Back to: English Rider 5
The crest release is the next logical step. It is basically the same as a mane release except that the rider does not hold the mane. The mane is there if required. The hands slide up the crest about halfway and the rider presses into the crest on either side with the hands. It is important that the rider press the crest as this will help support the rider’s upper body and keep the rider from falling behind the motion.
The crest release is meant as a stepping stone, allowing the rider to develop independent aids and balance that will permit the rider to advance to an automatic or out-of-hand release.
All releases can be short, medium or long.
Short Release:
The rider slides the hands up the crest as the horse takes off, not before (which ‘drops’ the horse). The hands should not slide far up the crest, only a couple of inches (5 cm), as needed. It provides support for the rider’s upper body, while still providing a good amount of control due to the fact that the rider did not release any more than needed.
Medium Release:
This release is in between the two releases described above.
Long Crest Release:
- It is similar to the short crest release, in that the rider slides the hands up the crest, but the hands are pushed much further along the neck. This release gives the horse a great deal of freedom.
- It is best used when jumping very wide oxers, to allow the horse to really stretch across.
- It is a good release for green horses that may jump large or awkwardly, for gymnastic grids, and for use on horses that have been hit in the mouth over fences and are reluctant to jump or stretch over a fence. The rider should be careful not to associate a long crest release with an exaggerated movement forward of the upper body.