Monthly Archives: March 2015

Horses For Sale

6 Top Tips to get those Double Clears – Top Tips from Horse Scout Professional Didi Verdina

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Want more double clears? Horse Scout Professional Didi Verdina explains how you can improve your jumping whatever your level. Keep these 6 top tips in your mind as a mental check list.

1. Always make sure the ‘engine is on’ first, ensure your horse is in front of your leg and responsive to your aids; a good way of obtaining this is by doing a lot of transitions. Don’t start jumping until you feel your horse is listening to you 100%.

2. Straightness is the essential. Make sure you sit up, with the horse’s neck in front of you, and not underneath you. Leaning forward is one of the most common reasons for not being able to keep your horse straight, push him forward and straight from your legs, keep his neck ‘channeled’ between your reins.

3. Riding your corners correctly is necessary to keep a good quality canter and straightness/direction. Make sure you support your horse with your outside aids so his shoulders won’t ‘fall out’ on the corner.

4. When approaching the fence, especially if you are a novice rider, don’t worry about the stride; if your horse has a good quality canter and he is straight the stride will be right, if not, the horse will help you out, provided you have helped him in between fences.

5. Don’t ever over ride your horse or pull back a few strides away from the fence. Once you have presented the fence to your horse it is too late for last minute adjustments. The best thing you can do is wait for the fence to come to you and help your horse by not moving on him, just keep your legs on.

6. Remember, your job is to ride your horse correctly in between fences and keep him straight and active, his job is jumping the jumps!

Thanks Didi.

Verdina Sports horses have three lovely horses listed on Horse Scouts For Sale pages. Check out Didi’s profile and her horses here.  You will see she has made the most of her profile on Horse Scout. Listing her self as a professional trainer/coach; as a competition rider and also using horse scout to list three lovely horses they have for sale.

One, Fanna – a good looking Dutch Warm Blood 16.3hh mare. Good looking and very good mover. Everyone stops to look at her! She has the most level head and trainable attitude. Great canter for her age, balanced and very light in the mouth. She has the scope and the blood to go far in eventing. Fanna shares Stedinger in her pedigree with Woodcroft Silvermoon A smart black 4 year old gelding, 16.2hh. A super prospect that is ready to compete now at Novice level, training Elementary level established counter canter & finds lateral work easy. He has 3 quality paces, is a really kind natured horse that wants to please. He has wins & placings in young horse ability classes & ‘A’ level in Germany, he is FN registered. Silvermoon was Hanoverian Champion at a foal show in Germany,due to his lovely conformation & paces . Ready for 5 year old classes, A very impressive young horse that is sure to excel in the right hands.

 

Horse Riding Tips

KEY FACTS – BEF BASIC BIOSECURITY INFORMATION SHEET in respect of transmittable Equine Herpes Virus

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Its Spring time, more horses are out and about, travelling around the country and meeting in groups.  Last year there were cases of Equine Herpes Virus reported in Southern UK.  It is good to know what you are looking for.

To safeguard the horse population within an establishment the British Equestrian Federation recommend that the following basic steps are taken:

You should also be aware of disease prevention, identification and hygiene procedures.

Vital Health Signs

The following are a set of vital signs for the normal healthy horse and appropriate examinations for general health:

ü  Temperature 36.5-38.5C

ü  Breathing rate 8-15 breaths/min

ü  Heart rate 25-45 beats/min

ü  Look for eye or nose discharges

ü  Observe how the horse is standing

ü  Check for consistency and number of droppings

ü  Check consumption from water buckets and feed bowl

ü  Assess horse’s general demeanour

We recommend good records are kept in the yard diary and that rectal temperatures are taken twice daily (asit is a very good indicator of disease)

Biosecurity

  1. Isolate new arrivals for a period of 10 days or introduce horses from properties with a known high health status only. Isolate and pay particular attention to horses from sales /competition complexes, from unknown mixed population yards and those that have used commercial horse transport servicing mixed populations.
  2. Verify the vaccine status of new arrivals.
  3. Keep records of horse movements so that contacts can be traced in the event of a disease outbreak.
  4. Regularly clean and disinfect stables between inmates and also clean and disinfect equipment and horse transport between journeys. Remember to remove as much organic material as possible before disinfection.
  5. Maintain good perimeter security for your premises and maintain controlled access for vehicles and visitors.
  6. Ensure that everyone understands the hygiene principles and thereby do not pass disease to horses at other premises
  7. Eliminate the use of communal water sources. Instruct staff not to submerge the hose when filling water buckets
  8. Horse specific equipment (feed and water buckets, head collars etc) should be clearly marked as belonging to an individual horse and only be used on that horse.
  9. Any shared equipment (lead ropes, bits/bridles, Chiffneys, twitches, thermometers, grooming kits etc) should be cleaned of organic debris and disinfected between horses.
  10. Equipment that cannot be properly disinfected (like sponges or brushes) should not be shared between horses.
  11. Cloth items such as stable rubbers, towels, bandages etc should be laundered and thoroughly dried between each use disinfectant may have to be used as part of the rinse cycle, e.g., Virkon.
  12. Isolate horses at the first sign of sickness until an infectious or contagious disease has been ruled out.
  13. Contact your veterinary surgeon if any of your horses show clinical signs of sickness.
  14. Do not move sick horses except for isolation, veterinary treatment or under veterinary supervision. Attend to sick horses last (i.e., feed, water and treat) or use separate staff.
  15. Provide hand washing facilities and hand disinfection gel for everyone handling groups of horses and provide separate protective clothing and footwear for those handling and treating sick horses.
  16. The isolation/quarantine unit should have a changing area for staff so that clothing and footwear worn in the restricted area are not worn elsewhere.
  17. Barrier clothing, waterproof footwear and disposable gloves should be used when working with sick and in-contact horses and after use they should be disposed of or laundered and disinfected.
  18. When using disinfectants, always follow the instructions on the label. Select a Defra approved disinfectant and chose from the general order disinfectants that have documented effectiveness in the presence of 10% organic matter, works in the water hardness of the locale and is safe to use in the environment of horses and people. www.archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/control/disinfectants.htm
  19. Stables, mangers and yards should be kept clean, free of standing water and thoroughly scrubbed and cleansed with an appropriate detergent/disinfectant after use and then allowed to dry.
  20. Take care when using pressure washers as those set at greater than 120psi can produce aerosols that spread infectious agents through the air.
  21. This document was compiled by The BEF and World Class Programme they have passed their thanks on to Clive Hamlyn MRCVS and the National Trainers Federation www.racehorsetrainers.org for their help in producing this document.
Stallions At Stud

Woodcroft Stud : Horse Scout Bloggers Profile Review of Bernadette O’Sullivan & Tim Harris’ class collection of horses.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Woodcroft Stud has some great warmbloods for sale and a stable of Trakehner broodmares with exemplary breeding.

They also have the simply stunning Trakehner stallion Woodcroft Garuda K – Whose Bio is impressive “Winner of the award for the Leading Sire of successful progeny in the British Breeding Futurity Rankings 2008 Garuda K This Stallions bloodlines are outstanding, with a most exceptional genepool which is proven & consolidated. He has no less than 6 Elite Stallions directly within his breeding. Garuda K is becoming known as the improver, all of his foals are a definate upgrade on the generation before. In 2008, 3 Garuda Youngstock where entered for the BEF Futurity, all 3 were placed in the top 20 in th Country with Grace Kelly & Woodcroft Gonzales becoming Elite & Reserve Champion within there section overall. In 2011 Garuda K Produced the Champion & Supreme Champion Trakehner foal Woodcroft Hirtensong. In 2012 Garuda K again produced Champion Trakehner Foal Woodcroft Noah, Best British Bred & Reserve Supreme Champion. In 2013 The 3 year old filly Woodcroft Nathalia was awarded Premium mare, she was champion of the Performance test & Best British bred. Fully Graded Trakehner Verband Germany. British Equestrian Federation Champion Stallion on progeny results, producer of Elite & Champion foals. Warmblood Breeders Society Reserve Champion & Group 1 Stallion. Licenced Westfalian Verband Germany. Live foal guarantee.

Woodcroft Stud is owned and run by Bernadette & Tim who say “We are breeders and producers of high quality Champion Warmblood horses, from foals to Grand Prix, all of our horses are selected from proven genes using only the very best competition bloodlines. If you do not see what you require then please contact us to discuss your requirements, we have excellent Breeder contacts throughout Europe who can help locate your perfect horse!’

Their Bio’s say that they have both been involved with horses for as long as they can remember, having both competed and hunted as children, Tim was a successful young eventer and went on to become England Pony Club Tetrathalon Captain and a Member of the Great Britain Modern Pentathalon World Championships Team.

Tim also competed a string of top International Showjumpers, some of which he produced from novice to grade A, Winning many Titles he had the privilage of Training with many International Riders and Trainers such as George Morris (For many years American Team Show Jumping Trainer), Stuart Davidson (winner of the Foxhunter Championship at The Horse Of The Year Show in the late 70`s and renowned Trainer and Producer of Young Show Jumpers) and more recently Di Lampard. Tim was also selected to become a member of the Great Britain Modern Pentathalon team which won a team Bronze Medal in Barcelona 1984. They both compete on the dressage and showing circuits

As Trakehner breeders their aim is to produce top quality sporthorses using top international bloodlines, as well as gaining a reputation of being fair, honourable and well respected breeders and producers.

On their Horse Scout lists at the moment are 6 lovley warmbloods:

Royal Charter  a stunning 3 year old, black Trakehner gelding, standing 16.2hh. Stunning quality youngster with great paces but an outstanding walk, Canter, temperament & overall rideability. Tim and Bernadette are convinced that this lovely young horse will excell to the higher levels in the right hands.

A Home bred youngster Woodcroft Supermodel an exceptional bay Filly born 20th April 2013. Very beautiful, correct & powerfull moving filly out of our State Premium mare Woodcroft Nathalie by the young stallion Woodlander Supertramp

Woodcroft Silvermoon another stunning black gelding, 4 year old, 16.2hh. A super prospect that is ready to compete now at Novice level, training Elementary level established counter canter & finds lateral work easy. He has 3 quality paces, is a really kind natured horse that wants to please. He has wins & placings in young horse ability classes & ‘A’ level in Germany, he is FN registered. Silvermoon was Hanoverian Champion at a foal show in Germany,due to his lovely conformation & paces . Ready for 5 year old classes.

Woodcroft San Jose– a top Quality, 4 year old Gelding.. A very powerful moving young horse with a modern stamp and a great walk & superb uphill canter. San Jose is from one of the best Hanoverian mother lines in Germany, the dam St.Pr. Rieke produced the highest priced Premium Graded colt at the 2011 Hanoverian Stallion licensing achieving around €350.000. His great grandam Galana is the mother of Famm, Hanoverian mare of the year 2007 who produced Shutterfly, twice World Cup Winner under Meredith Michaels – Beerbaum. This youngster will make a superb sport horse & will be a real asset to anyone looking for a top young Dressage or Eventing prospect of the future. Just been gelded & Just backed. Recent UK Vetting & X-rays available. Currently in training in Germany.

Another good looking youngster Woodcroft Fifty Fifty  by Fifty Cent. A beautiful dark chestnut, German bred Hanoverian gelding to make 16.1hh – 16.2hh. This young chap has a lot of talent for the future with very good & correct paces as well as a super temperament, good vetting & recent xrays

Finally they have an elegant tall Trakehner in Woodcroft Sebastian A really striking Black 5 year old gelding, currently standing 17.2hh. He is a very powerful youngster with great suspension, very elegant, impressive young horse with 3 very good gaits. This youngster has potential for the highest levels but not suitable for a novice. He is by the young Stallion Silberschmied, who was Reserve Champion of his performance test for Celle State Stud stallions. He is a young producer of top up & coming Dressage & Eventing offspring.Del Piero by Donnerhall was National five year old Dressage Champion, & produced the highest priced filly of the 2000 Elite Auction. More pictures & details to follow.

Bernadette & Tim have some lovely broodmares and if you are interested in selecting from their new crop or in any of their listed horses then click here on their professional profile page.

Jumping

Making the right shapes in the show jumping arena – 8 different approaches to perfecting your horses jumping.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Horse Scout Blogger has been contemplating show jumps this weekend.  Each type of jumps asks for a subtly different approach and energy.  In order to feel confident in the arena it’s a good idea to understand what question each style is asking of your horse and also its important to teach your horse how to jump the different fences to improve your show jumping.

1.  Ground poles

Really boost your horse’s bascule by using ground poles to create a wider fence base – he’ll instinctively know what to do. Without a ground line a fence becomes more advanced, drawing your horse in close, making it harder for him to jump well and get his legs out of the way in time.

You can also make a V-shape with ground poles before fences to channel your horse’s energy on approach, helping produce a much better jump.

2. Cross-poles

A great warm-up and schooling fence, cross-poles help your horse start to open up and use his shoulders. The V-shape encourages him to come centrally to the fence, tuck his knees neatly up and to look at what he’s being asked to jump. The taller the cross-pole, the more it will improve his action, as he works those shoulders and really lifts up.

3. Vertical

A vertical (or upright) is made of poles in the same vertical plane, and encourages your horse to make a taller, rounder shape in his jump. The take-off and landing spots will be the same distance away from the fence, so your horse will make quite a steep shape into it, lifting his shoulders higher vertically and tucking his forelegs up and away quite quickly.

4. Fillers

Fillers are great for getting a round shape in your horse’s jump, and by creating an illusion of solid colour he’ll really look at what he’s facing. They’re great for a bold horse because they demand respect, but if he’s lacking in confidence, fillers can make a fence harder to ride.

5. Planks

Planks work the same way as a vertical, creating a tall, steep jump shape, but they’re easier to knock down as they sit on flat cups. Planks create a more solid-looking fence, so your horse may back off a bit, and even produce a bigger jump, and as they tend not to have a ground line, they’ll draw him in quite deep, so he needs a more powerful jump to clear them!

6. Triple bar

Made with three poles of ascending height, triple bars create a longer, more open jump. Your horse really has to stretch and lift his front end to clear them, and they can be challenging when linked with other fences. Because their width requires more power, your horse will come deeper into the fence before take-off and land further out than normal, so if you’re working out your strides to the next fence keep this in mind.

7. Oxer

Two parallel vertical fences form an oxer, creating a spread that gets horses up in the air, producing a rounder, more equal shape than a triple bar encourages with take-off and landing spots the same distance from the fence. Because of the power your horse uses to push himself up and over, he may run on a little on landing, or lack energy because he used it up in the air.

8. Liverpool Oxer

A Liverpool is a vertical or oxer with a ditch or large tray of water underneath. The tray makes your horse look at the fence (which can cause his head and neck to drop as he approaches) then encourages him to get up in the air, creating a large, round jump.place the tray in front of the fence and it mimics the effect of a triple bar, encouraging a wider, more open jump which rises gradually. Place the tray under the fence or out behind it and your horse will draw deep into the fence, producing a more upright take-off and more reach as he lands. If you don’t have a water tray, you can create the same effect by laying something on the ground beneath a fence such as a rug.

This great advice comes from show jumper Mia Korenika who explains how different fences and elements can help your horse become a more athletic, careful jumper.  Use this link to check out her facebook page.

 

Horses For Sale

Are you looking for a horse which might be suitable to take part in the Pony Club Young Event Horse League?

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Horse Scout has 6 horses all listed as suitable Pony Club rides,  the horses are all produced by professional riders: So if you are in the market for a new competition horse read their bios below.

Do you know about the Pony Clubs Young Event Horse League?The Pony Clubs’ Eventing Committee introduced this new Eventing competition in 2012.  Due to its success the Young Event Horse League has continued annually.  Open to all Members with horses or ponies aged 5, 6 or 7 years, who compete at Level 3 (Novice) Eventing Competitions, this competition has been designed to promote the correct training and provide an opportunity for Members to bring on and compete their young horses and ponies. t is simple to enter your horse if you are eligible.  Just download a Results Card and have it signed by the Event Organiser on the day. Click here for more information from PCUK.org

Two young horses with international event rider Aaron Millar in Dorset would suit PC or young riders ready to move on in the compeititve arena.

1. Cappoquin Steelan eye catching 6.2hh, 6y.o. steel grey Irish gelding.3 tidy paces, extremely eye catching. Great attitude, fast learner, wants to please. Will do a super test. Bold jump but still snaffle mouthed and polite to a fence. Schooling well at home, hasn’t put a foot wrong. Very well mannered, and is a pleasure to have on the yard. Will excel in any discipline, ready to go on and realise full potential

2. Drumkeeran Jet a straight forward 16hh 6 year old chestnut mare by Dutch jumping stallion Jumbo Jet out of Irish mare. Very straightforward, three nice paces and scopey jump. She has a great mind, is mature beyond her years and eager to please. Placed every time out jumping this winter, been successfully xc schooling and attended Pony Club rallies. Still snaffle mouthed, hacks alone, will go first or last. Great fun but still polite and a real confidence giver. Ideally suited for a Pony Club home where she could give tons of enjoyment and realise her full potential. Impeccable manners on the ground and pleasant to deal with in every way. Carefully sourced by Blue Moon Eventing, and finished by Aaron Millar

3. Zilver Zak – 15.2hh dark bay 2008 gelding in Essex

Zilver Zak has been carefully and professionally educated. He has been lightly schooled XC and works well on the flat. He has qualified BN regionals 2015 and is now ready to progress further. He is good to do in all ways and is a great, fun horse. He is ready to excel in any sphere.  Can be seen at Crokertford Stud (great spot for livery in a really well set up yard) with Team White Showjumping headed by Charlie White

Wayne Garrick UK Based German event and dressage rider based in Herefordshire, has three horses listed as suitable for Pony Club or Riding Club riders and they all sound fantastic for the rider ready to up their game:

4. Hillgrounds Wishinka :16hh chestnut mare rising 5. By Wish Upon a Star X Donnersong Correct in every way, three correct paces and a trainable attitude with a want to achieve. Hacks, jumps and is smart on the flat, will definately have a strong competition prospect.

5. And also for the more ambitious and experienced rider a horse with scope to progress in the competitive arena in Diamonique Dancer – a Gorgeous 16.2hds 5 year old bay mare by Sandros Dancer X Dimaggio x Pik Trumpf. 3 correct and exuberant paces. Professionally schooled and being slowly produced to allow time to mature. Has been out to unaff. competitions and has proven to be well behaved and well liked in the arena by the judges. Hacks alone or in company and jumps too. As with any horse with lots of scope and potential she is not a novice ride.

6.If you are looking for a horse which has gained experience in grassroots competition and is now ready to go on have a look at Wayne’s  very affordable horse Ularu – a 16.3hh liver chestnut gelding rising 7. By Carricello X Cruising. Rulo is a fantastic family horse. A fathers hunter, wifes dressage, daughters eventer and sons tetrathlon ride. Rulo has done everything unaffiliated, so can start his affiliated career with clear points. A genuine horse with 3 correct paces and a scopey jump. A great character on the ground and in the stable too.

So check out our horses and others too on Horse Scout advertising listings under Horses For Sale.  You can select an area of interest, breed, hight and age to make selecting potential horses easier.  We have some quality animals listed for the serious purchaser.  So go ahead and find your next rising superstar with Horse Scout!

Professional Rider

A New yard on Horse Scouts’ lists. Thundry Farm Livery & Training Yard in Elstead, Surry

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

are you looking for livery in Elstead.  Are you a show jumper who wants to enjoy competing and riding with others from your yard who share the same interests? Would you benefit from an experienced trainer available to coach you at your horses yard?

Horse Scout Blogger has noticed a new yard listing.  It sounds like a great place to go for Showjumping livery n Elstead. This fantastic looking yard is run by Christine Shubrook. Christine has been involved in the world of showjumping for 30 years, as a owner, competitor and now coach. She is a BS Approved UKCC level III (Showjump Specific) coach. She is also a NLP Practitioner for Sport. Christine works with all levels of rider and enjoys coaching amateur riders to bring out the best in them and their horses. Increasing their skill set with clear explanations and exercises to gain understanding, feel, and most of all confidence.

The heart of Christines practice is based on the well being of the horse and a happy partnership between horse and rider.

Looking at their website Thundry Farm Livery & Training Yard is in a dreamy setting and is well kept and has excellent facilities.

The farm, under the daily management of Christine Shubrook, offers a range of services for the competitive horse owner, especially those who due to other commitments are not able to tend to their horse on a regular basis. We are an ideal base for the enthusiastic BS amateur owner/rider.

Christine says: Our aim is to provide a service where you do not have to worry about the wellbeing of your horse. The care of the horses is based on the same formula that we have used for over 20 years for the production of our own competition horses. We have also attained BHS Approval, being assessed as ‘High Commend’, as an independent assessment of the quality of our service. Please call us if you have any questions or would like to visit to discuss your requirements. We have two levels of livery service Complete and Basic. The complete livery service is fully comprehensive and provides everything your horse requires to keep it happy and in peak condition, ready for you to ride. The horses have a work program that allows for a variety of work and turn out to keep them fit but happy and relaxed. The cost of this service includes many things that other ‘full’ livery services omit. Should your horse need any additional attention due to injury, e.g. cold hosing 6 times a day, hand walking, limited turn out, poulticing, we will see that it is done, there are no extra charges for effort required, to meet the full daily needs of your horse, on the yard. This might be sound too good to be true, but you are welcome to visit and talk with other owners about their experiences of keeping horses with us. This service means that you truly don’t need to worry about your horse when you are busy with other things. We really do what we say we do! If you are available to exercise and care for your horse and its kit on a daily basis, 6 days a week, but don’t want the heavy jobs of mucking out or the hassle of ordering feed and shavings, dealing with staff cover, maintaining facilities and other yard duties, then the Basic Livery Service could suit you. You visit your horse once a day, to perform all the necessary tasks to make your horse comfortable, and then are able to leave knowing that someone is going to be watching over your horse, feeding at regularly times and changing rugs as needed. One day a week will we ‘do’ the horse on its day off, giving you a ‘yard free’ day. You will have the advantage of great facilities, on site training, people on hand to cover for routine days off or the odd day you can’t be there, and company to ride with and attend shows.

So if you are looking for livery in the Elstead area I think this great livery and training stables sounds just the place. Click here to find out more about Thundry Farm Livery and Training or to contact Christine directly

Professional Rider

8 TIPS TO STAYING COOL & CALM IN THE COMPETITION ARENA

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Horse Scout Blogger was speaking with a rider coming up to their first competition level hike. At home they have been performing well and are well prepared in terms of ability and focus and will do well if our rider focuses on what the horse needs from him……The BIGGEST secret to you performing at your best, when it counts the most, is learning how to keep yourself CALM and COMPOSED. If you allow yourself to get too nervous or too excited right before or during a competition, then your muscles will tighten up, you’ll lose your confidence and your riding will go right down the tubes!

This is what it means to CHOKE! The rider gets so nervous that he/she ends up performing tight and tentatively — a mere shadow of your normal self and this will affect your horses performance to as he picks up on your tension.

THE REAL CAUSE OF OUT OF CONTROL NERVOUSNESS

Runaway, pre-competition nervousness can come from a lot of different sources: how good the other contestants are; the level at which you are competing; how important a competition is; how big the crowd is (and possibly more important to you – who in it is watching you; whether you’ll ride well today and win; How will the going be; Will you remember your test/course/timings— the list goes on and on.

While there are many things about your competitions that can potentially make you nervous, the true cause of your performance-disrupting nervousness isn’t any of the things that I’ve just mentioned above. The real cause of your out-of-control nerves is you! That’s right! YOU make YOURSELF nervous!

What I’m saying here is very important — It’s not what’s happening around or outside of you that makes you nervous. It’s what’s happening INSIDE that is the real cause of stress!

So it is important to take on board: It’s not the size, skill level or reputation of the competition arena that makes you nervous. It’s what you say to yourself about them in the days, hours and minutes leading up to the competition that’s the real culprit in sending your heart rate and blood pressure through the roof! Nervousness is always caused by our inner response to the things that are going on outside of us. But here’s the good news about that: If YOU make yourself nervous, then YOU have the ability to change your inner response to calm yourself down under competitive pressure.

Most riders who get too nervous to ride well do so because of what they focus on and think about as the day approaches. They worry about how well they’ll ride, what people may think or say about them, etc. Focusing on any or all of these things will guarantee that your stress level will go through the attic and your performance will get stuck in the cellar! To stay calm under pressure, you must learn to go into competitions with a completely different headset and focus. I

 

What you need is a game plan;  a game plan is a series of little mental goals that you want to bring into the performance with you. If you follow this game plan, it will guarantee that you’ll stay calm and relaxed when you perform. Remember, being your best when it counts the most is all about being loose right before and during your competitions.

 

Leading up to your performance –

1. KEEP YOUR CONCENTRATION IN THE “NOW”

Train yourself to keep your focus in the NOW — especially during your performance! This means that leading up to the performance, you don’t want to think about and focus on the upcoming competition and its importance. If you want to stay loose and relaxed, you must learn to keep your concentration in the now. When you’re in the action, you want to focus on one present-moment play at a time.

2. RECOGNIsE WHEN YOUR FOCUS “TRAVELS” AND BRING YOURSELF BACK

Concentrating on what is happening now and reacting to that is key. Whilst you have to anticipate your next move you must live in the now in order function from a position of strength. If your focus moves to reflect on what has happened or you start imagining the future bring your focus back.

3. KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON YOU, YOUR JOB AND YOUR PLAY

Allowing your focus to drift to anyone or anything other than you and your horse will quickly make you feel nervous. Staying focused on you and your job will keep you calm and confident.

4. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS! Comparison will always make you too nervous to play at your best.

5. HAVE FUN – Enjoy your job

Enjoying your performance and appreciating what is going well is the secret ingredient to staying calm and doing your best when the heat of competition is turned up high. When fun goes, so will all of your skills.

6. LEAVE YOUR GOALS AT HOME

One of the biggest tension-inducing mental mistakes that you can make as an competitor is to take your goals with you into the competition. Focusing on what you need to achieve will make you too nervous to perform well and, ironically, cause you never to reach them. Instead, leave your goals at home and keep your focus in the action, on “this” movement, this turn, this half halt.

7. KEEP YOUR MIND DISTRACTED BEFORE AND AFTER GAMES

Thinking gets most performers into trouble and makes them nervous. While you can’t really stop yourself from thinking, you can purposely distract yourself from it. So, in the days and minutes leading up to a big performance or tournament, keep busy. Do not allow yourself a lot of free time to think. If you are going through your test or riding the course in your mind. Think about HOW you re riding each movement or jump etc not how difficult its going to be.

8. KEEP YOUR FOCUS OF CONCENTRATION AWAY FROM THE “UNCONTROLLABLES”

There are a lot of things that happen in your sport that you do not have direct control over. Any time an competitor focuses on an “uncontrollable” (UC), they will get really nervous, lose their confidence and ride badly. So make a list of all of the things about this upcoming competition that you can’t directly control. For example, the officiating; the crowd; the future, such as the outcome, how well you’ll ride, winning or losing; how you are feeling that day; other people’s expectations; etc., and post the list in a highly visible. Keep in mind that these UCs are mental traps. They are lying in wait for you and every other competitor in that competition. Concentrate on the things over which you do have control.

Remember, if you really want to ride well, you have to stay loose and relaxed. To do this, focus on executing this GAME PLAN!

GoodLuck

 

British Dressage

Classical principals from across the pond – Dressage Clinics with Stephen Hayes this summer

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

USA based Professional rider Stephen Hayes –has recently created a profile on Horse Scout.  Horse Scout Blogger noticed, on his face book page, that he is back in the UK from 25th July until 7th August and is available to run clinics for you

Stephen Hayes is a British 23 year old, who has worked and trained with some of the worlds best in dressage, he has trained with Olympic team riders and FEI judges who have judged all the way to WEG, Europeans and Olympic Games. Stephen, a well respected British rider is known for his way of riding and also his way of teaching riders. Stephen has been in extremely high demand to host Dressage clinics within the UK and with upwards of 60 clinics to date.  He is based at the spectacular world class facility in Florida and New Jersey with Piaffe Performance . Stephen rides and trains a number of horses and clients from young to highly advanced and enjoys the journey and progression more than anything else.

Stephens Bio:

I’ve always had a love and desire to one day work in the United States, ever since I first visited the country on holiday with my family back in 2001. So in December 2012 age 21, I made a huge decision to move out to the States to ride, teach and compete on one of most successful yards in America, Piaffe Performance. It’s situated in New Jersey during the summer months (45 mins from NYC) and Wellington, Florida known as the ‘Capital of the equestrian world’ during the winter show season, (10 mins from West Palm Beach). For me this move has been the best decision I’ve ever made, I work with an incredibly talented team of riders and grooms and have a wide range of enthusiastic clients which I coach on a daily basis. At Piaffe Performance I ride a range of horses from the young and uneducated all the way to Grand Prix horses. I’ve also had the opportunity to compete at many a show, one of the most recent was at ‘Dressage at Devon’ arguably the biggest show of the year in the USA, I competed one of the horses I ride daily in the higher advanced medium class, against other very high profile riders including some who had been in previous Olympics, what an incredible experience. During my time in America I’ve met and trained with some of the most respected riders, trainers and judges in the world and been to some amazing places outside the dressage world, previously I trained in Barcelona, Spain Beatrice Ferrer Salat, one of the finest dressage riders in the world, who has competed many a time in the Olympics, there I learnt how to really understand what feels correct when riding a horse and how to ride and train the upper level movements. I had the opportunity to ride amazing horses and occasionally horses like Olympic qualifiers; words can’t describe how unreal that was to be able to do that. Not only were the horses out of this world but the actual yard was the most prestige and luxurious I’ve ever seen in my life and in any magazine, the horses we’re literally treated like Kings. My experience in Spain was more than just educational, I was working hard and long days and in return had intense training from Beatrice, and I could never thank her enough for what she did for me as rider. I went on to train with Vicki Thompson-Winfield for 9 months in Surrey, a previous GB rider for the Olympics, another very valuable experience for me.

If you are interested in taking a clinic with Stephen then click through to his profile page on Horse Scout

Horse Jobs

Weekdays or weekends? Part time grooms for two very different yards

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Horse Scout has two wonderful yards looking for part time staff. Dressage specialists Labazordiere Dressage in Surrey are looking for a groom to cover weekday mornings (but are flexible) and in Chiddingfold, also in Surry, Southern Schoolmasters, who specialise in western riding and reining are looking for a groom to cover weekends

Labazordiere Dressage in Bramley, Surrey are looking for either a part or full time groom to join us in their new dressage training yard in Bramley, Surrey. Monday – Friday mornings preferable, but can be relatively flexible on days / times Candidate must be experienced and confident as we have youngsters and stallions. Training can be given. Candidates must be capable of taking occasional sole charge on occasion. This is not Live In position so own car a must. Friendly owners, good atmosphere and beautiful location

Labazordiere Dressage is the exclusive equestrian training centre on the spectacular 1000acre Wintershall Estate in the heart of the Surrey Hills and conveniently located to the nearby town of Godalming. Offering premier Livery, Facilities & Training in the art of Classical Dressage. The Stables are located at the heart of the Estate, surrounded by the pastures and some of the estates many lakes. The boxes are large and airy in an indoor barn complete with automatic water drinkers and with rear windows opening out to wonderful views of the Estate. There is a wash bay as well as a farriers bay within the indoor facility. The tack room is spacious and secure, with a washing machine, hot & cold water and offers tea and coffee facilities. The secluded Arena is nestled within the hills and is a 20m x 60m outdoor with a sand & passada surface for optimum riding with the peaceful outlook over the surrounding pastures and lakes. Exceptional Hacking on the doorstep to enjoy the stunning scenery either up quiet country lanes, across the Surrey Hills, fields and woodlands or within the neighbouring Wentworth Arboretum.

Specialising in the French Classical Dressage methods of training. Jean is a freelance, experienced registered Coach & Instructor and has benefitted from some of the highest classical training in Europe – Trained by and Son of Jacques Papin (student of Maitre Nuno Oliveira and taught to the highest level at the National Equitation School in Saumur). Jean has been a professional rider & trainer in the French National Stud in Rennes, France and has trained horse & rider in classical dressage and for modern competition from beginner levels up to Grand Prix. Nikita Mitson participates in British Dressage competitions and is qualified in Equine Science and Management as well as a Degree in Law with a focus on Equine Law. They collaborated together in England to establish a livery yard to produce horses both for the art of equitation and for modern competition.

Southern Schoolmasters in Chiddingfold, Surrey are looking for a weekend groom. Are you looking for an opportunity to be involved with horses at the weekend and are keen to learn more about Western Riding. then this may well be just up your street.

Southern Schoolmasters ‘Centre of Horsemanship’, run by a professional team offers a range personalised equestrian services, including livery, training, rehabilitation and tuition. The yard is situated Chiddingfold, Surrey, surrounded by acres of farmland. It offers 5 spacious stables, all weather floodlit school, round pen and all year turnout on well-managed grazing. There are miles of off road hacking, wooded bridleways. Southern Schoolmasters provides you and your horse excellent livery and training facilities with knowledgeable care and first hand access to our team’s experience and guidance. The aim is to provide a safe and relaxed environment that welcomes everyone from competition riders to happy hackers who want to learn, and work with their horses in a respectful way. Options are available for full, part or DIY livery as well as training and sales livery.

We are looking to recruit a reliable confident and experienced groom to join our existing team. We are a professional working livery yard with up to 20 full liveries. The position is yard based and all normal duties are required to be performed to a very high standard. The ideal candidate will have a good standard of horsemanship and have a quiet manner around the yard and horses. The candidate will require a basic knowledge of horses, be outgoing, quick thinking have initiative and lots of common sense. Having a keen eye for details, being physically fit and not afraid of hard work is a must . The yard team work on a 4 days on 2 days off rota which includes weekends. Own transport is essential due to early starts and lack of public transport locally.

Horse Jobs

Going Dutch? – Opportunity for Living and Learning with Ron Smeets in Holland

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Learning and living in Holland with Ron Smeets Dressage Horses There are many different programmes available at Ron Smeets dressage horses in Hulsberg , Limburg. Trainer Ron Smeets is a FEI Grand Prix rider for almost 20 years and is offering a fantastic opportunity to a working pupil to join his team in Hulsberg, Limburg. He says on his Horse Scout profile, “We offer a simple boarding/ livery with a lesson or training session included once a week. We also take horses at all levels for training; from breaking to Grand Prix. With a wide range of international clients and contacts, you can also place your horse with us to be sold” He says that their working student program focuses on teaching training techniques and philosophies of dressage and barn management. This program* helps the rider learn to “train” and not just to “ride” horses. We invest a lot of time every day in training and developing our working students as professional riders. Working students will be provided with full room and board along with meals. References are available from previous working students. Please note that this is not a program for a novice rider. ‘Ron Smeets Dressage’ provides quality top horses that are sold around the world. Ron Smeets started his riding career training with Sjef Janssen (trainer of Anky van Grunsven, and he is currently training the Dutch Dressage Team). He became extremely successful at a young age showing in many different national and international competitions. At 18 years old he joined Young Riders and competed with them till the age of 21, representing Holland in many different international competitions. Now Ron has been a Gold Medal rider for 20 years. Currently he is focused on his training, selling, and breeding programs at home. He travels several times a year to teach clinics in various places in the United States as well as England. Charlotte Osborne – is currently the yard manager and rider at the fantastic private dressage barn in the south of Holland where Ron Smeets is based.