19- Paul Rides Splendor

Jerry, I have to spare you that first hurdle. It's not high and your mounts won't shy it.

And see that you don't shy it. Oh, how to splendor handle Warren? Very good, sir. He takes his commands, mighty fine. Well, he's been trained in the circus for jumping, so I don't think you'll have any trouble with him.

Oh, sir, he's a good horse. Very handy, sir. All right. Now then, remember to stay upright in the saddle until you're three lengths from the hurdle. At which time you will lower the hands and give free reign, and at the same time lean forward as far as possible.

I realize all of you men have made jumps before and I'm not telling you how to make them. What I'm stressing is the importance of making each move in unison. Only one thing more. If your mount's stride isn't right and you can't correct it in time, don't take any chances.

Pull him up and let the others go. Is that clear? Yes, sir. Alright, and I'll ride over to the hurdle and give you the signal we go. Alrighty, go! Very good! Hold it there. That was a very nice break. Good clearance too.

Oh, you might try leaning forward more, Jürgen. My foot nearly slipped out of the stirrup just before we got to the hurdle, sir. Oh, watch it the next time. Yes, sir. And you can give your mouth a little more rain on the jump, Marson.

And as soon as you land and go into your first ride and regain your upright position. Yes, sir. I was just a little off-balance. Well, a clean jump isn't enough. Every movement pretending to be the jump is counted for or against you by the judges.