Southern Horse Magazine Page 55
get injured, so it’s important to consider your flexibility when you ride.»
He continued: «Your balance is the difference between winning and losing. All of the Olympic riders take a fit ball in their lorries to competitions, and this is something that I would recommend to any rider. Part of my job is to help the riders relax under pressure, because the horse can sense tension and stress levels which can influence their behaviour and performance.»
Jon explained to the students that it is important to “practise falling” in order to reduce the likelihood of serious injury. He explained: “Over 70% of injuries from falling off a horse are wrists, arms, dislocated shoulders and collarbones. Rolling after you fall reduces the forces. You want to do what is called tuck and roll.” The students practised the tuck and roll technique on the mats, and experienced the motion of being upside- down.
Curriculum Area Manager, Nicky Du Plessis said: “It is fantastic that Jon is able to share his extensive knowledge and expertise with the students, giving them the techniques and advice that Olympic riders use, which will dramatically help them all with their riding, and give them the confidence and ability to reach their full potential. Our students benefit greatly from visits such as this. I would like to thank Jon for his time with us, he is welcome back anytime.»
Head of Duchy College, Andrew Counsell, said: «We are committed to giving our students access to industry experts in all our subject areas. Jon Pitts is a fantastic ambassador for the equestrian industry, and is able to share an enormous amount of performance and industry knowledge from the highest level. The students have gained an invaluable insight into elite riders and the methods that are used to train them.»
For further details on Equine courses available at Duchy College Stoke Climsland please contact the College on 01579 372233 or visit
www.duchy.ac.uk.
Pictured 1, Hannah Hockin from Northlew, Devon has a go at using her core balance on the fit ball. 2, Martha Rudlin from Helston shows off her balancing skills on the fit ball. 3, Rachel Beale from Plymouth demonstrates how to tuck and roll with Jon Pitts. 4, The Duchy College equine students get stuck in on the fit balls, practicing their core balance. 5, Olympic trainer Jon Pitts shows the group how it’s done on the fit ball.
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