Horse&Rider Magazine – December 2019

In this feature. . .

Our expert

Sophie Wells MBE is a veritable superstar of para-dressage. Competing in Grade IV, she made her Olympic debut at the London 2012 Olympics, winning double silvers.

Then, at Rio in 2016, she took team and individual gold. Sophie also competes in affiliated dressage and runs a busy coaching business out of her Lincolnshire base.

Our models

As told to Tilly Berendt. Photos: Jon Stroud.

Gladstone is an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion by Bodyguard Moorland.

Known at home as William, he’s owned by Jackie and Neil Walker, Valerie Woolford, and Sophie. He was the reserve for the World Equestrian Games in 2018.

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➤ Create

collection without resistance

In the saddle

➤ Resolve

your bad riding habits ➤ Develop a more balanced horse

SAVVY

SCHOOLING

with

Sophie Wells

PART TWO: GET ENGAGED Find out how circles can help you create an engaged horse with Paralympian Sophie Wells’ great exercises for improving collection

W

hat does collection mean to you, and how do you achieve that elusive short stride and a round, uphill carriage? If your instinctive reaction is to close your hand and use a blocking aid with your reins, then certainly you’re not alone – many riders fall into the trap of using the kick-and-pull method to ask for extension and collection. But there’s definitely a better way.

Extension and collection are both rooted in one concept – engagement. An engaged horse steps well underneath himself with his hindlegs, rotating his pelvis so his hindquarters appear to drop and curl beneath him, while his back and shoulders – and, in turn, his neck – lift and round. While it’s possible to fake this picture with a heavy rein aid, you’ll run into trouble when attempting more difficult movements. Instead, it really pays to take the time to teach your horse to engage himself naturally.

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In this feature. . .

Our expert

Anna Power is an international showjumper based in Somerset. A British Podium Potential squad member and a regular on the Nations Cup circuit, she competes from young horse classes all the way up to Grand Prix.

As told to Bethany Searby. Photos: Jon Stroud

Our model

Cataquack is a sevenyear-old gelding by Catoki. He’s a late starter, but willing to learn and is currently competing at 1.20m.

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➤ Improve

your horse's concentration

In the saddle

➤

Strengthen his core ➤ Feel more confident riding a course

Raising the bar Easy to use and with endless benefits, there’s space for raised poles in every horse’s training regime, says showjumper Anna Power

G

ood showjumping starts on the ground.

Working regularly with poles not only gets your horse used to the sight of them, but also teaches him to relax and focus on the question ahead. As well as desensitising him, using poles helps your horse develop an even rhythm and improves straightness.

This leads to a whole host of other benefits, such as muscle-building and fitness, too.

The plus side of poles

Polework gives your horse a brain and body workout that helps to...

• develop his core Poles, especially raised ones, ask your horse to lift his legs and body, meaning he has to work to engage his core.

Regular sessions will help him build muscle, jump with more power and improve his technique • make him more focused Regularly working with poles means he’ll be familiar and comfortable with them, less likely to rush and more focused on your instructions. The less he rushes, the better he’ll be able to lift his body and exercise his core, enhancing his muscle build-up • keep schooling fun I tend to work with poles once a week, which gives my horses variety in their routine and something to enjoy, all while building on important skills

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GET AHEAD OF THE GAME Take some time to regroup, refocus and review with clinical psychologist Dr Hannah Butler-Coyne

W Photos: Jon Stroud. With thanks to: Dr Hannah Butler-Coyne hbcpsychology.co.uk

hen contemplating progress and improvement, many people channel their energy into improving their horse’s behaviour and their own riding. Frequently, this translates into changes of instructor, more lessons, adapting their horse’s feeding or fitness regimes or buying new tack or equipment. While these are all important and sensible points to consider, they neglect one vital area – rider mindset.

Our expert

Dr Hannah Butler-Coyne is an HCPC Registered and BPS Chartered Clinical Psychologist who works privately, specialising in sport, and in the NHS, in child and adolescent mental health. She’s also the co-founder of Pilatology, a University of Central Lancashire lecturer and keen horse rider.

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Mind and body synergy

When your mind and body work together, your mindset is an essential component in achieving success. Mindset, in this context, is all about your way of thinking and how you approach challenges psychologically.

We often hear people talk about developing a positive mindset, but this isn’t straightforward. For example, trying to convince yourself that you’re feeling positive about your readiness for a competition isn’t having a positive mindset. In fact, false confidence, or trying to force something that’s not there, can work against you.

The good news is that adopting the right approach to training will not only support you in performing to your full potential, but also provide you with a psychological edge as you develop clearer lines of communication between you and your horse.

Mind matters

Brain games

Regular me-time scheduled in your diary will give you space to breathe

Consider your psychological approach as a triangle with three points. Begin to consider the triangle after your next competition or lesson – the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see some improvement.

1. Regroup and reset

3. Review and tweak

2. Refocus

1. Regroup and reset Allow yourself to have a break – consider this as hitting the reset button. Although taking time out sounds easy to do, it can be difficult to achieve as it so often slips down the list of priorities.

To make it a little easier, consider the things you truly enjoy doing that help you relax. They don’t need to be huge or expensive – you don’t have to book a holiday for it to count as relaxing!

Regular me-time scheduled into your diary will give you space to breathe.

Going out with friends, having a bath or watching your favourite movie are all good examples of giving yourself a little time to relax.

What now?

Once you’ve pressed the reset button, a process that’s likely to be required several times, your focus will be better positioned to consider your motivation.

What drives you to improve your riding? Is it...

• personal achievement?

• fun?

• status?

• improving your horse?

Write down why you’re striving towards your goal and the difference achieving it will make. By truly understanding the reasons you’re trying to improve, you’ll connect with your personal values, aims and wishes, rather than being distracted by the aspirations of those around you.

This is key in ensuring that your journey and goals are TOP TIP owned by you, rather Write your goals down than by someone else. somewhere accessible, such as in a diary. This will act as both a reminder and a way to keep you focused on your target.

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