Eventing – Mastering Your Cross Country Pace

In this video, international Eventer, Olivia Loiacono of OKL Eventing, shows you how to practice and master a good solid pace for the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary levels of the cross country course. There is a lot to think about when riding cross country; including keeping a proper galloping position to achieve a rhythmical, consistent and balanced pace. For any eventer, keeping the right pace for your level should become second nature, but it takes practice! Olivia shares some training exercises you can set up at home to establish and learn the correct pace for galloping at your level of competition. She also discusses how the reins (bridge and pulley rein) effect the horses balance – specifically the benefits of using a bridge as a tool for inexperienced riders to get better balance over their feet. Knowing different styles of holding your reins and hands is of the utmost importance when riding the eventing cross country course.

Tools you will need for this exercise include flags (or markers), meter wheel, stopwatch and your horse.

The United States Equestrian Federation’s Rule Book and Omnibus listing is the official source for finding out what pace you will need to ride at for your specific level for each event.

Running Time: 7 minutes and 21 seconds

VIDEO CREDITS

Olivia Loiacono - click here to view her bio and other video topics or visit her website: okleventing.com

Waterford owned by Olivia Loiacono

Copper Meadows owned by Carolyn Hoffos

 

Equine activities can be hazardous and may subject participants to injury. Neither Equestrian Coach, LLC nor Olivia Loiacono assume liability for your activities. This program provides general instructions and techniques that may not be suitable for everyone. No warranty is given regarding suitability of these instructions to the viewer.