Chapter - 04

The Landing

Assistance over the fence is nearly finished, and control has started. By  giving a little more rein, preferably with the fingers, the horse can be encouraged to make very full use of his head and neck, thereby helping the hind legs to keep well folded to clear the fence. At the same time care must be taken that the weight is forward to allow freedom of the loins until the hind legs are, in fact, out of danger. Control has started, to the extent that a change of direction can be commenced, by slightly bending the head the required way before the forefeet touch the ground. As landing materializes, so the degree of necessary control increases. Balance and impulsion must be maintained, a quick change of direction catered for, and, with the next fence in the offing, the approach to it is about to commence.

It is self-evident that any peculiarities in the rider's position over the fence will directly and adversely affect his control on landing.

PLATE 40

The horse has jumped big, with great boldness, and is very much on the alert. The rider clearly shows his concentration and determination. Although his knee might, to advantage, be a little more bent, so bringing the lower leg back, he is positioned to take any action he may deem necessary for the negotiation of the next fence. He appears, above all, to be "one with his horse."

PLATE 41

The horse is landing short with a stiff back, having no doubt lacked impulsion at the take-off. The rider is not in harmony, and his attitude is rigid. The position of his lower leg will have to be altered before it can be usefully employed. He will have difficulty in regaining fluency, and the approach to the next fence will be seriously affected.

PLATE 40

PLATE 41

PLATE 42

A particularly good example of suitable placing of the hands on landing. They can, from such a position, be used instantaneously, independently, and in any direction. Horse and rider are prepared for a balanced getaway, and the horse will be in his stride.

PLATE 43

Neither horse nor rider seem entirely comfortable. A tendency to pitch has brought the head up, and the hind legs are dropping close to the fence. The rider's generally stiff attitude has accentuated this. The body has come back too soon, bringing the hands up with it. The whole lacks elasticity,

and the subsequent strides will be labored.

PLATE 42

PLATE 43

PLATE 44

A great effort has been made by the horse behind the saddle, and the fence is successfully cleared. He seems happy, full of confidence, and ready for any eventuality. The rider has an easy but firm feeling on the mouth, and is in a position to make immediate stride arrangements during the getaway phase. A nice blending of dash and poise.

PLATE 45

The fence is safely dealt with, but, looking to the future, the situation seems to have deteriorated, and neither horse nor rider is comfortable. This seems due to the fact that the rider has stiffened his back, which has brought his hands up. His toe is pointing down, disengaging the muscles in the thigh, and making the position in general loose. The horse will dwell at the start of the getaway and lose impulsion. Although straight, the rider's back should be relaxed and supple on landing.

PLATE 44

PLATE 45

PLATE 46

A vigorous and effective display, showing purpose and keen enjoyment. The rider has given able assistance, and is ready to take control. Good use is being made of the fingers of the left hand, but the right has perhaps moved across a little too much, and is in danger of losing independence.

PLATE 47

Although well over the fence, the horse seems to be jumping away from the rider, and the getaway after landing may well be out of hand. The rider has been a little left, causing the seat to come too far back in the saddle. To counteract this, and in an attempt to get the weight more forward, the back has been rounded, and the lower leg pushed back. This has constricted the whole position, and will prevent constructive action later. The hands have, however, kept an even feeling on the mouth.

PLATE 46

PLATE 47

PLATE 48

The horse has given the fence plenty of room behind, and is landing steeply. The rider seems a little awkwardly placed. He is pitching on his knees, his lower leg is saving his seat and will not be immediately available upon fully landing for maintaining balance. He is using his fingers nicely to give the requisite amount of rein, but is looking down at his horse's head, and so will waste a stride or so before considering his arrangements for the next approach.

PLATE 49

A full stride will be taken on the flat before the rider has regained his seat in the saddle. During this period he will have no control, and will not be in a position to make any arrangements for the approach to the next fence. At the moment his whole weight is centered through his hands on the horse's neck, thus rendering them entirely ineffectual. If the fence now being negotiated were a double, and if the distance between the jumps did not suit the stride, the loss of impulsion inevitably arising from the rider's attitude on landing would result in serious difficulties.

PLATE 48

PLATE 49

PLATE 50

A very smooth, light, and rhythmical landing. The horse is nicely balanced. He shows very clearly his appreciation of a job well done, and his readiness for future endeavor. The rider is most suitably placed, and, apart from a slight tendency to lean on the neck, is ready to deal with any eventuality. A thoroughly competent and graceful performance.

PLATE 51

The horse is about to make his getaway after landing. The rider has maintained balance and fluency. His workmanlike attitude will enable him to produce the degree of impulsion required, and so to lengthen or shorten stride to suit the occasion. He is master of the situation, and confidence between horse and rider is very evident.

PLATE 50

PLATE 51

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