Guest blog QHP- Cross Country; how to get started?
Spring has arrived: flowers on the trees, foals in the field and the outdoor season has begun. Not only for dressage and jumping, but also for eventing. Do you dream of galloping through the woods, jumping over picnic tables and ditches, but you're not sure how to get started? Then read this blog!
Your first cross country training
Find a horse riding club or nearby stable that offers cross country training and/or courses and sign up. Here you will learn how to safely jump fixed obstacles.
You don't have to buy a complete outfit yet, but what's very important is a good body protector for yourself and leg protection for your horse. Longer leg protectors that do not absorb water are used in the cross. Regular tendon boots become heavy and fall off when you use them in the water basin.
If you're not sure you're going cross country riding very often, the QHP eventing tendon boots are a good basic choice, they are made of strong 2520D material, breathable, dirt-repellent and non-absorbent. They come in pairs for the
front legs and
the hind legs. There are also
bell boots in matching version.
It can also be nice to use a breast girth to prevent your saddle from sliding backwards. The
Sedna breastplate with martingale is very comfortable because of the wide gel padding on the chest and shoulders. There is also a matching
Sedna bridle with gel padding. This bridle also has a special noseband which avoids pressure points and is therefore very comfortable for your horse.
Comfortable horseriding
With cross country you can encounter different weather conditions. For your own comfort, it is nice to wear a training shirt. These are made of breathable, quick-drying fabric and will keep you warm. The
Eldorado training shirt from QHP is perfect for this. For the real eventing look, there is also a matching
cap cover.
Let's start the competiton!
If you and your instructor think you have gained enough experience, you can sign up for your first unofficial cross country competition. These are organized throughout the outdoor season in different parts of the country. At a unofficial cross country competition you can already feel the vibe of jumping at a official competition level. You can choose between a low or a high obstacle and you can try obstacles several times in case of a refusal or skip them if you don't dare to do it yet. There are also no dressage parts, so you can draw all your attention to the cross country. Are you registering for an official SGW competition? Then you start with a dressage test, then you do jumping, and close the day with the cross country.
For your unofficial competition you don't need much more than during a training session. Often it is necessary to have a
number holder. Wearing a
medical card is not mandatory, but it is recommended.
In the cross country you see many striking and colorful sets. QHP has at leg protection and equestrian equipment collections even more matchy products: a functional
saddle pad and shock-absorbing
memory foam padand
fly cap. End the day in style with a matching, chic
cooler or exercise rug.
