The USEA Eventing By The Levels Handbook

9 Linking the Flatwork to the Jumping • It is essential to the safe and successful progression through the levels of eventing that Coaches and riders un- derstand and utilize the relationship between flatwork and jumping. • The basic training of the horse in dressage is what pre- pares the horse to have the balance, strength and rideabili- ty for jumping, both in show jumping and on cross-country. • The elements of the Training Scale: rhythm, suppleness, connection, impulsion, and straightness, should be em- ployed and maintained in the training and riding over fenc- es, and, as skills are developed, maintained throughout the jumping effort. • This adherence to correct training of the horse and rid- er should not be compromised. Rushing a horse or rider through the levels without confirming foundational skills on the flat and over fences will ultimately hinder their de- velopment, and potentially jeopardize their safety. The Independent Seat A key focus of the teaching of riding for eventing should be on the development of the "Independent Seat" in the rider, as follows: • The rider moves each part of their body independently in a balanced and coordinated way, without relying on any oth- er part, and without balancing on the reins or the horse's mouth. • The rider sits in balance in the middle of the horse and fol- lows the motion of the horse with a supple seat in three gaits, without relying on gripping with the legs or tension in the reins. • The rider applies the aids clearly and effectively while con- trolling the position and the effect of their weight on the horse's back. • The rider is in control of the distribution of their weight and their balance. He or she can balance correctly over the horse's center of gravity at any gait without tension or un- steadiness. • For jumping: • Independence from any use of the reins for balance is of the highest priority. • The rider is able to balance over the horse's center of gravity in a forward seat, half-seat or full seat for jumping, without using the reins for balance while maintaining elastic and independent contact with the horse's mouth. • The rider is able to apply the aids independently while controlling their balance and the position/influence of their weight in the forward seat, half-seat, and full seat for jumping. A Correct Position = A Correct Foundation The following description represents the ideal goals for rider position and balance, which will remain as ongoing targets and should be reinforced and confirmed as the rider progresses through the levels. The lower leg position provides the base of support for the rider's balance, and therefore must be correctly implemented and confirmed. The upper body should be centered over the lower leg and balanced over the middle of the horse. The elements of a strong and effective leg position include: • The leg should elongate to the length of the stirrup and be allowed to drape the horse's side with soft contact through the thigh, knee, and calf. • The lower leg should have a flexed, elastic, and relaxed an- kle which permits the weight of the leg to sink into a low- ered heel, thus elongating the leg and weighting the ball of the foot on the back edge of the iron. • The leg is positioned such that there is vertical alignment of the rider's shoulder, hip, and heel, such that the upper body is centered over the lower leg and balanced over the middle of the horse. • The stirrup length should be appropriate to accomplish all the above. Elements of the correct position should include the following: • The head should be erect with eyes looking ahead. • A tall and erect upper body should be centered over the seat bones, with a flat back, and relaxed shoulder blades. • The upper arm should hang relaxed at the rider's side with an appropriate bend at the elbow, such that the forearm is aligned with the rein and the horse's mouth. Fingers should be closed around the reins, thumbs flat on the top of the rein, which is secured between the thumb and first finger, wrists straight and relaxed. • A relaxed, elastic arm and oscillating elbow is the mecha- nism which permits the rider to maintain contact with the horse's mouth.

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