Pros demonstrating low courses

[jumper528]

I would love to see the great/Grand prix/open hunter riders post videos demonstrating their rides over low courses. I often see riders (as well as myself) attempt to jump 3’ fences as if they are 5’+… with dramatic releases and snapping backs… when in reality pros jump 3’ fences without hardly moving a muscle in their body. I’d really like to see a youtube channel or something dedicated to just this! Show the juniors/amateurs how they would do it.

Also… what do they “think” when approaching a fence? “here it comes, look at the base and count the strides, then look up.” “just gallop towards it and hope it fits.” “keep a strong flowing movement and adjust as needed.” <- I always wonder what the greats (kent, mclain, beezie, reed) prioritize/what their “system” of approaching a fence is. (also, processing a combination - my first 4’ combination was in a show and I was terrified)

[vxf111]

There’s a “pro” around here who I always see “demonstrating” low courses at shows. I wouldn’t consider it instructive

[supershorty628]

It’s difficult to show not doing something. The lack of movement that you’re seeing is due to an incredible amount of leg and core strength.

[mroades]

Or…you can watch McLain Ward jump anything…he never throws himself! I tell all of my students to channel their inner McLain!

[Rel6]

You could try to find videos from the 3ft-3’3’’ hunter derbies as well as the pregreen division.

[findeight]

There should be plenty of Pro ridden Pre Green trips on YouTube. You won’t see Beezie or MacLain, they don’t do that. Doubt they even school that at home.

[juststartingout]

McLain Ward rides with great form. The size of the fence doesn’t matter. If you are looking for that traditional style, I wouldn’t watch many pre-green trips even by pros. There are a lot of threads on here talking about the exaggerated positions of many pros in the hunters and the justification or lack thereof for it. Regardless, watching McLain is wonderful

[Lucassb]

That site that Bernie Traurig started (Equestrian Coach, I think?) has many such videos, complete with commentary from the pro/rider. It’s not cheap but the videos are pretty well done, IMO.

[jumper528]

Yes Equestrian Coach is great. Hunters tend to overexagerate their jumps, which isn’t great for teaching the importance of balance and core engagement. It is imperative to keep one’s eyes up over a fence, barely lift off the saddle, keep steady but elastic contact with the bit, and keep ones heels down - letting the horses neck lift up to you (same for no matter the size of jump, the horses neck will simply raise higher). Many amateurs and juniors launch forward, thrust their tush up, leg goes flying back, head ends up mid neck, and their hands at the horses ears. It is reasonable given the monumental size of grand prixs jumps to end up in such a position, but is illustrates to inexperienced riders that this is what they should be doing over small jumps.

For instance, Lady Gaga (and most great artists) had to master classical style before they could break it. Grand prix riders are the best at what they do, and it would be nice if they could demonstrate the ABCs for inexperienced riders, because the greats are so idolized that kids want to jump just like them! Even if it means Kent Farrington style cross rails in the short stirrup… Most hunter riders also demonstrate a style that George Morris gags at.

[Atlas_Shrugged]

[QUOTE=findeight;7330652]
There should be plenty of Pro ridden Pre Green trips on YouTube. You won’t see Beezie or MacLain, they don’t do that. Doubt they even school that at home.[/QUOTE]

Aactually, Beezie is a very effective pre green hunter rider. She showed the Stallion Jupiter in his promo video.

[equisusan]

I used to love watching Joe Fargis jumping schooling jumpers at WEF. It was the best way for me to get in the right frame of mind before I had to go show my own jumpers. He defines letting the horse jump underneath you. I agree there is a difference watching them jumping 3’ or 3’6" instead of the Grand Prixs.

[ynl063w]

[QUOTE=jumper528;7331304]
Yes Equestrian Coach is great. Hunters tend to overexagerate their jumps, which isn’t great for teaching the importance of balance and core engagement. It is imperative to keep one’s eyes up over a fence, barely lift off the saddle, keep steady but elastic contact with the bit, and keep ones heels down - letting the horses neck lift up to you (same for no matter the size of jump, the horses neck will simply raise higher). Many amateurs and juniors launch forward, thrust their tush up, leg goes flying back, head ends up mid neck, and their hands at the horses ears. It is reasonable given the monumental size of grand prixs jumps to end up in such a position, but is illustrates to inexperienced riders that this is what they should be doing over small jumps.

For instance, Lady Gaga (and most great artists) had to master classical style before they could break it. Grand prix riders are the best at what they do, and it would be nice if they could demonstrate the ABCs for inexperienced riders, because the greats are so idolized that kids want to jump just like them! Even if it means Kent Farrington style cross rails in the short stirrup… Most hunter riders also demonstrate a style that George Morris gags at.[/QUOTE]

I’m confused about why you need to see grand prix riders riding small courses, because if you want to see everything you describe in the first paragraph quoted above, you can go to youtube and look at videos from the big eq classes. You’ll be busy for days, if not weeks. And for giggles, check out videos of the top juniors in an equitation class, then look at the same riders in a hunter class/hunter derby. They will look great in both, but their riding styles will look completely different. At the same time, pay attention to the differences in the horses’ forms over the fences in the equitation classes versus the hunter classes. These kids aren’t idiots and they aren’t being trained by morons.

[Addison]

Just watch George Morris ride.

[Skip_s_Rider]

Watch the George Morris Horsemastership Training Sessions airing December 31 to January 4. You’ll see very good riders receiving very good instruction.

[Belmont]

I think Will Simpson has a couple floating around somewhere.

EDIT: I found Showjumping 101 with Will & Nicole (Nicole riding). You need to skip two minutes ahead to see some lower fences. It doesn’t describe too much about the riding with these lower fences, but Nicole does a great job riding that white horse to the smaller fences. If only my equitation was as great as hers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq5Gfj-vOQk

EquestrianCoach is also full of this kind of stuff from Jumper trainers and hunter trainers alike.

[jumper528]

ynl063w I agree that some of the junior riders are great. Personally I am a huge admirer of Lillie (who also happens to be a phenom in the Grand Prix). The intention of my post is not “where can I see riders jumping 3’ well” but rather it’d be great to see top level premier athletes/idols in our sport demonstrate their abilities at an approachable level.

There is a difference between riders who are under 18 years old, and watching professionals handle a horse and their body over 3’ fences who have been studying and practicing the sport for decades. While some high profile juniors have a great style and horsemanship, the value that comes from seeing McLain or Beezie ride an eq course is unparalleled by a junior.

Watching GM riding both the flat and over fences is absolutely an education.

[equisusan]

[QUOTE=Addison;7332181]
Just watch George Morris ride.[/QUOTE]

Seriously? I don’t think so. Not anymore. Maybe videos from when he was younger.

[Skip_s_Rider]

[QUOTE=jumper528;7333811]
ynl063w I agree that some of the junior riders are great. Personally I am a huge admirer of Lillie (who also happens to be a phenom in the Grand Prix). The intention of my post is not “where can I see riders jumping 3’ well” but rather it’d be great to see top level premier athletes/idols in our sport demonstrate their abilities at an approachable level.

There is a difference between riders who are under 18 years old, and watching professionals handle a horse and their body over 3’ fences who have been studying and practicing the sport for decades. While some high profile juniors have a great style and horsemanship, the value that comes from seeing McLain or Beezie ride an eq course is unparalleled by a junior.

Watching GM riding both the flat and over fences is absolutely an education.[/QUOTE]

I completely understand. Most of what I get out of watching the George Morris sessions is from the commentary, not the actual riding. But I do understand your point about SEEING someone who doesn’t have a 17-year-old body ride.

[Countrywood]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MXfN5TbLe0

Found this recent video of Anne Kursinski demonstrating flat work.

[Belmont]

There is also the MALIN & PEDERS BEST EXERCISES series on youtube. Both Olympic Show Jumpers, schooling horses and talking about it over lower fences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd5eiMHy2EE