Tips to Help you to Excel
Roberta Sheffield has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for the last 15 years. She is classified with the FEI as having a Grade 4 disability and is able to compete in para dressage competitions. Bert has been successfully competing her own Wonderboy (Whoop) in both Paralympic level dressage and Elementary level able- bodied competitions.
The Sport England Excel
Talent Camp By Bert Sheffield
Bert Sheffield Aloeride sponsored rider. Photo by Mark-In-Time Photography
Keysoe. It was seriously windy yet Whoop managed to win the Team Test class and come second with 70% in the Individual Championship test to Sophie Wells on Pinocchio, the current World Champions!
Next day we had to set off early for the Sport England BEF Excel Talent camp at Vale View, Leicestershire. This was an exciting two days, packed with learning opportunities. First was a sports psychology session to help us identify and map out our goals as well as improve our self-knowledge as to how we perform at our best. It was really interesting learning about the different motivations that we have.
There’s no rest for the wicked! The 2012 campaign started with a bang for Wonderboy and me with lots of dressage training and competitions.
On the 12th and 13th January, we went to The College Equestrian Centre at Keysoe to train with the wonderful Conrad Schumacher. I decided to try riding Whoop in a double bridle for the first time. He is usually quite strong but it is a ‘nice’ positive strong that lets me know where he is. Unfortunately, sometimes that feel becomes a little wooden in a test so I thought the double might solve that. Once Whoop got used to the idea that the humans had lost the plot and put two bits in his mouth, it was a revelation. Even Conrad was surprised how accepting he was. He suggested that I alternate between the two bridles to as not to dull Whoop to the double or risk him thinking about dropping behind the bit. Due to the change of braking system, we worked on raising our game at the Medium level work rather than moving onwards. The main commands of the sessions were for me to ‘swing your butt’ and ‘hug your horse not kick’ which I think roughly translates as let more movement come through your hips and keep your legs stiller. Anyway, I felt like Beyonce after rather a lot of extended trot!
That set us up rather nicely for the Para- Dressage Winter qualifiers at
32
www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk
Then it was Whoop’s turn - he had a farrier assessment, to check his feet and see if any improvement could be made to his shoeing. Luckily Ben, the farrier, was very impressed with the job my farrier makes of Whoop’s less than conventional feet. Typical Warmblood, there’s not a straight thing about them! Quickly Whoop had to be tacked up and I had to get ready for a lesson with Maria Eilberg. The programme is a wonderful opportunity to get several fresh pairs of eyes on what you are doing. Han Van de Braak of my new sponsor Aloeride came along to support us and he videoed everything. This meant I could really capitalise on the training available.
and try to stay better hydrated evenly throughout the day.
In the afternoon, I had some free time so I got Whoop out and tried out a pair of looped reins, kindly lent to me by Sophie Wells. My hands are very weak and I have been struggling with my knitting with the double bridle. The tests at Keysoe highlighted the problem as there is no time mid-test to sort reins out! I have worked out a strategy to try, having loops on the bridoon rein and the curb rein just running through my hand. Loops really even up your position as the reins stay the same length so you have to ride through your body more.
In the evening, Ben gave us an informative lecture on what to look for when your horse is shod and how different types of shoeing practises affect the dressage horse. Then Chris Rosimus gave a talk on nutrition to optimise performance.
Tuesday was an early start
for some with a presentation on Advanced Apprenticeships in Sporting Excellence (AASE). Unfortunately I’m too old for those opportunities as they are aimed at 16 to 18-year-olds. My first training of the day was learning about strength and conditioning with a physiotherapist. I found this very useful as I am always fighting
Bert Sheffield & Wonderboy now sponsored by Aloeride
TURN TO ENTRY FORM TO ENTER
‘ALOE ALOE – WHAT’S THIS THEN?!’
Aloeride® is a brand NEW supplement on the market, made in the UK from the finest grade of pure organic aloe vera available.
Aloe vera has long been recognized as an important plant in human holistic supplements with regards to supporting a healthy immune system and digestive system, as well as helping to promote healthy skin, hair and nails and now these benefits, plus numerous others, can also be offered to your equine friend via taste-free, easy-to-feed Aloeride® powder sachets. 30 sachets (30 days’ worth) contain a whopping 12 litres of aloe vera juice, so your horse can look and feel his best. Alongside a glossy coat, healthy skin and strong hooves, Aloeride® can also help assist in accelerated rejuvenation and recovery and offering anti- inflammatory properties.
Aloeride® aloe vera has also been tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory and does not contain any synthetic compounds, so
After lunch, I had a sport nutrition session. This was interesting as we had all had to do food diaries for three days before the camp. I felt sorry for the poor nutritionist! But he was very patient and highlighted the importance of a balance between carbohydrate and protein for the best possible muscle and brain function. I learnt how to help my body recover faster with the help of peanut butter and jam sandwiches and chocolate milk. I really liked that he did not try to make us eat anything we don’t like. We were encouraged to drink more water
against the poor posture of my unstable shoulders.
After lunch, there was another ridden training session with Maria. I think the two-day format was really helpful as it allowed Maria to get to know Whoop and me better and I had the chance to review the previous day’s lesson on film. We worked on quickening the hind-legs in canter as before and the beginnings of canter pirouettes. Later on, I had a review chat with my Discipline Coach, Tanya Larrigan. I had not worked with her before but I have always wanted to
whether you own a champion racehorse or happy hacker, you can be reassured that your equine friend has pure aloe vera and nothing less or more when you feed Aloeride®. RRP: £55.20 (1 x months supply)
www.aloeride.com 01858 464550
as Tanya has such a rich experience with horses. We mapped out the way forward and I have got lots of homework to do!
All in all, it was a fantastic couple of days and I look forward to the next camp in March!
WIN WITH
WON TO BE 1
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68