approach

 

Observation

The ability to find the correct take-off spot is not related to the conformation, but it can be facilitated by the characteristics of locomotion. It is assessed, observing the behavior of the horse in the stride that precede the jump and the take-off stride. It includes:

 

Characterization

The presence of these three qualities determines a very good sense of approach, described as "attentive". It will become more and more "indifferent" as the horse will get distracted and unable to implement these mechanisms that will facilitate the jump!

 

Meaning

The sense of approach, as the elasticity of the jump, is clearly a valuable quality for an amateur horse, but it is useful at all levels of the competition and it allows a very high level horse to react faster, or even to anticipate the solicitations of the rider in a series of obstacles.

 

Discussion

The sense of approach is unquestionably a natural predisposition, but it is also a quality that develops with the training. When free jumping, the person in charge of the take-off spot, by voice actions, by the position of the body and the manipulation of the whip, can guide the horse in the implementation of the qualities that make up the sense of approach.