Chapter 6

{Page 39}

Let me back up just a bit to define “overfaced.” The term “overfaced” is generally used when jumping horses. If a horse is pointed toward a jump that is to big for it to go over, either because the horse is physically not capable of performing the jump, or more frequently because psychologically the horse is not prepared to go over the jump, the term “overfaced” is used. In the lessons that I have given over the years I have felt comfortable referring to a rider as being “overfaced” as well. It is often said that if a rider is physically capable of staying completely balanced while jumping a 2 foot jump then a rider should be fairly capable and able to manage jumps of greater heights. This may or may not be completely true, but any rider who has gone over a 2 foot natural vertical in complete comfort can tell you that a 3 and a half foot orange roll-top is enough to make you take a deeper breath. The difference is 18 inches which doesn’t sound like the end of the world.

But psychologically it is a universe apart, even on a horse who is comfortable and willing to take either. A lot, if not all, of the life that we lead is inside our heads…let us see how to avoid being “overfaced” by jumps…or by other horse-related situations.