Alex Peternell trains Doni in the water jump

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Four star eventer Alex Peternell takes the 9 year old Intermediate Doni cross country schooling. The aim is to dust off the cobwebs before his first event of the year and build confidence. Starting with a ditch complex, Alex says, "forget the ditch and jump the jump". He moves on to a pair of corners on a related distance and has to remind himself not to over-fiddle on the approach, especially the last 2 strides which are the "golden strides". At the lake, Alex works on rhythm and energy riding through the water . "A jump in water is like any other but jumping into the sun adds complexity due to the way the water shimmers".

Comments

Alex Peternell 12 May 2010 To answer Catherine, I would have to say in an ideal world I would love all my horses to be in the perfect outline and responsive whether I am jumping or doing dressage. This horse is most relaxed and happy in the outline he was in, when he approached his fences he raised his head carriage before the fence which allowed him to open his frame slightly, to use himself over the fence. I hope you noticed that while I rewarded him after fences he relaxed into a deeper outline himself which he seems happy in. I would agree that jumping horses benefit from doing dressage but I was jumping where I focus on rhythm and softness more then the ideal headcarriage.

Bri 11 May 2010 I'm a big fan of Alex, he's superb with his horses, which are beautiful. Thanks Alex, really enjoyable clip.

Dough 11 May 2010 Alex really comes across as a kind and sensitive horseman who has ultimate respect for his horses. I really like the way that he takes responsibility for mistakes and gives his horse credit where it is due.

Morning_Glory 11 May 2010 Gorgeous horse!

Catherine Astrid Iselin 11 May 2010 I really like the way you criticise yourself Alex, and the way you discuss while riding over these fences. My question is, nevertheless, is there a way that you could do your "preparation" work on a circle more "through" (up to the poll and not down on the bit with a slightly broken neck)? The partnership between you and him is superb, you seem to know this and this is very nice to see. It's the flat work (shown on the day) that shows a horse slightly too much "held" before you start jumping. It seems that dressage is a good phase yes, but only correct dressage (no restriction, but on the contact and through) helps jumping? One rule was that the horse's nose goes from vertical to "in front of the vertical" at the canter, not vertical to "behind the vertical"? But thank you ever so much for a great description of your good work! You are very honest with yourself and the horse and this is wonderful to see and hear. So, thank you and best wishes!