3 Day Event Critique?

Question

Competing novice on my new horse.

http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2364376020077385196IkuryV?vhost=pets

He is the black percheron x TB. Can't miss him.

Answer 1

Not qualified to critique but just wanted to say what a beautiful boy.

Answer 2

Cute horse! Maybe you could point your toes so your foot is as parallel as possible to the horse's side so your spur isn't in him... that is pretty hard to do when jumping though. That also could be the moment of the photograph though, when you had to use your leg. Your position is great though, you look like a very stable, quiet, effective rider.

Answer 3

What a beautiful horse. I love Percherons! :)

Answer 4

For such a small jump, you have a good position. It is harder to get into a correct position over a small jump, so good job.

You have a good release, but for the smaller ones, I would be using a crest release. This will make your upper body and legs more stable, and help your horse jump correctly. With your current release, you are holding him just a little too much. With a crest release, you can get farther up on his neck, which will help your overall position and effectiveness.

Do you have any Dressage pictures for critique?

I also think it may help your leg become more stable if you put your stirrups down a hole or two. They just seem really short to me.

Answer 5

Good body position over the first cross country jump -- nice and "low and tight", heels down.  Horse is jumping a bit flat because he's getting jabbed in the mouth -- so use a longer release to help with that.

First stadium jump -- beautiful knee action from your horse -- WOW!!!  You appeared to have jumped a BIT ahead.  Leg looks great -- yes, maybe lengthen stirrup 1 or 2 holes.  Work on long release and give this beautiful jumper plenty of head room.

2nd stadium jump -- yikes, what's up with the dangling rein?  You also appear to be pivoting on your knee?  Could just be angle, but keep your weight in your lower leg and off your knees.  Jumping a bit ahead?  Again can't tell, but if your crotch is over the pommel, you're ahead.

Final stadium pic -- again, watch the weight in the knees and toes, and try to stretch your arms forward by opening up your elbow angles.

Overall, very nicely done!