What’s the Point?
As usual, I’m starting with history. Most people in the hunter/jumper/eventer universe vaguely recognize Bert de Némethy’s name, although few know exactly why he is famous. The answer is simple: As coach of the U.S. eventing team, he brought a fully integrated system of training to this country. By schooling his horses and riders in dressage, he ensured the ability of riders to control their horses. Those of us who ride and train jumpers of any type are forever in his debt. Just as we pay homage to Gen. Harry Chamberlin’s teachings on the position of the rider over fences whenever we keep our heels down, we are the (usually) unknowing beneficiaries of de Némethy’s system when we “flat” our horses. (I think I know what is meant by “flatting” a horse, but I’m afraid to ask.)
Points of Reference
Because we use two different positions, for dressage and for show jumping, in our sport, we need to use two distinct systems for communicating with our horses. I teach my riders to use the positions appropriate to
