Horse&Rider Magazine – September 19

In this feature. . .

➤ Try

flying changes on a figure-of-eight

On your As told to Rebecca Philpot. Photos: Rose Lewis for Piaffe Limited

toes

If you’re after challenging cavaletti exercises, then look no further. Ingrid Klimke returns for the final part of our series with three exercises to test you and your horse

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hether you’re riding a jump-off or storming the cross-country course, odds are you’re far better prepared than your horse. After all, you’ve walked it at least once, maybe more, but for your horse it’s all new information – he has far less time to interpret the questions in front of him. This is where your forward planning, and his ability to be quick-thinking and athletic, come into play. These qualities will set you both up for success, no matter what sphere.

The best way to teach your horse to think on his feet is by asking him complex questions at home. So, whether you’re a showjumper, an eventer or simply want to challenge your horse with something new, spicing up your repertoire with these cavaletti exercises will get your horse switched on and reacting rapidly.

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In the saddle

➤ Navigate through a zig-zag ➤

Surprise your horse with a skinny Our expert

Ingrid Klimke is the current European eventing champion, and has won eight gold medals, including two team golds at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. She’s the daughter of Reiner Klimke and, like her father, competes in both eventing and dressage.

Our models

Chinese international eventer Alex Hua Tian, who’s based in Cheshire, rides his own Hamlet, a seven-year-old gelding who’s currently competing at BE100.

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In this feature. . .

➤ Use

lateral work to increase engagement

DRESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL:

Understanding engagement Our expert

Our models

E

Dan Greenwood is a dressage rider and trainer.

He’s won many national championships and ridden for Great Britain at Small Tour level, as well as coaching up to Grand Prix.

As told to Tilly Berendt. Photos: Jon Stroud.

Ashley Jenkins rides seven-year-old His Highness. Owned by Jamie Reynolds, Cat Wood and Cherry Elvin, ‘Hugo’ was the 2017 Gold section National Champion, and third in the 2018 Elementary Gold National Championship. Now, he’s competing at Medium with Ashley.

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The secret to dressage success is getting the basics right. Dan Greenwood explains how ngagement, impulsion and contact are three of the most fundamental elements of dressage – without them, you’ll find it much harder to produce movements, create expression and stand out in front of the judge. But as crucial as these three concepts are, they’re also the most elusive. How many times have you read your test sheet, only to find comments such as ‘horse not working through his back’, ‘tension’, or ‘not consistent in contact’, or found the submission collective circled?

All of these are universal symptoms of common problems that the majority of riders face.

Solving these problems, and establishing a correct, fluid way of going, requires going back to basics. But that doesn’t mean you have to drop back down the levels, or take a break from competing while you struggle back up the rungs of the ladder. Instead, it requires you to break down each concept into simple, straightforward objectives that are easy for you and your horse to understand and begin to master. Then, you’ll be able to build upon them and make them as natural as, well, riding a horse.

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In the saddle

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How corners can improve way of going ➤ Master ‘nearly’ transitions

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Photos: Jon Stroud

Feel confident

W loading every time

Loading and travelling your horse is a big responsibility. If the prospect sometimes feels daunting, there are plenty of ways to ease the pressure 54 HORSE&RIDER

e all love taking our horses out and about, but if you aren’t 100% confident loading, it can cast a cloud over what should be an exciting morning’s preparation. Often when we feel under pressure, our anxieties are picked up by our horses, which can lead to reluctance.

Whatever your qualms, seeking out guidance from someone more experienced, making sure you have the proper equipment and taking the time to practise will help keep you cool, calm and closer to getting on the road without a hitch.

Mind matters

What’s the worry?

Before you start to address any loading woes, devote some time to thinking about why you’re not feeling as relaxed as you’d like. Factors might include...

• a lack of experience • being unsure of proper practice • concerns about time pressure • an inconsistent or new horse • a negative past experience Once you’ve worked out what makes loading seem intimidating, you’ll be one step closer to finding a remedy that works for you.

Kitted out

We all know that safety around horses is paramount, so ensuring you have the correct equipment for loading your horse is essential.

Before you attempt to load him, make sure you have...

• a correctly fastened, up-tostandard riding hat Always a must when entering a confined space with your horse • a pair of non-slip gloves To provide you with a good grip on the lead rope and guard against rope burn

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sturdy boots Protect your feet with practical footwear • a quick-release fastening To attach your horse to once he’s in the lorry or trailer so you can untie him quickly should the need arise You should also kit your horse out with appropriate safety gear. As long as your horse is used to wearing them, travel boots and a tail bandage are advisable.

A leather headcollar is preferable as it’ll break more easily than a nylon one in an emergency, minimising the risk of injury.

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Ensuring you have the correct equipment for loading your horse is essential HORSE&RIDER 55