On From The 4.5f

In the picture is worth a thousand words category the last post vid on board camera shows two things that would escape an observer from the ground. One is the obvious amount of force and concussion that is visible with those front lead legs slamming into the ground, and the other is--ask urself--at those speeds what can the Jock really do in terms of improving the horse's stride? Very little imo, but look at this closely for your own opinion.

My mythical exercise rider on his hypothetical horse has reached the 4.5f for a 2 min. gallop that started at the 5f. What is on the rider's mind at this point in the gallop? What are they trying to accomplish on board?

Some more excellent on board camera work might give provide some clue as to what's going on and what's on the riders minds. Watch these also with supposition that the riders in terms of getting a stride or affecting stride are primarily just staying out of the horses way.

And btw--what shows, this is pretty much the sensation--horse's head bobbing--in real time u get a more extended view of neck and head--eyes ahead and down calculating where the on the track the hoofs are striking with occasional glances down the race track calculating how far u r to the turn or straightaway. In real time peripheral vision is better than the jock cam--and missing is the jarring and concussion felt by the rider with each lead leg hoof strike. All in all these jock cams provide an extremely realistic view of what it is to ride at speed. Good stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkFsj705ziE&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLF21D9CC7EF4BD762

and, the 5 or 6f track at Hastings. I love the 5f tracks since they're easier on the horses in that the horse spends less time on each lead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R_k0GJE3Jk