AskHQ

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is the difference between showerproof, waterproof and waterresistant?

Whether you are looking to protect your horse or yourself from wet weather, here is the breakdown of what these three terms mean: Showerproof can keep your horse dry in light rain. The outer material of the item will repel water and feel similar to waterproof, but the seams won’t be taped, and water will eventually get through. Water-resistant will keep your horse dry in light rain and usually won’t have taped seams – much like a showerproof option. However, water-resistant clothing won’t necessarily look like a traditional waterproof. For example, a fleece can be treated to make it water resistant. Waterproof means the outer layer is fully protective against rain, and the seams are likely to be taped. This is the gold standard if you want your horse to stay completely dry.

TOP TIP

Keep the fences small while you walk on slowing your horse down. You need him to relax and focus on you before you start raising the jumps.

My horse rushes at fences but does clear them. Is this something I really need to fix?

It can be tempting not to tackle issues, especially if our horse is still clearing the fences and performing well. However, it is vital that your horse is listening to you because rushing fences can ultimately lead to problems, especially when the fences get bigger and you are tackling more combinations.

The first thing to consider is whether you might be able to adjust your riding to slow down your horse. Ask your instructor or get a friend to video you jumping, so you can have a look at your position as you approach the fence and make adjustments to your position and ride in if needed.

If the issue isn’t with your position or ride into a fence, then you need to start working with your horse to improve his balance and help him to stop rushing. Balance is fundamental for jumping and it can’t be achieved while your horse is rushing, so try these exercises to help him with his rhythm: 1.Approach in trot. Set up a cross and keep your horse in trot coming into the fence. 2. Canter poles. Use four or five poles on the approach to a jump to help your horse to maintain a consistent canter. 3. Ground poles. Use poles before and after the fence, and you should find your horse lowers his head and neck to look at what he’s being asked to do, rather than hollowing and rushing into the fence.