Paul D. Cronin
The "balancing gesture of the head and neck" is seen at the walk, the canter, and the jump. Approaching a fence, an advanced rider should be maintaining contact (direct line, bit to elbow) by following the head and neck gesture at the canter. The contact flows into the head and neck gestures of the jump, rather than a set hand approaching at the canter, and a sudden release.
The rider can practice "following arm" at the walk and canter. This will help the rider to follow the gestures of the head and neck over the stages of the jump (take-off, flight, landing).
Balancing gestures of the head and neck through the stages of the jump. Please note the photographs on the Paul D. Cronin Facebook Page. The mechanics of the jump are the same whether it be a pony hunter or jumper, or timber horse. Note the jockey’s following arm including his opening fingers to give the horse full use of his head and neck at the flight phase of the jump.
Senior Senator (owned by Skip/Vicki Crawford) and jockey Eric Poretz. Winner of Maryland Hunt Cup 2018 ... See more
