October
AugustLearn from the best
A leading jumps jockey has said: "The trouble with our horses is that they have no respect for the jumps."
I think most of us would wholeheartedly agree.
Why have they no respect? Common sense should tell us that. We have a rule nowdays that says all horses that run in jumping races must wear boots or bandages. The jumps are also well padded. So the horses have learned that if they crash into the jump it is not going to hurt their legs.
We have unwittingly taught them not to respect the jumps.
The next problem is that under the softness is a rigid steel frame with no flexibility. This, I believe, is what is bringing our horses down and causing so much damage.
How to fix it? Change the rule that all jumpers must wear boots or bandages. Like the horses do on the hunting field, teach them to go slowly over unpadded rails, let them learn that if they don’t lift their legs enough it is going to sting a little — not too much, but a little.
When horses are schooling quickly or racing, then have the jumps padded, but don’t overdo it.
Sadly I think we have to admit that our present jumps have proved to be a failure. What will we replace them with?
Jumping races are conducted in many countries in the world, so why not copy the ones with the best safety record?
Ellerslie in Auckland has an excellent reputation for great fences, providing both safety and spectacular viewing.
Miners Rest (Vic)