[lbandrew]

I know that automatic releases are considered to be the more "advanced" release, and only can very skilled riders execute it correctly. However, I was just wondering which you guys preferred.

I personally think the crest release LOOKS better in the hunter ring, and the auto release in the jumper ring. I had a trainer that used to make me do an auto release over EVERY fence, and even overdramatized it so that I wasn't allowed to touch the horses neck. Eh.. I just don't like the way it looks... unless you're jumping 4' + fences. I've heard it's making a comeback in the EQ classes... do judges really like it, even over small fences?

If you don't know the difference...

Automatic release:

There is supposed to be a straight line between the riders hands and the bit.

Crest release:

[horseyfrk145]

Hmm....I can't speak for Hunter trends, but in the Show Jumping and Eventing world I see a lot of both releases. Mostly auto in the upper levels.

I'm interested to see the other replies on this thread.

[cinchmagazine]

I like the looks of the standard long/short crest releases, but the auto release has much more control with its use.

Personally, as far as use in my sport (show-jumping), I almost always use an automatic release, just for the precision and enhanced control, which really gives you an advantage when you have to make quite agile moves immediately upon landing.

[StableSnob]

I just had this very same discussion with a friend of mine who's an A Circuit Hunter Judge before she left on her way to Kentucky to judge a show. In her opinion, an auto-release in the higher Hunter classes and Classics when done correctly is perfectly acceptable and makes for a very nice turn-out. She does not prefer it when done incorrectly as it has a huge impact on the rider's overall position or in the smaller height classes.

I asked if she had a preference in Regular Working vs. Confo classes -- her opinion is the crest release makes for a prettier picture in the Confos but it's a matter of a judge's opinion which varies per person.

She noted a score card is not higher or lower depending on the type of release as long as the release is done correctly and does not hinder the rider's position/equitation.

[Chester]

Auto release for us. It really does give better control specially if your horse has a habit of bucking. Throwing the reins away isn't good.

[txgray]

on a hunter, I always do a crest release. on a jumper (or eventer) I would do whichever suited the horse and the situation.

[crayon]

In hunters, crest release is usually seen because it's easier to make it look nicer.

But I prefer the auto release. First of all, you don't have to break your straight line from elbow to bit if you do it right.

It's a little harder to get the hang of, but you can also keep your contact while releasing and you don't have to get your horse back into your control after the jump because he/she was all along.

[Lise]

From what I have seen, even in the grand prix ring many (I would even go so far as to say most) riders are not doing a "true" automatic release with a straight line to the bit. Many are actually doing what I would call a crest type of release. I think the old style true straight line from arm through to bit is almost a thing of the past. (I know George Morris hates it. )

Don't believe me -- google some images of your favourite grand prix riders. (For me, Jill Henselwood, Eric Lamaze, Ludgar Beerbaum, Lauren Hough, etc. etc.)

[pippy]

Originally Posted by Lise

From what I have seen, even in the grand prix ring many (I would even go so far as to say most) riders are not doing a "true" automatic release with a straight line to the bit. Many are actually doing what I would call a crest type of release. I think the old style true straight line from arm through to bit is almost a thing of the past. (I know George Morris hates it. )

Don't believe me -- google some images of your favourite grand prix riders. (For me, Jill Henselwood, Eric Lamaze, Ludgar Beerbaum, Lauren Hough, etc. etc.)

I believe the same - they are doing a automatic release - but not in the true traditional form - which IMO the 1/2 pie one is better. The true traditional form often means the rider needs to bring the chest to low - which I don't like - therefore the half way inbetween is the most effective and better release as it allows the rider to keep the contact and maintain and better/more upright position. I personally follow this release and you can still keep the straight line from elbow to bit.

i.e - chest to low IMO especially for the height of the jump. As well as inthe pic of the OP I don't like the chest that low, although its often necessary of that height jump



Much more to my liking as the chest isn't as low and the striaght line is still there. Far more suitable for height of jump.


It is much of a muchness really - but there IMO are small differences. And done right - I still think it looks just as good as a well executed crest release.

[lbandrew]

Originally Posted by Lise

From what I have seen, even in the grand prix ring many (I would even go so far as to say most) riders are not doing a "true" automatic release with a straight line to the bit. Many are actually doing what I would call a crest type of release. I think the old style true straight line from arm through to bit is almost a thing of the past. (I know George Morris hates it. )

Don't believe me -- google some images of your favourite grand prix riders. (For me, Jill Henselwood, Eric Lamaze, Ludgar Beerbaum, Lauren Hough, etc. etc.)

Yep, I noticed that too. Funny... because you'd think, jumping those huge fences and making such sharp turns, that the functionality of the auto release would definitely come in handy. But like I said, even when executed correctly, I'm just not sure that I like the way it looks... my current trainer agrees. I also don't know that I agree with the fact that a crest release is really giving you any less control over the horse after a fence. I keep my reins taught throughout my entire course and I never have to do any adjusting.

I also think an auto release would definitely come in handy in eventing... simply because the rider is supposed to be a little more behind, and a lot of times, that can restrict the horses movement... and I'd also say you're a little less likely to catch the horse in the mouth.