The x-country is an adreniline rush, BUT its the Dressage portion that allows for you to sit up and the horse slows down and elevates his front end,look straight ahead and thats his line of travel and on the landing side of those 6' drops while still @ a moderate gallop you can twist left and you somehow in 1 stride are balanced and over a corner and back on a straight flat galloping track.
I have a deep appreciation for Dressage, and with a good trainer it is quite easy.
Try this-drop your reins and take a deep breath in tighten you muscles and look up. Your horse will stop-you've just done a half-halt. Without making it harder than it really is.