In a message dated 5/20/2004 6:53:20 AM Pacific Standard Time, ladurgin@xxxxxxx writes:
Also when going up. Fold from the Hip
This is correct, but you will have to pull your buttocks forward a little also. Many times I have seen people fold at the hip but they leave their rear end pushed back too far where it is hitting the cantle. Then they just fold over the horse's neck. I think they should be pulling their buttocks forward slightly and remain light on the horse and not dead weight flopped over the front end of the horse. (Great exercise for the abs, by the way.)
A few years ago in Endurance News (I wish I had kept that issue) there was a photo of Smokey Killen going over Cougar Rock on the Tevis ride. He was absolutely in perfect harmony with his horse (in my opinion). He was up off the back but not folded over the horse and he was light as a feather in his riding style and had beautiful soft hands on the reins. It was a great photo and I try to keep that image in my mind when scrambling up steep hills.
