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As in all aspects of equestrian sports, there
are many different views and methods on the training of show jumping
horses and riders.
During my education, I have consolidated my training regime
by using different methods that I have learnt from the various
professionals I have worked with, and putting them together to
devise my own system.
The following is an insight into the way I train horses and
riders.
The
most important part of training a horse, is the riders ability to
give the correct aids.
This is why I put so much emphasis on the riders position;
key points to remember are, sit tall with a very straight back, the
shoulders, arms and hands are relaxed, the leg is closed on the
horses side, with the heel down. Whilst working the horse,
correct your position every so often, this enables you to stay in
balance, and therefore give the correct aids. One thing I notice
frequently whilst teaching, is that when a rider gets tired, they
are less able to maintain their position and consequently do not get
the desired response.
So, it is imperative that you have frequent rests, this also
helps the horse to remain relaxed and absorb all that you have
taught. The
self-discipline of your position on the flat will help when it comes
to jumping.
The
two main problems riders have whilst jumping over a fence are
associated with balance, getting left behind or jumping up the
neck. I like to use
grid work to teach the rider to stay in balance over a fence. To begin with the grid is
made up of two poles on the ground nine feet apart. Approaching the grid in
trot, the rider is already in jumping position, they do not have to
move at all over the fence.
The grid can be built up from here, incorporating as many
elements as you need.
When jumping a course of fences, the canter needs to be
balanced and rhythmical.
Some riders are nervous of meeting the take-off point
correctly, so I get them to concentrate on the canter, once this is
established they are able to meet the jump at the right point.
When
training horses, it is important to remind ourselves of their
natural instincts.
Horses are fright/flight animals, therefore to get the best
performance out of them they must be confident. At all stages of my horses
education, I keep them at a level until they are ready to
progress. In the early
stages it is important, for horses to be taught to move forward off
the leg, and to have 'soft' hands, to make a good mouth. In the year that they are
four years old, they will go to only a couple of shows, the rest of
the time is spent on establishing the flat work. The young horses do not go
fast against the clock, they are taught to turn up to fences in a
balanced, fluid way, so they are able to cope athletically with a
change of direction. My
horses are not jumped too much in their younger years, therefore
they stay sound, are confident, relaxed and they believe in
me.
The
horse I rode in the Olympics was Franklins Flyte, he was ten years
old at the time and I have ridden him since he was five. This is the first time I
have competed at the Olympics and is proof to me that my system
works. I look forward
to many more successes in the ring, and teaching, which I enjoy and
gives me great satisfaction.
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