26/ MAY 2024 THE RIDER Confident Horsemanship:


ready. Maybe you had a bad experience in the past, you’ve never done it, or your horse has little experience hacking out. Then hacking in hand or hiking along- side your horse is a good option for you. This approach is gaining popularity and has a wide range of benefits for both horse and rider. It’s a gentle introduction (or re-introduction) to trail riding that builds confidence and strengthens your connection.


Physical and Mental Benefits:


By Anne Gage, The Horse Riding Con- fidence Coach


fines of the arena with your horse this spring, but you feel nervous because you’re not sure if you or your horse are


You want to get outside the con-


Bromont CCI Continued from page 25


perience. Clarkson rides with Ameri- can veteran Lauren Nicholson, who has also worked with Bettina Hoy in the past. Nicholson was excited for her student to experience both the ‘team’ atmosphere of the program, as well as learning from outside profes- sionals. One of the highlights of the week


for Clarkson was having direct access to, and input from Bromont’s cross- country course designer Derek Di- Grazia (USA), who designed at the Tokyo Olympics and designs for two


balance, coordination, and stamina. Hill work is an excellent workout for both of you to build strength and cardiovascular endurance. For you walking on your two feet is even more of a workout than rid-


improves


of the most prestigious CCI5*s in the world: Kentucky (USA) and Burghley (United Kingdom.) “Being able to have access to


Derek DiGrazia was incredible,” com- mented Clarkson. “I really got a lot out of learning about his philosophy and intentions. He talked a lot about reading the footing and in particular the ground itself. The footing is amaz- ing and the ground has rolls and is re- ally varied. You need to be balanced in your galloping. If you don’t take care of that you could easily have a trip that could create a bad jump. I found myself really riding every stride much more, especially while gallop- ing between the jumps. It has really changed how I ride.”


1. Improve Fitness: Walking without the weight of a rider on his back allows your horse to develop and strengthen muscles without straining them. Walk- ing on uneven terrain (unlike a well- groomed riding arena)


ing.


2. Joint Health: Walking on uneven terrain helps promote joint flexibility and strength, benefiting both you and your horse. Walking stimulates circula- tion, reducing stiffness and promoting overall joint health.


3. Confidence Building: If you or your horse feel nervous about trail riding, hacking in-hand allows you to gradually expand the comfort zone without be- coming overwhelmed. As you have pos- itive


confidence you build individually and in each other will transfer to your future rides outside of the arena.


experiences together, the


well-fitting halter and a sturdy, long lead rope, and shoes or boots suitable for walking with your horse. Bring along some treats for positive reinforcement,


Clarkson, who finished second


overall in the combined U25/CCI3*- L division behind US Olympian Boyd Martin, also mentioned that receiving a prestigious grant such as this has helped legitimize her work and goal of riding at the upper levels. “Because I applied and received


a Bromont Rising grant in 2023, I think it’s even helped my parents un- derstand that there are people out there who will support a rider like me — that it’s worth investing in someone like me who has not been a rider since being a toddler. They are incredibly supportive but it showed them others are out there too!” Canadian and US U25 riders


competing in the CCIU252*-L and CCIU253*-L are eligible to apply. Grant applications are open now and the following deadlines have been up- dated for 2024:


MARS Bromont CCI June 5-9, 2024 CCIU252*-L and CCIU253*-L https://bromontcci.com


Ride More, Worry Less And Enjoy Every Ride! Let’s get you feeling more confident today!


519-940-6050 • anne@confidenthorsemanship.com www.rideconfident.com


LongRun’s TB Star of May


Tenpenny Nail is a well- built, gorgeous


15.3 mare looking for a home as a


broodmare. At just six years old, her good looks will make her a


great prospect to cross breed for your next sport horse!


If you're interested in meeting "Penny" please contact LongRun!


APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 6, 2024


Grant application & information


forms, hotel information, omnibus & FEI Schedule can be found on the


Maya Clarkson and Maks Mojo C finished second in the CCI3*-L (combined U25) at the MARS Bromont CCI 2023. © Michelle Dunn Photo


website.


About Bromont Eventing Bromont, which has featured top com-


petitions for four decades, welcomes some of the best horse-and-rider combinations across three competitions this summer: the MARS Bromont CCI4*, ‘Little Bromont’ and the August Bromont CCI4*. New for 2024, Bromont will also host an FEI CCI1* during the Little Bromont and August CCI competitions. Located in the beautiful village of


Bromont, Quebec, the spectator-friendly venue is within easy driving distance of Montreal, Quebec and Burlington Vermont. With a venue among the best in the


world and cross-country courses designed by Derek DiGrazia (USA) and Jay Hambly (CAN), eventing at Bromont offers a true test for horse and rider in the perfect ‘sum- mer resort’ setting.


For more information please visit


www.bromonthorsetrials.com. The Bromont Horse Trials are made


possible in part through a contribution from Sport Canada. The Bromont organizing committee also wishes to thank the Gov- ernment of Quebec, and the City of Bromont for their support.


Getting Started: The only equipment you need is a


Hacking In-Hand: Build Confidence and Connection


these skills: • Lead calmly without pulling or barg- ing • Stop when you stop and go when you go • Back up easily


water for yourself, and put on the insect repellant (depending on the season). Before hiking, your horse needs


to encourage your horse throughout the walk.


increasing the time and distance as you and your horse become more confident. If your horse is nervous on his own, in- vite a friend and their reliable, quiet horse to come along with you. Remem- ber to focus on relaxation and positive experiences. Use positive reinforcement


comfortable and gradually increase your comfort zone. Choose a location that won’t overwhelm either of you. You might start simply walking around the yard, down the drive, or around the out- side of a paddock. Begin with short walks, gradually


Start where you and your horse are


fun and safe way to share interesting ex- periences with your horse outside of the arena, providing physical and mental benefits for both of you. Walking along- side each other, you’ll not only build confidence but also deepen your connec- tion.


Hiking or hacking in-hand offers a


Author Bio: Anne Gage, The Horse Riding Confidence Coach, shares advice and tips for horse riding women of a certain age. From managing riding nerves and anxiety, understanding your horse's behaviour, building a deeper partnership with your horse, and more. Whether you're a lifelong horse rider, just coming back to riding after time off, or just starting out, learn more at www.rideconfident.com


Call (416) 675-3993 ext 3440 www.longrunretirement.com • info@longrunretirement.com


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