Discussion # 110: Let's discuss this Chris Bartle quote!

Let's have a discussion about this quote: "Don't try to see a distance. Your horse has a pair of eyes and you need to let him use them. The more you do in front of a fence the more you will distract them." ~ Chris Bartle  

It seems that the US is a country (and really the only country) divided between the two mindsets - on whether the rider needs to pick the jumping takeoff spots for the horse... or if the rider should set the horse up properly, and then let them do their job. So many of the most successful trainers outside of the US have spoken up boldly about this concept, yet it seems many do seem to not listen to it, or believe in it. 

Think about it.. If we squelch our horses' very natural instincts to look after themselves when we are training, what is going to happen to us when we are out on cross country, and we eventually make a mistake (which is inevitable)? That horse, having had the initiative trained right out of him, has a much greater risk of hitting a jump or even having a rotational fall. 

Putting it another way… if YOU were about to go running and jumping over hurdles, would you want someone else having control of your striding and footwork? Or would you be safer if you watched the jumps yourself and took care of your own feet? Your thoughts?? (Click on Discussion Title above (in blue) to read this educational discussion)