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14 pages
March 2015 • VOLUME XV NUMBER 2
of listings!
March 2015
£3.00
Cross Country Training Tips
from Francis Whittington PLUS What to Wear & Where to Go Schooling
We talk to the successful trainer Phil Middleton
PLUS: www.localrider.co.uk
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Pony Club • Riding Club • Show Jumping • Dressage
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CROSS COUNTRY FEATURE Francis and a group of riders, pictured at the end of a cross country clinic at LMEQ
Cross Country Training with Francis Whittington
As we look forward to the first spring hunter trials and events, I know many of you will be taking advantage of the fantastic clinics which are currently being offered. Littleton Manor in Surrey already has clinics booked with Lucinda Green MBE, Oliver Townend, Paul Tapner, Lucy Thompson and Harry Meade. Most of these riders will rarely take on new pupils on an individual basis, so a clinic environment is the ideal opportunity to learn from their immense knowledge and experience. It also gives you a chance to identify the trainers which you feel most suit you and your horse. We caught up with Francis Whittington at one of his clinics at Littleton Manor to find out why he enjoys teaching and how you can make the most of these unique training experiences. Lucinda Green adds a number of interesting elements during her cross country clinics, such as this pole across the ditch.
Why are Cross Country Clinics Good? They are a great place to receive instruction around good well built courses, with the opportunity to take time out to discuss any situations which may arise, both individually and with the group. Normally individuals they are not the only one with a problem, which gives them confidence and reassurance, ultimately helping them to stop worrying.
Why should riders attend? Schooling clinics are perfect for anyone looking for a little bit of help or feel they need to improve their confidence. They are a great opportunity for riders with a new horse, trying a different bit or aiming for their first competition. I also see riders who have a particular issue, which they want to concentrate on. 44 Localrider MARCH 2015
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What should they wear to the clinic? They should turn up in their normal safety gear: hat, gloves, body protector, breeches and boots. The horse should be in its normal jumping tack: Saddle, martingale, breast-plate and boots. A neck strap can be handy, particularly if your horse can be fresh. I always take a spare change of clothing, as you never know what might happen cross country schooling. In fact I once had to lend my spare clothes to someone who fell off.
when you put your leg on, that your horse travels forward and when you put your body back, that your horse comes back to you. If your horse isn’t listening to you, then it will be very difficult to get him to do anything that you want.
Finally, do you have a Top Tip? Keep your horse in the same rhythm to the fence, making sure you both remain in balance.
What is the etiquette on arrival at a clinic? Most venues have a disclaimer that will need to be signed, so complete your paperwork first. Then once mounted introduce yourself to the trainer. Explain who you are and that you are there for the next clinic. The person taking the clinic will probably suggest either walking round or starting to warm-up.
How do you start your clinics? I like to watch the warming-up through the paces, so that I can start assessing them, before I hear a bit more about them and their horse.
Pic by Julie Badrick
And how do your clinics finish? We usually have a discussion about what we have been working on and any concerns they may have. We look back at the issues they had to start, what the problem was, how we dealt with it and set up some homework.
What is important for people to remember when they go cross-country schooling next time?
About Francis
Remember, stick to the homework. Keep it simple, focus on the fences and remember: Rhythm, Balance and Control.
Sussex-based Francis Whittington had his best ever year in 2014. He is the current British National Eventing Champion and also won Blenheim International Horse Trials, on both occasions he was riding Catherine Witt’s Easy Target.
Is there something you see going wrong time and time again?
Francis has a great team of horses for the coming season and hopes to compete at Isleham, Tweseldown, Great Witchingham, Burnham Market, Belton, Somerley and Badminton.
Riders don’t have their horse reactive and off their leg. Make sure
Book in by calling 07976 138120
BONFLEUR CROSS COUNTRY COURSE
Welcome to Bonfleur Near Maidstone, 15 mins from M20
Offering over 80 Fences ranging from 1’6 to 3’6 including an extensive Water Complex as well as many Ditches, Banks, Coffins, Trakehners and Combination Fences.
Or on-line at www.bonfleurcrosscountrycourse.co.uk
The Perfect Place for Cross Country Schooling in Kent
Book in by calling 07976 138120 … Or on-line at www.bonfleurcrosscountrycourse.co.uk MARCH 2015 Localrider 45
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