FEATURE
Training tips with David Finch From mustering in his father’s old stock saddle to becoming one of the few Level 3 accredited jumping specialist coaches in Australia, David Finch sets the bar high when it comes to training tips, writes DANNII CUNNANE.
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avid, or ‘Finchy’ as he’s affectionately known, has earned a reputation over the years as someone who can get even the most difficult horses to perform. Developing a passion for jumping that has seen him compete in Japan, Germany and the USA, here at home in Australia at his Toowoomba stud, Finch Farm, he has produced a string of top-level horses including world cup mounts, Campmaster, Boera, Finch Farm Chill and Charlemagne Ego Z. David is currently a national coach educator, former Equestrian Australia coach of the year, five-times Equestrian Queensland coach of the year, and Chair of Equestrian Queensland. David was only too happy to share his knowledge, but rather than jump (sorry, that pun was too hard to resist) straight into his tips for the higher levels, he wanted to focus on the basics, which he says are “being centred, safe and effective” when starting a jumping career.
It all starts with flat work. I’m sure there are many show jumpers who would like to resist David’s first essential tip!
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His conclusions? “Once all this is under control, you can then commence some basic jumping training.”
What position is right for you? The rider doesn’t just stand in the stirrups and let the horse do the work, the position the rider takes will either be beneficial or detrimental to their horse. David explains that there are several positions that riders will use at varying stages of their round and they all serve a purpose. “There are three positions when jumping and our job as the rider is to learn to be competent and effective with all of them,” says David. “The two-point seat is when your seat is just out of the saddle and your legs are the two points of contact around the horse. This is the position your body should be in when your horse is at the peak of its jump. The two-point seat is a very good position for developing a good base of support with your lower leg and the flexibility of your ankle. It is also good for developing the contact which should never be vice-like or locked in, as doing this will block the weight of your body and won’t allow that weight to flow to your heels.”
“Show jumping is a tough sport, but it’s more than just pointing your horse at the jumps and hoping they will clear them,” he explains. “For show jumping, you need a good understanding of how your horse moves at the walk, trot and canter. Flat work is the fundamental element of how you develop the understanding of riding your inside leg to outside rein. It’s also important that the rider establishes some rhythm as this gets the horse stepping under itself. A horse with tension and short stepping will be difficult to ride over jumps, so it’s important to get your horse to relax and stretch its neck, which will then give correct paces.”
HORSEVIBES MAGAZINE - APRIL 2019
Then, he says, there is the three-point: “The light three-point is a crotch seat along with your two points of contact with your legs. Here, the weight of your seat, along with your leg aids will help to control and balance your horse.” There is a distinction, he explains, between the lighter and heavier threepoint. “The heavier three point is when your seat is fully in the saddle and you have the maximum seat aid, along with your leg aids,” he says. “This is a very strong position that can be useful in a difficult situation. For example, you could use the heavier three-point seat when facing a spooky jump or scary environment. It gives a bit more power and security when facing a