tip!
If you are nervou s jumping for th e first time, try to your leg on to le keep t your pony know that you do wan to jump. Ponies t him are very sensitive and he may feel nerves and back your off from a fence if he thinks there’ something to w s orry about. Mak e sure your ridin positive, even if g is you don’t feel lik e it on the inside!
Ready for lift-off!
Before you jump, practise turning your pony and changing pace in jumping position. You will need to use your weight and legs as you can’t use your seat. Just be careful not to lean on your hands, even if you are holding onto a neckstrap or your pony’s mane. Also, practise riding over poles – a sequence of trotting poles or raised trotting poles will encourage your pony to lift up his feet, and you can practise your accuracy by aiming for the middle of the poles. Once you’ve mastered these, cantering over single poles in jumping position will help you to understand how your pony will approach and jump a fence.
e Cross poles ar
nners great for begi
When you are ready, start with a small cross pole. These are ideal for beginners and as warm-up fences, as the centre point gives you and your pony a target to aim for. To begin with, it is advisable to approach fences in trot to get used to the feeling of the actual jump (experienced ponies may just trot straight over without actually jumping) without having to worry about seeing a stride in canter. When jumping from canter, it is helpful if you can learn to see the stride on the approach to a fence. This means being able to judge when a pony is going to take off. It comes with practice, and can be tricky to begin with.
Top tip!
When you first start jumping from canter, practise seeing the stride by counting down the last three strides to yourself, and see how often you get it right. When you can count it perfectly each time, you’ll know you’ve got the hang of it!
Happy jumping!
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e l k c a t o t w o H
s d r a z a h g n i k hac
Bark or bite?
There are a variety of potential hazards you might meet out hacking, from scary hedgerows to other horses. Check out our guide to coping with common hacking obstacles!
Be wary of loose dogs – you don’t know how they are with ponies
Keep your eyes peeled for dogs when you are out in the countryside. Even if they are on a lead, not all dogs are used to ponies and may still bark and worry your pony. Some are a bit too friendly and might bound up to say hello! Make sure you slow down to a walk or halt if you see a dog, especially if the owner appears to be having trouble keeping it under control. It is best to wait for the dog’s owner to catch it, or put it on a lead. Once you know it is safe to walk past, don’t forget to thank the owner!
essential ly visible is Being easi
Road riding
You might be lucky enough to have hacking that doesn’t involve any roadwork, but if you ride on roads, you need to know how to use them safely. Always wear high-vis clothing out riding – it will enable other road users to see you clearly and quickly. It can also be a good idea to put reflective gear such as leg wraps, cheekpiece covers, or a breastplate on your pony, as this will make you both easily visible. Also, make sure you know the highway code and basic road signals, so it’s obvious to other road users what your intentions are. Give yourself space when passing cars, and don’t be afraid to ask cars to slow down by holding out the arm nearest to traffic and waving up and down. It is important to be aware of other drivers and road users at all times. Be conscientious and thank drivers who slow down.
Passing ponies Spook-busting
Ponies can find lots of things spooky! Whether it’s an animal in a hedgerow, a wheelie bin or a funny shaped leaf – we never quite know what ponies will be suspicious of! If you come across something that your pony is frightened by, try to ignore it as best you can and ride past confidently by putting both legs on. Your positive riding should rub off on your pony and make him feel brave enough to pass whatever is making him nervous. If your pony is really unsure and won’t go past something spooky, don’t get cross with him, recognise his feelings and reassure him. Once he understands he’s not going to come to any harm, he might be happy to walk past. Reassuring him rather than getting angry with him will help build his trust in you, and he will be more inclined to trust your judgement next time he finds something scary.
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If you meet other ponies out hacking, it’s best to slow down to a walk. However, don’t let your pony dawdle as he may decide it’s a good idea to change direction and follow the others, or dive in to say hello! Maintain a purpose to your walk, and keep an eye on the other ponies and riders in case they are silly or spooky, or look like they are about to set off at speed – you don’t want to be taken by surprise!
ponies Pass other quietly calmly and
Water
Puddles, rain, streams.. some ponies love them, others not so much. If you have to ride through a stream, or it’s rained and there are lots of puddles and your pony isn’t keen, ride out with a friend who can give you a lead if your pony is worried. Some ponies hate the rain and might need extra encouragement when ridden in wet conditions. A ride-on rainsheet will cover his back and hindquarters and help to keep him warmer and drier, which he might prefer!
The four elements
ies Some pon r! love wate
Fire
You might pass small garden fires that could scare ponies, especially if they are loud and crackly. Ponies have a great sense of smell and will be able to smell smoke before you are aware there is a fire close by. Take the same action as you would riding past a spooky object, but only if it safe to do so. Never ride close to a fire. Always leave a very wide berth, and if you can’t, re-route to a safe path.
Air
High winds can sometimes make ponies feel a bit fresh and silly, so be aware that he might be more spooky than normal. It could be a good idea to stick to the school instead, especially on inexperienced ponies. Avoid riding in very high winds or gales – it’s not safe and you could put yourself and your pony in danger.
Earth
Consider the ground conditions before you head out on your hack. If the weather has been cold or very wet, the ground could be hard and uneven or deep and slippery. Stick to walk on very hard ground, as trotting and cantering may put uneccesary strain on your pony’s legs. Deep ground isn’t ideal as it is much harder work for your pony’s muscles and he could be at risk of injuring himself. If you come across deep ground that you can’t avoid, take it very steady and guide your pony through carefully.
Don’t miss next month’s PONY, where we give you our top tips on how to solve bad hacking habits! 15
21 horsey
We’ve got some pretty cool ideas to keep your horsey life busy this year – and beyond! Why not give some of them a go?
things to do in
your lifetime 1. Go on a horsey holiday
own pony or ride cation – take your Go on a horsey va ether you want e holiday centre! Wh one belonging to th me stunning so t ing skills, check ou to improve your rid , there’s irl wg co a hand at being scenery or try your one! something for every
2. Head for the beach Riding along a beach is on most horsey people’s list of things to do in their lifetime! Don’t forget to check tide times and find out when ponies are allowed on the beach, otherwise you might get into trouble!
3. Go celeb spotting
Or Are you a Charlotte mega fan? er do you adore Ben Maher? Whoev r you it e mak your horsey idol is, mission to meet them! Hang out at top shows and see if you can ose get their autograph! If you cho y, bus too not a time when they’re few a re spa n they might eve n moments to have a photo take with you, too!
!
5. Be a dressage diva
dressage test like to achieve in a u’d yo e or sc a se Choo per cent is a good als to get there. 60 and set yourself go already getting wards but if you’re number to work to 75 per cent! y not aim for 70 or more than that, wh
4. Ride bareback
Riding bareback allows you to feel closer to your pony and it’s great fun! Stay safe by sticking to an enclosed area and only remove the saddle from ponies who are well behaved. for y charity g money e s r o h a d by raisin ent, p e v l e e e n n H a in . e s 6 is ie n an es and po could org ot Help hors uine charity. You Or, why n . e d ri d q re e o y? e s v n w o fa your r a sp y that a ke sale o ise mone a c ra a d s n a a r h suc y gea old horse sell some
ew ssion, thing n e our pa y m is o s g tin n the 7. Try or even activity whe nes mping
8. Picnic ride
in one ines two great things A horsey picnic comb s, nd frie few a r the ting! Ga – horse riding and ea get for and off you go! Don’t grab a packed lunch ugh, tho , ing where you’re go to let someone know ny! po ur yo for o a treat or tw and be sure you take
9. Own a pony for a day
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If you don’t have your own pony, you could still own one for a day! M any riding schools ru n ‘own a pony’ da ys which are great fun – and you’ll learn tons, too!
li ey showju nt hors o many discip Even if differe s a e r t s a a a e o r h g he uc have a rises. T ite unusual, s unity a u ! q g e in r d a r opport e oa nd som horseb to try a k archery or ac horseb
10. Watch the Spanish Riding School If you haven’t seen them already, be sure to watch a live performance from The Spanish Riding School of Vienna. The amazing Lipizzaners are not only stunning but very talented, too!
13. Go t o
cam
p! Check if your loc al Pony camps and see Club ru n if you c can get an book s annual involve o d nto one in a wh and me .Y ole rang et like-m e of acti ou inded p not eve vities eople! P n need lus, you your ow will pro might n pony vide the as som m for y e clubs ou!
14. Scare yourself!
doing something That might sound mad, but fort zone is good com r you of that takes you out g slightly higher for you. Whether it’s jumpin going for a gallop than you’ve done before or Just remember go. a it for the first time, give ls gradually at skil r you up ld not to go mad – bui your own pace!
16. Learn lateral
Learning lateral work can be fun – honestly! Read up on how to ride leg-yield or shoulder-in and then give them a go next time you ride! The more you practise, the more you can show off your new skills to your friends!
19. Get published in PONY Do you know a pony who’s worthy of our Ariat Pony of the Month slot, or do you have a Real Life Drama or Fess Up you want to share? Why not Shout Out to your fave pony or best horsey mates? Whatever it is, get writing and send it in to PONY. You never know, you could be featured!
rtainment!
nte 11. That’s e
event that involves Watch a ceremonial army performs horses! Every year, the , oughout the country ceremonial duties thr as ch su es, on lar pu although the most po or Changing of the Trooping the Colour London. Guard can be seen in
12. Adopt a
n equine
Have a lo ok throug h the equ websites ine charity to find a h orse, pon to adopt y or donk – it doesn ey ’t cost mu As well a ch per ye s helping ar. animals in get regula need, you r updates ’ll about wh equine frie at your nd has be en up to, the chanc and have e to go an d visit the m!
15. Try a tolt
Did you know some breeds, such as Icelandic Horses, tolt, rather than trot? A tolt has the same sequence of foot falls as the walk, but there is no period of suspension. It’s really comfortable to ride the tolt, so give it a go if you get the chance!
17. Enter compet it
ions!
Every mo nth in PO NY there to be won are aweso . If you ha me prizes ven’t bee win anyth n lucky e ing yet, k n ough to e ep trying. win them Someone , and it co has to uld be yo up for gra u! There’s bs! plenty
18. Dare to drive Book yourself onto a carriage driving day where you can experience driving ponies instead of riding them! It’s trickier than you think, but those who do it regularly think it’s pretty awesome!
20. Try join-up
If you follow the work of Monty Roberts and JoinKelly Marks, you’ll be familiar with join-up. by you trust to pony your g gettin of up is a way he ly, ssful succe done If age. langu his ing speak might start to follow you around! Cool.
21. Ride a schoolmaster
Schoolmasters are horses and ponies who have been there, done it and got the T-shirt! Many riding schools offer lessons on schoolmasters and these ponies can be great teachers. Whether you fancy a cross-country, showjumping or dressage lesson, a schoolmaster will give you a great ride!
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