Jumping X-Country --

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Subject: Jumping X-Country

Author:
Melanie

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Date Posted: 10:12:09 06/17/02 Mon

Melanie posted along the shaded trail on Princess, her Arabian mare. The 12 year old was accompanied by Jenny on her Thoroughbred gelding Lucky Gamble. They trotted side by side over the wide, quiet trail. Up a hill, along a fence line, through woods, through a rolling paddock, and into the cross country field. It was a mowed area bordered by a fence on one side, a stream on the other, and trees on one. The open side led into another, more advanced course in the next pasture. Jumps ranging from 2-3'6" were set up. There were sturdy logs and daring ditches. Jenny explained the course and a few things to her daughter and then demonstrated. Mel watched carefully as Jenny cantered off. It was a breeze for the 16.3hh Thoroughbred who was normally jumping around 5 feet. He sprinted easily over the 11 jumps. Jenny kept him balanced and controlled. They hand galloped back and halted. "Ok?" Jenny smiled. "Go ahead." Melanie collected the reins in her gloved hands and urged Princess into a canter. The high spirited mare tossed her head & bucked playfully, then settled down into a nice, rolling canter. They jumped the first one, a bounce, like it wasn't even there. Then the pair flew over a brush, coop, hedge, and stone wall with ease. Melanie could feel Princess speeding up. She did a half halt and circled before the tigar trap, then they soared over the diffcult jump. 4 more jumps...Melanie leaned forwards and urged the Arabian over a gate. Then they effortlessly cleared the ditch and bridge jumps. 2 more! Melanie's heart was beating fast from the sheer joy and exhileration. She bent forwards, slid her hands up the mare's neck, and squeezed. Princess lifted off the ground, her slender legs tucked up to her chin as she surged over a 3 and a half foot log. They landed smoothly and galloped to the last fence, a hanging log over a ditch. Princess slowed momentarily, but Mel pushed her on. Up & over!! Melanie's face split in a wide grin and she let out a whoop as they galloped back.
On the ride back to the barn, they analyzed her ride and chatted cheerfully about the wonderful sensation from jumping cross country!

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