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"If you take a young horse and go on training in the way of - shortening the neck, never giving him the chance to develop step by step, if you make him short, and to come up in front, you end up with a real problem. If you look at
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"I discovered that the horse is life itself, a metaphor; but also an example of life's mystery and unpredictability, of life's generosity and beauty, a worthy object if repeated and ever changing contemplation." ~ Jane Smiley
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You should know where your horse is going to land from a jump before he takes off. How? The type of canter in the final strides of the approach will dictate the shape of your horse's jumping effort, and the trajectory of his jump.
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"Counter canter teaches the balance, and confirms the aids, and that balance means collection and self carriage." ~ Waldemar Seunig
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"And why do we ask the horse to do two track work? To get his legs under him, and to get him listening to the aids." ~ Kyra Kyrklund
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You can't assume that a horse with a low head and neck is heavy on the forehand, any more than you can assume that a horse with a high head carriage is truly collected. You have to look at the whole picture.
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You need a short bouncy energetic canter in water. Not just to the jump in, but to any jump out or otherwise related to the water. Getting long and flat in the canter stride can be especially disastrous at a water jump.
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You have to be able to ride in "neutral", with no aids whatsoever, for your horse to be able to feel, recognize, and respond to your lightest of aids.
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"The horse must perform from joy, not subservience. Praising a horse frequently with voice, a gentle pat, or relaxing the reins is very important to keep the horse interested and willing." ~ Klaus Balkenhol
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Think of that girth tight against your horse's side… after a while he tunes that out and barely notices it. The same will happen with your legs if they are always tightly clamped on his sides.
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Core strength is a key factor in good riding, as it is with most athletic endeavors.
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The horse's jaw unlocks naturally when their back muscles relax and begin to swing with the movement.
