EQUESTRIAN PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME
Fitness for Life.
Picture this: You’re 85 years old, hiking up a windswept hill with a mischievous grin, whilst your grandkids struggle to keep up. Sounds impossible? Not if you embrace sport, fitness, and health as a lifelong adventure, something we love doing here at LWC.
Exercise isn’t just about chiselled abs or running marathons. It’s about resilience, mental sharpness, and longevity. Just look at the Blue Zones - those rare places on Earth where people routinely live past 100, and live well. Their secret? Daily movement, strong communities and an unshakeable zest for life. They don’t grind out deadlifts in fluorescent-lit gyms. Tthey walk, swim, stretch, and lift things because life demands it.
At LWC, we champion this philosophy. Sport isn’t a phase. It’s a lifelong pursuit of challenge, camaraderie, and self-discovery. Whether you’re smashing a rugby tackle, perfecting a tennis serve, or finding peace in a morning run, you’re investing in a future where your body serves you well, not the other way around.
So, take the stairs, chase a ball, climb a mountain, bowl away swingers, try Yoga. Because when sport and fitness become your adventure, life doesn’t just last longer. It gets richer, wilder, and infinitely more fun. So tighten those laces, take a breath and step up and out into a world of infinite possibilities, a world that begins within our idyllic 1200 acre campus and culture.
ADAM WILLIAMS HEADMASTER
Welcome to the Team.
LWC Performance Equestrian Programme
Congratulations on your selection as part of The LWC Performance Equestrian Programme.
This programme recognises your accomplishments and potential in all areas of equestrian. As a member of this exciting and evolving initiative, you will play a vital role in the growth of equestrian sports at LWC. We are thrilled to support you on your journey to excellence.
This two-year programme is designed to:
• Enhance your technical, physical, and mental capabilities specific to equestrian.
• Foster a lifelong passion for horse riding and equestrian sports.
• Prepare you for competitive events and equip you for a potential career in the equestrian world.
The programme requires you to:
• Commit to all sports scholarship expectations at LWC.
• Attend all scholarship talks and workshops.
• Represent LWC in equestrian competitions and related ambassadorial roles.
• Mentor and coach younger riders at LWC.
• Fully engage with your equestrian mentor and programme team.
• Contribute to raising the profile of equestrian sports at LWC and beyond.
Programme Overview
This programme is designed to optimise your performance in equestrian jumping while balancing academic and extracurricular commitments. It focuses on technical riding skills, horse care, fitness, mental toughness, and competitive preparation.
Key Areas of Focus
1. Technical Riding Skills
Refine your jumping techniques, including approach, take-off, and landing.
Enhance control, rhythm, and balance during courses.
Develop precision in handling combinations, tight turns, and technical lines.
2. Equestrian Fitness
Build strength, balance, and flexibility for effective riding.
Focus on core stability and overall fitness to maintain control and endurance during rides.
3. Mental Skills
Develop focus, confidence, and adaptability in competitive environments.
Learn performance psychology techniques such as visualisation and handling pressure.
4. Equine Knowledge
Deepen your understanding of horse care, including feeding, grooming, and injury prevention.
Learn to assess your horse’s physical and mental condition before and after rides.
5. Competition Preparation
Structure training to peak during competitive events.
Simulate competition scenarios to build familiarity and confidence. Study courses and develop strategies for different challenges.
6. Academic Balance
Balance riding commitments with academic and extracurricular priorities. Work with your mentor to develop effective time management strategies.
7. Leadership
Mentor younger riders in both technical and horse care aspects.
Represent LWC equestrian at ambassadorial and promotional events.
8. Career Opportunities
Explore pathways in coaching, equine science, sports management, and professional riding.
Leverage LWC’s network to build connections within the equestrian community.
Components of the Programme
1. Technical Training
• Jumping Practice
Focus on approach, rhythm, and balance over fences.
Train on courses with varying heights and complexities.
• Flatwork Fundamentals
Develop the foundation for effective jumping with emphasis on control and horse responsiveness.
• Video Analysis
Review riding sessions to identify areas for improvement.
2. Physical Conditioning
• Strength Training
Core and leg strength exercises to improve balance and control.
Key exercises: Planks, squats, lunges, and resistance band work.
• Flexibility and Mobility
Include dynamic stretches and yoga to maintain range of motion and reduce risk of injury.
• Endurance Training
Cardiovascular fitness to enhance stamina during long rides and competitions.
3. Mental Skills Development
• Performance Psychology
Practice pre-ride routines, focus techniques, and mindfulness exercises.
• Logbook
Track your practice sessions, mental state, and horse’s performance.
4. Equine Care and Knowledge
• Horse Care
Develop skills in grooming, tack preparation, and horse fitness management.
• Injury Prevention and Recovery
Learn techniques to identify and address potential health issues.
• Stable Management
Gain insight into daily operations and responsibilities of equine care.
5. Competition Prep and Strategy
• Course Analysis
Study course maps, identify challenges, and plan your ride.
• Competition Simulation Practice full courses under time pressure and simulate competitive environments.
• Post-Event Review
Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement.
6. Academic Integration
• Plan riding schedules around academic deadlines and exams.
• Prioritise rest and recovery during busy periods.
Seasonal Plan
Pre-Season (June - September)
Focus: Build technical skills, enhance fitness, and set goals.
Activities:
• Jumping and flatwork drills.
• Core and endurance training sessions.
Competition Season (October - May)
Focus: Peak performance and competition readiness.
Activities:
• Simulated competition courses.
• Tactical riding sessions for varying conditions.
Post-Season (May - June)
Focus: Recovery and reflection.
Activities:
• Evaluate performance and plan for offseason goals.
Evaluation and Tracking
• Monthly Assessments: Monitor riding progress, fitness levels, and mental focus.
• Competition Metrics: Track results, penalties, and overall performance in events.
• Feedback: Regular reviews with your coach, mentor, and equestrian professionals.
Example Weekly Schedule
Monday Rest and recovery (stretching, yoga, or foam rolling)
and jumping practice
(focus: core and legs)
Saturday Course practice or simulated competition
Sunday Competition or rest
This programme provides a holistic approach to equestrian jumping, ensuring your development as a well-rounded athlete while maintaining balance with academics and other commitments.
