Although Cork’s can have a bit of an attitude schooling at times he had always been super safe jumping, always looking after me and trying no matter what. On Saturday we headed down to Hendersyde for a XC clinic with Charlotte Agnew – we ran clear round the BE90 course last year so I was keen to try some of the trickier combinations at BE100 level – well that didn’t happen!!
We kicked things off with some show jumping exercises working on the rhythm of the canter – collecting it back, and then opening it up. The ground was extremely soft which Corky didn’t seem to like but he was listening well, coming back and opening up when I asked so I wasn’t concerned. We then moved down onto the XC course and were asked to jump 5 jumps (all BE90 and didn’t look too tricky). The first two riders in my group didn’t seem to have any problems so off we went. The ground was deep so he was chipping in, probably as he was a bit unsure. He was jumping happily though so I was not worried. The first 4 fences were all uphill and away from the other horses, after the last fence we headed downhill in a big bowl, then turning back uphill towards the other horses. Corky flew up the hill too fast, took off for jump 5 which was a square box and managed to hit the front/top of the jump with him knee throwing him one way and me the other – POP went my air jacket and I hit the ground. It was the first time all day I was glad of the soft deep ground as it made for a comfortable landing! Corky managed to stay on his feet and galloped all the way back to the other horses leaving me to made the mud covered walk of shame back to the group.
Fortunately apart from a graze on his knee Corky seemed absolutely fine so we finished off the lesson jumping great. Dave Cameron kindly took the lovely photos below which really cheered me up. It was my first XC fall ever, and also my first fall from Corky too so I got quite a fright. I’m pleased we managed to carry on though and neither of us was hurt.
We kicked things off with some show jumping exercises working on the rhythm of the canter – collecting it back, and then opening it up. The ground was extremely soft which Corky didn’t seem to like but he was listening well, coming back and opening up when I asked so I wasn’t concerned. We then moved down onto the XC course and were asked to jump 5 jumps (all BE90 and didn’t look too tricky). The first two riders in my group didn’t seem to have any problems so off we went. The ground was deep so he was chipping in, probably as he was a bit unsure. He was jumping happily though so I was not worried. The first 4 fences were all uphill and away from the other horses, after the last fence we headed downhill in a big bowl, then turning back uphill towards the other horses. Corky flew up the hill too fast, took off for jump 5 which was a square box and managed to hit the front/top of the jump with him knee throwing him one way and me the other – POP went my air jacket and I hit the ground. It was the first time all day I was glad of the soft deep ground as it made for a comfortable landing! Corky managed to stay on his feet and galloped all the way back to the other horses leaving me to made the mud covered walk of shame back to the group.
Fortunately apart from a graze on his knee Corky seemed absolutely fine so we finished off the lesson jumping great. Dave Cameron kindly took the lovely photos below which really cheered me up. It was my first XC fall ever, and also my first fall from Corky too so I got quite a fright. I’m pleased we managed to carry on though and neither of us was hurt.
The following day we were due to compete at Duns Castle hunter trails – fortunately the fences were 2’6 max so I wasn’t too frightened to go. I’m glad we did as there were lots of friendly faces there competing which made me feel better. We had a great run round, Corky felt happy and bold – I was terrified for half of it but I’m sure that will pass with time. We have competed in over 20 XC events in the last 2 years and this was the only time he has hit a fence so I need to put it to be back of my mind and move on. We ended up being placed 5th so I was really pleased.
This weekend coming sees Lucas back out show jumping, and Corky arena eventing. Hopefully both events will help build up my confidence before we are out XC again the following week.
This weekend coming sees Lucas back out show jumping, and Corky arena eventing. Hopefully both events will help build up my confidence before we are out XC again the following week.
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