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Barnmice Community -> Barnmice Forums -> Horse Training -> Eventer to Hunter Confliction
Post Info TOPIC: Eventer to Hunter Confliction
horsekrazcort


Yearling

Status: Offline
Posts: 24
Date: Oct 29, 2011
Eventer to Hunter Confliction
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I'm going to begin this by saying each style of riding has its differences and sometimes those differences suit someone else more so than another.

With that said, I moved from IL to AZ and the closest, best priced training I could find in lesson form was at a hunter/jumper barn. Let's keep in mind I'm trained in classical, calvary style dressage and find eventing to be my addiction. I had ridden hunters before and left that show ring because (a) I was bored and (b) I was not treated nicely at shows for winning classes but not having a certain annual income.

Now here I am, many years later, relearning hunter riding. I've devoted the past few years of my riding getting out of the hunter seat and focusing on my biomechanics working with the horse's biomechanics. I learned a lot from this and even began teaching some before I moved.

Long story short, I'm having a huge problem with what my trainer is asking of my upper body and of my leg. She is asking for my upper body to be very far in front of where my center of gravity should be. Twice now I have fallen off because I was forward like she asked coming to a jump and the horse either bailed or bucked, and I flipped into the sand. I never fell as an eventer so I concluded I'm doing something in this new riding that just isn't quite right for my safety. Next she is asking for the weight in my stirrups to be almost completely on the inside, on my big toe. This she says will turn my toe out and make me grip with my calf. Eventers and dressage riders a like ride with the "gripping"  coming from lower thigh to upper calf, evenly. Centered Riding puts the best image on it: Imagine your legs are cut off just above your knee. You should be able to stay on. So for my own safety, I don't know what to do. Half the time I ignore her but the other half I'm thinking, "I'm paying for this..maybe I should listen." Then I do and then I fall.

 

Suggestions, comments, concerns? I would love to hear from both hunters and dressage/eventers so I know every perspective. Maybe I'm just not the hunter build? haha thanks for listening!



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Geoffrey Pannell


Well Schooled

Status: Offline
Posts: 84
Date: Oct 29, 2011
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you fell into a trap here with looking for the "best priced" coaching!! If you pay peanuts you'll get a monkey, and it sounds like this coach is one.
Your instinks are correct, you should'nt be that far infront that the horse pecks and you fall off, nor should you have the weight in your toes!!! Stop having lessons from this coach before your self-confidence is shot. Cheers Geoffrey

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Barbara F


Grand Prix

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Posts: 831
Date: Oct 29, 2011
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Hi there,

Geoffrey is a very experienced coach and if he is telling you to look elsewhere, please take his really good advice.

It sounds like you are a thoughtful rider. There must be someone great who can help you continue along on a positive path.

Please keep us informed, and best of luck!



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dbliron


Advanced

Status: Offline
Posts: 121
Date: Oct 30, 2011
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I think you're on the right track here.  I rode over fences a lot as a teenager, and I've been training and coaching eventers for 40 years since then.  I can't recall ever being told to keep my weight in my toes over fences, and I've never given that advice for riders working over fences or at speed.  I do, however, sometimes use that term for eventers riding dressage, as their very strong heel/ankle/lower calf (that grip you're talking about) gets in the way of a soft and swinging seat when working on the flat.  Taking the weight out of the lower calf, ankle, and heel by putting the weight in the toes can help jumpers and eventers to soften their legs and hips, but it would seriously destabilize someone riding over fences, for whom that position is an integral part of their base of support.

If you can scroll through some back issues of Practical Horseman at your local library, you'll find some fabulous articles by Jim Wofford on position, seat, legs, etc. which are directly applicable to jumping, especially cross-country.  PH also has super articles by George Morris applicable to show jumping/hunters.  Those two individuals are truly Masters in their disciplines, and you won't go wrong following their advice.

I agree with Geoffrey - shopping for the least expensive instructor often backfires, but going with the most expensive can also be just more expensive and no more productive.  I would watch instructors in your area coach at competitions, and in lessons if you can swing it, and go with the one who produces in the riders and the horses the rides you'd like to have. 



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