slow is smooth and smooth is fast

a hunter in a jumper's world

The arena was buzzing in anticipation. I had goosebumps myself. We were all vibing on the same frequency it seemed. It was the second day of the horse show. The ‘jumpers’ were about to begin their work.

If you’re not a horse person, I’m sure you’re asking what are ‘jumpers’? What is so exciting about them? And, What does this have to do with me or this newsletter about whatever this is about?

Equestrian sports are a lot like skating sports. In figure skating, athletes are judged on how effortlessly they make extremely difficult things look. In speed skating, it’s all about how damn fast you can make it around the track.

Horse sports are no different. Within the sphere of English style riding there are subsets. First there are the hunters. Hunters are judged on how precise and integrated both riders and steed are. There are flat, on the ground components. There are jumping portions as well.

Ideally, in hunters, everything is smooth and fluid. Riders, ride to the end of their lines and mak…