In this feature. . . Improve your technique through an S-bend Master angled lines Piggy’s favourite exercises
Hold the line
Want to refine your cross-country skills at home? Piggy March talks lines, skinnies and planning ahead
As told to Kiera Boyle.
Photos: Jon Stroud
Our expert
Piggy March is an international eventer who’s represented Team GB at several World and European Championships, as well as winning Badminton Horse Trials in 2019.
Our model
Cooley Kan Do (Gin) is an eight-year-old mare owned by Lady Gill Aldous and Ann Tolhurst. She’s currently competing at BE intermediate level.
When you think of cross-country, you probably envision a fast and thrilling ride, flying over fences. Accuracy may not be the first quality that comes to mind. It’s easy to wing it if you think a fence looks inviting enough, however when it comes to more technical combinations, approaching on a flyer is likely to land you in a sticky situation with no room for adjustment.
The skills required for perfecting your lines out on the cross-country course can easily be practised at home, and doing so will make you feel better prepared for your next outing. Working on seeing a stride, judging accurate lines and creating the perfect canter are the real ingredients behind a successful round. To help, I’ll walk you through one of my staple exercises that you can easily set up yourself at home.