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JOE’S JOURNAL T


he last few weeks have been a bit busier than the previous months; training shows have started as well. It has been nice to see people posting videos jumping their horses. It must have been tough for some


people who were not able to see their horse, let alone ride it. I have been working on some flat work and my position during lockdown, when I have been to see Pippa Funnell in the past, she made me ride for hours without stirrups. So, I thought I better work on that. It is always hard work, but it is making a difference and I know I am using my core muscles more now.


When you are going to be jumping, it is particularly important to get the groundwork established. Neglecting the basics in flatwork will affect your horse’s way to going and that will affect results in the ring. There are couple of things to work on including rider position, flexion and suppleness from your horse. Your horse also needs to be responsive, so it is important they learn to move away from your leg.


Firstly, see if you can ask a friend to take some photos or video of you riding on the flat. It will help you to analyse our position. You can see in the photo of me that I am riding nice and light in my seat, but I am not happy with my hands in this picture. We were about to do a flying


change; I kept my fingers open so they are soft and able to feel the horse’s mouth but my wrist and hands are turned over. I don’t like this, not only is it incorrect, if I did this all the time, I would become stiff and rigid in my shoulders believe it or not. It is a simple thing to work on, just get a friend or parent to nag you now and then to re- mind you to keep your thumbs up and hands soft.


The second photo shows Didi in a nice relaxed outline; he is extending well through his shoulder and is about to track up from behind as well. Again, softness is key! As I am working him, I will ask him to flex gently through his neck and back. Never force them to bend, ask a little bit at a time. Can you imagine someone making you touch your toes (something I cannot do!) when you have not done it before. It is better to ask a bit each day than all in one go. Reward your horse; if they do as they are asked then to stop let them relax as a reward.


When you are jumping your horse needs to be responsive to your leg. This is fundamental in showjumping and it will help you ride turns and approach jumps better. Leg yielding is an effective training exercise. Start in walk and build up in each pace, go back to walk if your horse does not understand what you are asking. Their under- standing of your leg might take time if they have never been asked to move sideways before. To start with ask on a turn or circle, making the corner deeper or the circle bigger. In other words, you push your horse into the corner with


My wrist and hands are turned over


Didi in a nice relaxed outline


28


THE SUMMER SPECIAL 2020


For the latest news visit www.centralhorsenews.co.uk


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