Once you start jumping, it is very tempting to focus on that, and neglect flatwork. However, and I think George Morris would agree, this is a huge mistake, and one that riders would do well to avoid.

Each week should contain a session dedicated to flatwork, focusing on refining aids, suppling via lateral moves and, in my opinion, no stirrup work. For adults, and eventers, I don't think this is an much of an issue. But, I can certainly understand wanting to do nothing but jump,…

After my last session with my trainer, I felt a little disappointed with my jumping and my inability to bring Kingston's pace under control. I know not to give the guy something to lean against, but I honestly thought I provided enough release to prevent it from happening.



Yesterday, we rode outside and there are no walls to use as aids in slowing him down. We trotted over a low fence, then, we moved up to cantering over the fence, then halting. Not bad. Then my trainer decided…

So, after 5 years of riding as an adult, I decided that jumping would be a hoot. Two weeks ago, I turned that into a reality. It is a heck of a lot of fun, but boy...talk about fear factor!

The first jumping lesson was fairly smooth, mostly getting used to that sensation of the jump, trotting to the fence, cantering away, and then halt. The second lesson was building on that. Cantering to the jump, halting OR cantering away.

Last night, the third lesson should have built upon…