Show Jumping Class //PART 2//STUDENTS

[Onzy]

Chuck entered the arena on foot this time. An old riding injury had flared up in the last week, and he wasn't supposed to ride for the next week or two. Thinking back, his last lesson had been a success. There was a lot of raw talent in the group that he was teaching, and when honed correctly could develop into something more. Once again he would be working with the students on their flat work, and getting their horses balanced in a canter when jumping. He set up a series of pop crosses that catered for a single horse stride and two pony strides. They didn't measure more than 60cms in height, but would provide a challenge to those who just jumped for jumping's sake.

In front of the first one, he placed two canter poles, which would be an indicator if the horse was balanced or not. Chuck then set up another four jumps, which consisted of an oxer, two uprights, and a another cross. Each was at least 70-80 centimeters, and the cross was 80 in the middle. The oxer was the last jump, and came in at a tight turn from the related distance. A related distance was a jump that had an exact four strides between the two uprights. The cross was the fourth jump after the cross pops.

There was still another ten minutes to go, so Chuck went back into the center of the ring to wait for the students.

[Cara]

Cara stood in the Mason Stables, in front of her Drummer Boy stood in a set of cross-ties. The Ariègeois' back foot was cocked and his eyes half closed - which was enough to make most people worried that the stroppy pony was planning something. After she finished grooming the black pony, she saddled him up in his jumping saddle. She then took some time combing out his black mane and pulling it into a neat french braid to keep it under control while they were in the lesson.

She stepped away from the pony and walked into the tack-room where she slipped off the tracksuit that was keeping not only her riding clothes clean but also keeping her warm, she replaced her paddock boots with field boots and placed the Charles Owen helmet over her own french braid what was folded over under itself.

Picking up the pony's jumping boots, she headed back out. Fitting the protective boots into place, she removed the cross-ties and led the gelding toward the indoor arena.

Entering the arena, she led the gelding over to where Mr Bass stood. She pressed her lips together, and sorted the words in her head. "Excuse me, Sir?" The softly spoken girl's clipped accent came through stronger now that she was back in England. "All Trussed Up has been having problems with jumping, so rather than causing problems I have brought Drummer Boy for the class today."