In this feature. . .
➤ Your
most effective warm-up yet
Geoff Billington’s
no-frills showjumping PART TWO: UPGRADE YOUR CONTROLS Your horse’s showjumping ability isn’t set in stone. With just a few poles, Geoff Billington shows you how to make a more responsive jumper – with a cracking canter rhythm
A
ny horse can be moulded into a more proficient jumper, whether he’s a steady cob, an unfocused warmblood or a fizzy Thoroughbred. The secret to getting him there? Refining your controls as well as producing and maintaining a winning canter rhythm. It all starts with a few poles and an all-important warm-up.
Words: Bethany Searby. Photos: Jon Stroud
Warm-up: Getting started
Before you get going, make sure you have to hand… • four poles • three cavaletti or three more poles and six pole raisers or blocks Warming up effectively means working your horse off your leg in a relaxed frame. To achieve this, use… • transitions As well as trot-walk-trot, direct transitions, such as walk to canter, play a huge role in getting horses off the leg and listening. Use with caution, though, as they can make a hot horse sharper • changes of rein This will ensure both sides of your horse’s body are well warmed up to encourage suppleness and even muscle development over time • play with his canter See how easily you can open up and close down his stride, experimenting with what you can do to achieve the best results
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The golden rules of showjumping
Throughout this series I’ll be referring back to rhythm, balance and control as vital components of successful jumping. They’re qualities you should consider and aim to improve in each training session. In this feature, we’ll explore how poles can help you produce an obedient mount.
In the saddle
➤
Create a push-button horse ➤ Use cavaletti for better jumping
Our expert
Dodson & Horrell Brand Ambassador Geoff Billington started riding on a £10 pony and has since spent four decades at the top of showjumping. With more than 50 Nations Cup appearances under his belt, he’s represented Team GB in two Olympic Games and took the 2007 Hickstead Derby crown.
Our model
Just Special is Sarah and Geoff Billington’s I’m Special De Muze stallion. Seven years old, he’s currently competing in the age classes with great success.
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In this feature. . .
➤ Maximise
your marks ➤ Improve accuracy
Winning streak D Learn all the tips and tricks you need to ride a showstopping Prelim test o you dream of reaching the top of the dressage scoreboard? Or are you searching for the secret to transform those sixes into eights? Well, success in the dressage arena comes down to precision, practice and preparation. In each instalment of my test riding series, I’ll help guide you through the levels – Prelim, Novice and Elementary – so you can learn to perfect some of the more challenging movements and maximise your marks for each one. The road to a winning dressage test starts long before you set foot between the boards – effective training at home and analysis of your progress is key. So, let’s take a look at some of the tricky questions that arise at Prelim, and boost your test riding techniques to set you up for success.
As told to Kiera Boyle. Photos: Lucy Merrell
Our expert
Leanne Wall is a List 1 judge, British Dressage Pony, Junior and Young Rider British team selector, and former Chef d’Equipe. As a British Dressage Accredited Coach, she trains competitors, riders and coaches involved in a broad spectrum of equine pursuits, including dressage, eventing, showjumping and driving.
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Our models
Lauren Bennett rides her own Mount Rath Prince. Prince is a 13-year-old ex-polo pony who’s embarking on a change of career. The pair are currently competing at Prelim level.
In the saddle
and straightness ➤ Perfect your test-riding technique
Go for your goals
When preparing for a competition, leave enough time to profile where you’re at with your horse’s training in relation to the test you’re going to be riding. Work with your trainer to develop some short-term goals, which could be to improve one or two aspects per session. Rather than aiming to improve your percentage as a whole, which relies heavily on the judge’s opinion and is subject to variation from one to another, note where you commonly score your lowest marks. Then, work to improve your mark for that movement by one or two.
TOP TIP
Videoing yourself riding is a great way to assess your progress. So, if you can, record any training sessions and tests so you can compare your performance to the marks you’ve received. Then you can work on improving individual sections for next time.
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Photos: Jon Stroud, Piotr Zajda/Shutterstock.com
TOP TIP
When selecting a bit, it’s useful to have an accurate mouth type assessment carried out. This will allow you to choose an appropriate mouthpiece for the conformation of your horse’s mouth. Always seek professional advice if you’re unsure how to do this.
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Management know-how
Back in
a bit
Not sure which bit’s right for your horse? Well, bitting expert, Tricia Nassau-Williams is here to help
W
ith such a variety of bits on the market nowadays, deciding on the one that works best for your horse can be mind-boggling. While a bit isn’t a miracle cure for ridden issues, choosing the correct type is certainly a vital factor in keeping your horse as happy in his work as possible. So, to help steer you in the right direction, I’ve answered some of your bitting queries to set you on a path towards a happier, more harmonious partnership.
Before we begin It’s important to remember that, if you’re encountering issues when riding your horse, you should first investigate whether his behaviour is in response to pain, discomfort or his environment. Consulting a vet or relevant professional should always be the first course of action, paying particular attention to your horse’s teeth, the condition and conformation of his mouth,
Our expert
Tricia Nassau-Williams is a BETA Field Officer and Lorinery Consultant.
the fit of his tack and any soundness issues. A bit will only ever be as successful or sympathetic as the rider who’s using it, regardless of its design, so it’s vital that you regularly reflect on your riding, aiming to improve your balance and core strength so you can communicate better with your horse. It can help to imagine that the bit’s being placed in the hands of the rider, just as much as it is in the horse’s mouth.
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