Training


Vikki riding JP Corbally and Amy with Laburnum Richard 30-minute schooling plans Words: Suzy Stephens; Photos: Lizzy Mint Photography S


isters Amy and Vikki Smith have succeeded in a variety of classes in


the show ring, having made the transition from their earlier show jumping days.


With a yard full of a variety of ponies, from traditional cobs to Connemaras and Fells, they are used to dealing with every problem the different types and breeds demonstrate.


Although they have won many of the top classes, from working hunter championships at Royal Windsor to the Traditional class at HOYS, Amy and Vikki do not earn their living from producing and both juggle busy family lives with ‘proper jobs’.


With the nights drawing in and daylight hours much shorter, Amy and Vikki have put together a selection of exercises you can use to get the most out of a 30-minute schooling session, with tips that you can take forward into competition at whatever level you are aiming for.


The models


Vikki and Amy demonstrated each of the exercises on a variety of their ponies.


Laburnum Richard AKA Pedro Gelding Age 12 Sire; Rynn Richard


Hardendale Ray (bottom right) AKA Raymond Stallion Age 10


Sire; Bishop Dale Duke


JP Corbally AKA JP Gelding Age 8


Sire; Linsford Barney


Del Boy (top right) AKA Derek Age 15


Breeding unknown


Improving your horse’s paces


Walk is the most natural pace and this is where the sisters begin with Raymond and Derek.


Many horses can get a little onward bound in walk and may become a little heavy in your hand. To help your horse use his back end, walk up into the hand better and be lighter in front, start by riding on a 20-metre circle, then every four to five strides ask for halt. Ensure the halt is established and settled and walk on for another four or five strides.


Points to remember when riding the exercise:


 Ensure you as a rider are sitting straight and that your hips are level.


 Open your inside hand slightly and place your outside leg slightly back to help control the quarters.


For details on Horslyx’s range of products please phone the advice line: 01697 332 592 or email info@horslyx.com


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