Cross Country Training

Today I went cross country training with both horses at one of our local cross country courses.

I had been here with Dingo in the past, but it was Lilly's first time.  Well she did wonder whether I really really wanted her to jump all these weird looking obstacles.  But I very quickly managed to work out that a simple flick with the whip, which more often than not hit my riding boot and made more sound than anything else, was enough to convince Lil that forwards, and preferably in a straight line and with some bascule, was the only way to go.

I always try to have someone along when training cross country, and today was no different.  My friend even managed to take a lovely snap of Lil and I - it's blurry because we were just going so fast.  ;)

Once I had cooled off after riding Lil, it was Dingo's turn.  I gave him a quick warm up and then off we went.  While with Lil I made her jump each jump about 4 or 5 times, there was no need for this with Dingo.  We still repeated some jumps, but the pony was a cross country machine.  He even trotted with pleasure through the water.  I also felt my seat improve with every jump, which means that Dingo's neck no longer feels dangerously short.