William has riders start over small jumps to warm up. This gives the horses the chance to see some jumps and build confidence. He wants the horses to go in a forward and soft rhythm.
Up Next in Cross-Country
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Training Level Cross Country - Ditches
William coaches riders over ditches first and then ditches with fences before and after the ditch. Adding the jumps makes the rider stay straight over the ditch to avoid a run out. If the horse spooks and stops at a ditch, William wants him to jump it from a standstill.
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Training Level Cross Country - Banks
The riders next school banks as part of a series of jumps. William advises them not to let the horses get too quick. The horses should have a bouncy canter, and the rider should be sitting up straight. He wants all of the riders to keep looking up and ahead, especially on the down side of a bank.
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Training Level Cross Country - Mounds
When galloping and jumping up and down hills, William stresses the riders controlling their own shoulders and keeping them up and back to help with their balance and their horse's balance. In addition, he wants them to keep the horses's shoulders straight so they stay straight.
