"Peter Position"

For those who are unfamiliar, Peter Atkins is somewhat of a celebrity in the eventing world.

His helmet cams with his horse, Henny, are always popular.

Amy and I went down to audit one of his clinics on Sunday. After we 1) started going the wrong direction and 2) got pulled over by a cop*, we made it to our destination. A lovely private farm that pretty much looks like a horse-lovers heaven. Rolling hills, green grass, cross country jumps scattered about. We were both salivating at the thought of schooling there.

The shack the host & barn owner lives in. 

Despite some annoying rain, we were able to watch several group cross country schooling sessions. Riders ranged from really novice, to pretty solid training/prelim riders. Horses also ranged in training. But no matter the level, Peter pretty much said and taught the same thing: The basics and safety.

• Stay in the back seat. Sit up and look up. Keep your legs forward. I saw first hand how this style of riding will save your ass in numerous situations. One rider jumped a simple warm-up vertical - her horse stumbled and made a mess of the jump. She said she was glad she was in "peter position" or no doubt she would have been launched off that horse. Oh so many directions that comment could go.

• Kick at the jump. Not only does this give your horse more forward, but this also makes your lower leg stable - thus making you more secure over the jump.

• Kick down the banks. This encourages the horse to jump off the bank and not launch.

Other interesting points I learned:

• When jumping up a 2 foot bank, the horse actually has to put in the same amount of power and effort that he would need to jump a 4 foot fence. This is because he needs to jump up high enough in order to land with his legs under him.

• When your horse is running off with you, look down at his feet. This also applies to riding grids - look where you want your horse's feet to go. But when out on cross country - look up and past the jump.

• When jumping down a bank, stay in the back seat and, I quote Peter, "Hit him in the mouth and slam on his back." I laughed at this. I think I have this part down! He didn't really mean that though, he just wanted riders to really sit back. One rider got pitched a little far forward and ended up falling off.

Here are some photos I took of the clinic. I only had my point and shoot camera so sorry about the quality ...

tail in the air!!

weeee!

up the bank

approach

Loved this 4 year old by Gatsby (out of a Percheron)

"ride in the back seat"

this horse was the sweetest schoolmaster

easy ride over the ditch

A ditch? you crazy lady! no thanks!

Clever mare figures it out.

Another Gatsy x Percheron young horse.

Peter

Green beans in the water

up the bank

"Why don't horses like water?" Peter asks his students.

After auditing, I really want to ride in one of his clinics. He was kind and fair to the horses - above all else. I loved how he insists that you praise your horse after he does something good. And he never spanks a horse for stopping - because it's very often the rider's fault. And he is just a funny, good natured guy.

* ... as far as getting pulled over by the cop, I have to give Amy props. She pulled off the cute damsel in distress act quite well. Neither one of us could figure out how to roll down the windows in her husband's car. Then I tried to open the glove box - when infact there was no glove box. The cop was very nice and sent us off with a warning and a "Slow down young lady!" ... as he walked off Amy muttered something about "thanking him" that was, uh, inappropriate, and I thought for a minute he might have heard her! I'll let her post what she said since I'm not sure her hubby would appreciate it?? hee hee. Anyway I was cracking up.