A drop fence is an obstacle commonly seen on the cross-country phase of equestrian eventing. It is a bank-style jump with a log fence at the take-off, requiring the horse to jump the fence but then land a step lower than it took off.
Many riders have fallen badly on drop fences if the horse swerves unexpectedly. Jumping drop fences places a good deal of stress on the horse's legs, and therefore practice should be kept to a minimum. To help mini...
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A drop fence is an obstacle commonly seen on the cross-country phase of equestrian eventing. It is a bank-style jump with a log fence at the take-off, requiring the horse to jump the fence but then land a step lower than it took off.
Many riders have fallen badly on drop fences if the horse swerves unexpectedly. Jumping drop fences places a good deal of stress on the horse's legs, and therefore practice should be kept to a minimum. To help minimize the concussion on the horse's legs, the rider should encourage it to jump the fence as conservatively as possible, with little bascule or speed, using just enough power to safely clear the log before dropping down.
Drop fences require a great deal of trust of the horse in the rider, because often the animal can not see the landing until he is about to jump. It is important for the rider to keep his leg on to the base, and not "drop" the horse before the fence, as this may result in a refusal. In the air, the rider usually allows his...
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