Discussion # 157: How would you ride this cross country complex?

Lets look at this cross country complex from the viewpoint that your horse would have on final strides of the approach. From this spot, your horse would likely have a hard time determining what that second set of flags might be exactly. It might be a ditch. It might be a drop. Or it might just be another jump, on a downhill slope. But how close is it to the fence you are about to jump?? Your horse might be wondering if there is even room for him to land in there! What can YOU do as a rider, to help your horse more quickly and accurately assess this situation? How would you ride the approach to this fence, in a way that would best help him to understand what is being asked of him? (Click on Discussion Title above (in blue) to read this educational discussion)