In this feature. . .
Make the most of your hacking
Building
balance control
and
PART THREE: OFF-GRID
Variety in your horse’s work is key to getting the best from him mentally and physically. Lydia Hannon explains what you can achieve out hacking
C As told to Fizz Marshall. Photos: Jon Stroud
ore strength is essential for balance and control in horses, just as it is in humans. However, always working your horse on a beautifully level arena – no matter how high quality your schooling or how innovative your exercises – isn’t enough to develop a really robust physique that’s essential for getting the best from your horse.
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Our expert
Lydia Hannon competed successfully as a junior, including third place at the Junior European Championships. As a senior, she’s completed Burghley, Luhmühlen and jumped a double clear at Badminton. Based in South Herefordshire, Lydia’s now focusing her attention on coaching, and producing young horses.
Our model
Lydia has owned Irish-bred Quinn, a 16.1hh gelding, for two years. Just seven years old, he’s been placed at Foxhunter level and the pair is aiming for 1.30/40m.
In the saddle
Develop cross-country skills at home
Improve his confidence
You can use hacking and hillwork to build power while keeping his – and your – brain happy
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In this feature. . .
Get the best out of a spooky horse
tension CUT THE
Is your horse always on red alert and quick to spook? Learn how to ease tension with Anna Miller
R
iding a horse who jumps at his own shadow poses a unique set of challenges for any rider. It can make your dressage training a lot more troublesome because the extra tension will have a jarring effect on his rhythm and disrupt the movement you were riding. It also means he’ll
As told to Kiera Boyle. Photos: Lucy Merrell
What is tension?
When a judge writes the dreaded phrase ‘tense’ on your score sheet, it usually refers to stiff ness, a lack of relaxation, choppy paces and over-reaction to your aids or scary objects around the arena. Tension usually manifests itself in a horse’s frame, so it’s important to understand why your horse
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struggle to relax and truly let go enough to show off his paces, costing you valuable marks. However, there are lots of ways you can train your spooky horse to encourage him to relax and take things in his stride. I’m here to help solve the problems you may face as a result of tension, so you can get the best out of him between the boards.
is feeling tense – is it due to his fitness, the fit of his tack, or his confidence level? As long as you can rule out any physical causes, you can begin to school him with a focus on relaxation. The most important aspect to establish is a relationship of trust between you, which takes time, patience and understanding.
In the saddle
Ride for relaxation
Add cadance and lift to his paces
Our expert
Anna Miller is an advanced dressage rider competing at small tour level. She coaches both para and able-bodied riders.
Our model
Adonis B (Ares) is a 16-year-old Dutch gelding, working at Inter II level. HORSE&RIDER 45
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Photos: Jon Stroud
Mind matters
TOP TIP
What’s on your
It can be really hard to accept setbacks and mistakes, so if you’re struggling there’s no shame in seeking help from a therapist, counsellor or psychologist, who can offer you extra support.
mind?
Our expert
Emma Hutchinson is CEO and Co-founder of Horseback UK, a charity that supports military veterans and children through equine therapy.
Emma Hutchinson explains how horses can teach you valuable lessons about your mental health – and ways you can give it a boost
T
here is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man – while there’s some disagreement about who to attribute the popular quote to, the author was definitely on to something – even if just to score extra hours at the yard or wriggle out of evening plans we’ve forgotten.
Cut yourself some slack
We don’t expect our horses to be brilliant just because we want them to be. We all understand that everyone has an off day. So, we ask them enough – but never too much – and if there’s a bit of a muddle, we take a breath and start again. But this kindness isn’t limited to your horse – you can do the same for yourself. Give yourself small, achievable missions, and understand that
Whether it’s their unapologetic ability to live in the moment, act honestly or simply not dwell on mistakes of the past, using horses as our inspiration and taking on the lessons they can teach us every day can help shift our mental position and create a happier life for ourselves and those around us. So, how can you push through and feel more positive day-to-day? Here are some of my top tips.
mistakes and setbacks are inevitable. Be forgiving and always prepared to start again from the beginning. Unrealistic expectations are an enemy of a healthy mental state. If you’re constantly attacking yourself for failing to meet goals, not being the person you expect yourself to be or not being able to change your life through a sheer act of will, you’ll live with constant disappointment.
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