Much like a healthy relationship between two people, the relationship between an perspective event horse and rider should aim for interdependence not codependence!
Eventing places demand for fast thinking, quick, and clever response. Horses in production and training mustn’t always rely upon the rider. When galloping down hill in mud, you must know the horse can assess and respect the fence at all levels.
Horses who always look to support will eventually come unstuck, owed to factors such as poor ground, loosing shoes, crowed distraction etc. A well trained jumper can be sharp, athletic, and brave even without a perfect distance. Regular grids, pole work, and help from knowledgeable trainers will assist this development. Every now and then they have to help you!
Horse Scout thought for the day – “train for interdependence the balance between horse and rider, not the horses codependence on you entirely!”