4* eventer Flora Harris takes 6 year old Barney cross country schooling for the first time. In the warm-up, the emphasis is on Barney thinking forwards. Flora works around the jumps, then approaches in trot to allow Barney time to read each fence. Repetition builds confidence. Flora says, "the rider must be secure in the leg and soft in the contact, to remain in balance whatever happens". To jump a small ditch, Flora approaches in walk. As Barney is brave, she moves on to slightly bigger ditches in trot and canter. When he over-jumps, Flora uses her neckstrap to stay with the movement. Barney finishes with a bank and looks very pleased with himself!
