Young Riders

Bliss and I came together by chance, after my great friend and mentor Thay Stephenson took her in and suggested I took her round Royalties on her delivery there to us. I’d never done Endurance riding before and Bliss was just a bit bored of life. That soon changed with great coaching and support from Thay, who has shown me the world of Endurance and introduced me to my forever friend, Bliss.

After having a traumatic riding accident on my other horse, Bliss soon became my nanny, as quirky and diva-ish as she can be, she always made me feel safe, and we always have fun. I promised her just that, that we will always have fun. From me nearly bursting a lung on our first 32km GER to attempting a 3-day 170km CER and winning an 80km performance formula and getting awarded Best Condition at Hanslope ride, (clearly helped by some Emerald Green Magic!).

We have been very fortunate to be chosen to be a Brand Ambassador for Emerald Green Feeds. Since having Bliss, we have fed her on their feeds, and her results, condition and attitude speak for themselves. I’m so very grateful to be associated with this brand, and very thankful for Howard Burchnall of Emerald Green Feeds for being such a hands on and supportive sponsor.

Obviously during the current worldwide

Life is Bliss

pandemic, we have not done a ride since Cannock Chase back in early March, where she stormed round the 64km being the only one in her class and doing 32km completely alone! During this time, we are going to social distanced jumping lessons which she is really excelling at, practising our flatwork and entering online dressage competitions and just enjoying each other’s company, as above all, she is my best friend!

Jade Edwards Cross training benefits to both horse and rider I’m a paediatric nurse, so during lockdown my work has been even busier! James has been lucky to be able to continue working full time at home, which has worked very well with the horses.

We might be in the minority, but we have enjoyed lockdown, and the added time we’ve been able to have with the horses, without the stress of full training and competitions. Some weeks I have obviously been very busy at work, but the horses’ have provided a great stress relief. Prior to lockdown, we were managing the horses’ full training schedule around two full time jobs, so with James now working from home, things are much easier!

"We have really enjoyed jumping the horses"

We immediately lessened the training of the horses, especially the two that were in training for a 160km. But we have continued to ride them all throughout lockdown, to maintain a good base level fitness. Their work has consisted of schooling, jumping, pole work and short training rides. We have especially enjoyed jumping the horses more frequently and have even managed to fit in a X-Country schooling session since restrictions were lifted. We think cross-training the horses has great benefits.

Cross-training is very popular with human athletes, and a lot of research has gone into the benefits of cross-training our horses. Personally, I have always incorporated a wide variety of activities into our endurance horses’ training programmes and I strongly believe that it can significantly improve their performance.

All our horses regularly show jump, school and do pole-work alongside their training rides. Maintaining a varied training regime helps to improve the horses' attitude work. We believe cross-training helps improve suppleness, strength and balance as the horses are working different muscle groups, whilst learning to be more responsive to their rider. Although cardiovascular fitness is obviously of huge importance to endurance horses, muscular strength and flexibility also play key roles - especially in reducing the chance of injury and lameness. By changing the workload throughout the training programme you are also reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury by decreasing the stress on the same tissues and bones.

There are huge benefits for the rider too; involving a range of training and disciplines not only provides valuable learning and skills but these can often be transposed in some form to the main discipline. Riders benefit hugely from the improvement in strength and balance, and the advancements of both the horse and rider in this area leads to increased performance as a combination. It is important that both horse and rider are working to build confidence in one another.

I love the cross-training aspect of training our horses, it generates a lot of fun and you can visibly see the positive effects it has.

The endurance community is brilliant at coming together in times of need. The regional groups have been very innovative in their online quizzes, webinars and training sessions for their members. We are sure this will continue as we ease back into the running of rides because, of course, things are going to take some getting used to!

Unfortunately, our goal of a 160km 3* in 2020 for two of our horses has already been put on hold. Together with the added complications of running FEI rides in the UK we are not confident this will be achievable this year, so our focus will move to next year. However, everything seems to change so quickly at the moment who knows what will be possible in the coming weeks or months!

As always thank you to KM Elite Products, PhysioFi, Baileys Horse Feeds and The Bespoke Saddle Company for helping us through every step of our endurance journey.

Katie Bedwin Our horses are blissfully unaware but must have some inclination that all is not as it should be! Restrictions are now easing and we are starting to take up the reins again. With patience and fortitude, we shall be back out there, riding and competing once more!

As things start to return to normality, there is much work to be done to build up a GB YR Team. The new FEI qualifications are still due to come into force in July 2020, which include additional qualifications and a new minimum weight of 60kg. The YR management are here to help you with any issues you have. You Young Riders are the Seniors of the future! There is a wealth of knowledge from our team vet/physio and farrier as well as our International Committee - so do please ask! Send me an email to quinnchamp@gmail.com.

In addition there is an EGB Young Rider Facebook page to share information and view important news/rule changes. Another page which might be of interest is a new group, ‘Endurance - Youth Around the Globe!’ This has YR members from all over the world, the perfect place to ‘virtually’ meet new people! In the meantime, stay safe and well, hug your horses if you can, and we’ll hopefully see you all soon!