The competition for ponies started earlier in the week with controversy over the seemingly liberal height measurements and wehn we arrive at the competition there are quite a few "ponies" that tower over anything we have at home. The consisitent quality and type of sport pony however was very impressive; we spent the morning wathcin a showjumping class for German riders, the consolation class for those who did not make the top 15 for the dressage individual final ( which is to be held on Sunday) then headed out to the cross country.
The setting - as Christoph Hess would say - WOW.
A stunning valley surrounded by forest with a few natural water features provided a great backdrop for some challenging fences and a great galloping course.
The ponies were fit, bold and mostly under control! Most of our riders had not seen an event like this before and I think they may be heading towards eventing shortly.
Christoph Hess was won of the members of thr ground jury; he met with us after the cross country and talked to the riders about the importance of learning to ride a galloping horse; to ride over undulating country and to negotiate obstacles as part of the development of every rider's natural balance, coordination and confidence. Young riders are actively encouraged not to specialse too early in their career in Germany and ponies play a very important part by providing animals of an appropriate size for children to develop a good basic position and independnat seat.
1 comment:
WOAH i am totally going to start a bit of eventing! That is what was soooo great about the trip... it opened my eyes to so much more than what I thought. Its like i have woken up into the reality of horses, where it is fantastic for them to be jumping and galloping, and good for a riders confidence.
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