#OnHorseBack: Work on straightness

Working on straightness is perhaps one of the main topics for training – why is it so important?

— In a limited space, it is sometimes so difficult to move straight from the barrier. Often it seems to the rider that there is absolutely no room for pace in a straight line, and the horse also tries to “squeeze out” from the side after landing. Turning immediately after landing can cause the obstacle to fall or even completely destroy the obstacle with the rider’s foot on the post. Moreover, giving the horse the opportunity to turn after the jump, we can undermine his discipline. Each time the horse will tend to turn faster and end up jumping off the side of the turn, and this can become a habit very quickly.

— To get straight away from the obstacle, the rider must remain calm as he enters the barrier, leading the horse straight down the middle in contact with both reins and legs. It is important to sit up straight and in the jump itself, keeping your weight in balance with the horse’s weight, without twisting or pulling the reins to one side. When landing, the rider must also keep his body straight, not twisting or leaning, take contact more tightly with the outside rein and move in a straight line to the ledge.

— If you pay attention to moving away from the obstacle after each jump, the horse will quickly learn to wait for the command of the rider and obediently follow it. This will eventually make it easier not only to move straight away from the barrier, but also to make a sharp turn immediately after landing, when necessary, for example, in high-speed routes and jump-offs. The horse will be more disciplined, which means the results will be better.