Unfortunately, every year at some time in
the hunt, I unintentionally get behind a person who suffers chronically from
de-acceleration at jumps. He de-accelerates more and more until he virtually stops at the
obstacle, then, hanging onto the horse's mouth, jumps with a hollow back. If you are
unlucky enough to be behind him, you almost land on top of him, as Michael's horses are
all bold jumpers and like to gallop on.
It was very interesting to see my group change their style of riding from
the pretty seat to the survival one. This occurs because we often encounter surprise drop
jumps and unless you are constantly gripping with your knees, which is tiring, the rider
who leans forward in the American hunter seat can disappear very quickly over the neck of
his horse.
