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Jumping

10 Tips for Better Jumping, and a great partnership, with Your Horse

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Horse Scout Blogger asks: Are you getting to know your new horse or training a youngster? Whatever your competitive goals, Showjumping, Eventing or the flatwork of the Dressage or Showing arenas, jumping should be built into your training programme.  Building a good relationship with your horse in the home arena will give your partnership a head start. Start simple and build on success.

  1. Start your jumping session with a proper warm up on the flat.  Work through the muscles groups and ensure your horse is moving off your leg well.
  2. Work with poles on the ground on circles and in grids to increase your horses elevation before asking him to jump.
  3. Always use an experienced lead horse when you’re introducing a new jumping concept. Horses are herd animals. Let a youngster see his friend do it first, and he’ll think it’s OK, too.
  4. Build in a confident approach from the start. Never test a young horse’s courage over fences; give him a chance to learn how to be brave in the first place. He may not be timid he may simply not understand what he is being asked to do.
  5. Trot jumps first. Trotting will pay off in spades down the road. Trotting teaches your horse to remain calm on the approach to his fences and encourages him to rock back on his hocks and jump correctly.
  6. Keep the jumps so small that he can go over them from a standstill for the first few months jump training, Never give your horse the option of refusing. If your horse questions a jump, do not him turn away and reapproach the fence. Instead, quietly keep your leg on for as long as it takes, until your horse hops over the jump from a halt or walk. It is important not give your horse the option of refusing.
  7. Use a neck strap so you can hang on however awkwardly he jumps so you can follow him in the air with your upper body and arms, even if he jumps from a standstill. If you catch your horse in the mouth as he attempts to jump, you’ll quickly teach him that this game is not fun.
  8. Train progressively. Ask one new question at a time. i.e. if you jump a three element grid at the end of one session reward by finishing there.  Add the three element earlier in the next session and follow this with an easier exercise before stopping.  Reward progress with down time, hack out or turn out to build a positive attitude to new things.
  9. If you get into trouble, make it low and simple. If your horse loses confidence for any reason during a jump session, don’t take a chance. Quickly lower the jump or simplify the question.
  10.  Working with a trainer will work in your favour.  Having someone on the ground to increase build your training programme will pay dividends and, on a practical level, a pair of hands altering the jumps for you will allow you to keep up the flow of the training session.

Horse Scout has a great selection of trainers and coaches in all disciplines and from all over the UK.  Find your self a trainer to help you build a great partnership with your horse.

Horses For Sale

Picking a Performance Pony? – Horse Scout has three little gems for you.

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Horse Scout has some amazing performance ponies listed on its Ponies For Sale pages. Are you looking for a new ride for the coming season? Take a look at what we have listed.

Solero III (Solly) is a 10 year old, 14.1hh (144cm LHC) chestnut Dutch-bred mare. Competing JC with Actual winnings of £2547 and Notational of £894. Described as a true schoolmistress, both kind and genuine and has been consistently successful with several different riders from 80cm – 1.25m. She has been very sadly outgrown and we are looking for a very special new home for her as she has been known to us since she was imported from Holland as a 4 year old.   Solly is incredibly careful, yet brave and straightforward. She is always snaffle-mouthed and is never strong or silly. She can turn on a sixpence and is very hard to beat in a jump off.   Solly’s BS record speaks for itself: she is an absolute rosette machine. She was 5th in the Winter JC Final at RIHS in 2012, and in the same year missed HOYs qualification in the NC and Fox second rounds by one place only. Solly is equally happy taking a more novice jockey around smaller tracks and she has many, many wins from 90cm – 1.10m. She will carry the littlest rider and teach them the job. She has recently taken a five year old child out for a ride and safely given her the first canter!   In the six months we have owned her, Solly has won nine 1m opens including the 1m Open at Welsh HPI 2014 out of 134 entries, and she has many other placings at this height. She came 3rd in her first Fox with us at Addington Manor, and also qualified for 1m Restricted Rider and 1.10 Adventurer classes at Scope Festival 2014. At Scope she was 16th out of more than 100 competitors in the Restricted Rider qualifier – this was on grass.   Solly has the sweetest nature and is not at all mareish. She is absolutely bombproof on hacks, and can be handled by the smallest child. She does need sedation to be clipped, but other than that, she is absolutely perfect.   Sadly our daughter has grown 4 inches since the summer and is now too tall. Five star home only for this fabulous pony.   She has absolutely no vices, is open to any vet and we have great trial facilities. Based in Berkshire

Near Blandford in Dorset we have an Irish sports pony of 41.1hh “Norbet” who “will always try his hardest”. He will go off any stride. His owners say “He will make a Big Track pony (Hoys Potential) with an experienced rider”. Described as very scopey – He loves his job and Serious contender for Newcomers / Foxhunter 2nd rounds and Winter JC for 2015 with scope to go on to jump JA & Europeans. Fantastic opportunity to acquire such a lovely pony as rider moving onto horses Extremely fast against the clock and very careful. Winnings of £794 and 383 points. Norbet has the heart of a lion – he is brave and bold and totally honest. Great to shoe, clip, load etc…Norbet can be sharp so 5* professional home needed Will be available after EHPI Serious enquiries only

From the same stable is Robe Duster – Whose record speaks for himself Actual £4050, Points 2336 Qualified HOYS Foxhunter final 2011 and 2012 Qualified HOYS Pony Show Jumper final 2014 2nd in the RIHS Winter JC championship 2012 Too many wins to mention Tegan has owned and produced Dusty over 4 1/2 years Has jumped all the top 148 classes Great to shoe, clip, load etc.. No vices A heartbreaking sale as rider is out of ponies this year Videos can be seen on YouTube search for Tegan Jones and Robe Duster MUST have 5* home Serious enquires only, please no time wasters

Professional Rider

The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sports Excellence (AASE) programmes at Hartpury .

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The Uk has an amazing scheme in Hartpury, aimed at 16-19 year olds. A perfect way for young and aspiring elite athletes to prepare for life in professional sport.The scheme will be offered across three different disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Para-dressage.   The open day is fast approaching. 

In comparison; this morning Horse Scout retweeted an editorial piece on American young riders.  

“Teenage Snowbirds? Just Part of Being a Young Equestrian” It made for interesting reading and a great concept.  Bringing young American riders together, in a competitive arena, with a 12 week annual season of coaching and training rounds.  The cost was eye watering with keen parents spending upwards of $23,000 over the season of weekend training. Admittedly this did include everything, stabling barns (One string included upwards of 70 horses: only in America I thought as I read that!)  coaching and entry fees, accommodation and travel etc.  All this with an element of the Jones about it, as may be, but the concept seemed to be a brilliant one and for those who want to become top professionals then this is obviously an opportunity to progress.  The UK has its own answer to this though.  On the British Dressage website today I read about a scheme in Hartpury.  The open day is fast approaching so if you want to take part in this then get your skates on.

Hartpury’s multi-million pound facilities and international level coaching give select Dressage and Eventing riders the perfect opportunity to develop their skills, learn how to manage all aspects of a professional riding career, and continue their education. Through the AASE scheme, young riders who have a real chance of competing on the international stage will be professionally supported and trained to achieve their goals. Who is eligible? 

The scheme will be offered across three different disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Para-dressage.

You must

  • Have 5 GCSE’s A* to C, including Maths and English.
  • Be aged 16 and over by August 31st 2015, and under 19 years of age by the same date.
  • Be resident in England

Eventing AASE criteria for 16 – 18 year olds

The following criteria must be achieved

  • Top 25% of starters in a CCI1* – from 1st July 2014 to close of application date
  • Top 25% of starters in the 2015 National U18 Championships
  • Long listed for the 2015/14 Junior European Team
  • Long listed for the 2015/14 Pony European Team
  • Top 25% of starters at the 2014 U18 Regional Team Championships
  • Top 25% of starters in the 2014 Pony Club Open Championships

The qualifying (MER’s) results are as follows

FEI Qualification CCI1*
75 or less in the dressage
16 or less in the show jumping
clear  in the cross country
36 or less in the cross country time penalties

Pony Club Championships
50 or less in the dressage
16 or less in the show jumping
clear cross country with no more than the 36 in the time penalties

DRESSAGE
Riders should be competing consistently at Medium level and above and achieving 65% or more. (Applicants should have a minimum of four results at the level required in the 12 months prior to application).

Riders will also be considered on younger horses (up to 7 years of age) who demonstrate the potential to compete successfully at International level and are already competing consistently at Elementary or above and achieving 70% or more.  Please note freestyle scores do not count towards minimum criteria.

PARA EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE 
Riders must have a current classification and should be consistently and currently scoring 62% in their relevant grade at BD Para Dressage Competitions.  Please note freestyle scores cannot be counted

On top of this, applicants, aged 16-19, will need to display a willingness to learn and the desire and commitment to succeed.

What do you gain from it?

By doing the Advanced Apprenticeship in sporting excellence you will give yourself the best chance to succeed in your chosen discipline. Apprentices will combine their riding with units aimed at preparing them for all aspects of their future career. Those selected for the course will have aspirations to compete internationally and will be guided throughout to make sure this dream can be achieved.

Apprentices will also have access to a range of specialist, professional services including physiotherapy, strength & conditioning and sports psychology.

How and when do I apply?

Open day – Thursday 9th April  

We’re holding an open day for potential applicants on Thursday 9th April. Those attending the day MUST have or be close to meeting the above requirements in their chosen discipline. If you meet, or are close to meeting, the criteria then you can sign up here.

  •          Applications open – February 2nd 2015
  •          Open day – Thursday 9th April
  •          Applications close – May 29th
  •          Selection and notification – June 2015
  •          Programme induction day – Saturday September 5th
  •          Programme starts – September 2015.

If you meet the entry criteria (under the Who is eligible? section) then please download both forms on the left and fill in all the fields before returning by either:

  • Scanning and emailing to admissions@hartpury.ac.uk
  • Faxing a copy to 01452 700629
  • Posting it to Admissions, Hartpury College, Hartpury, Glos, GL19 3BE
Equestrian Centre

Be Aware-Be Very Aware: Teamwork = Framework. 6 top tips to help you understand how you influence your horse.

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Understanding  your frame and how you use it to influence your horses way of going; all starts with you.

Horse Scout Blogger has spent many happy moments trotting round the sitting room and to help you understand how you function will help you understand how your horse functions too.

Attending Yoga or Pilates or learning the Alexander Technique will give you good control of your body and help you become more aware of how you move and the relationship between easy movement and maximising your strong core and large muscle masses to your advantage.

The following are all ways of approaching your training and competitive riding with an understanding of how you function within your frame.  This gives you a very clear overview of how a horse also functions.  Your top half is the torso, shoulders, forelegs and head of your horse.  Your pelvis down to the ground are your horses hindquarters and hind legs. As you do these exercises walk and move like a human but be “horse” in your head.  Imagine the bulk of the horse but move like a human.

1. Relax and look up.

Central to all effective riding. If you are relaxed and working “In the moment” so will your horse be.

If you look up and forwards, so will your horse.

2. To Ride Forward On Straight Lines

Become conscious of how you walk.  As you move forwards (not counting window shopping by the way!) where do you look.  If you are looking at the floor, look up.  Think about how you are walking.  Are you using your core muscles?  Are you moving from your hip? Are you utilising your largest group of muscles: your Gluteus muscles in your legs and seat. Do you limbs move in a relaxed way? Are you moving purposefully?  Are your shoulders relaxed and facing in the direction in which you are looking/travelling?  …So many questions!

3. Prepare For Transitions

Change your speed

Change your stride walk briskly, what changes?  Walk slowly, again be conscious of your stance and the use of your frame.

Can you analyse what you do before you change pace?

Do you use the energy you produce as you place your foot on the floor to elevate your knee action.

Do you fall forwards when you stop quickly.

Learning to dance can really help with control and energises your approach to pace and energy.

4. Prepare For Turns

Change direction – what happened as you turned – what happened before you turned

Do you shift your weight away or over your pivotal leg.

Turn quickly and turn slowly, Think about where you place your weight and which groups of muscles you use to achieve a well executed turn and the difference in an unbalanced one.

5. Ride Good Circles

Walk in a circle, Take note of your body angles, weight distribution and the direction that you are looking and the direction of your shoulders.

6. Bend Correctly

What happens if you go in a circle with all your weight over your outside leg and your shoulders against the direction of travel?  Correct yourself and feel the difference.

The more aware you are of how a body functions the more you will understand how your body influences the pace, balance, elevation, suppleness and power in your horses way of going.  Try riding some horse movements without your horse.  Imagine you are your horse and try lateral movements.  What do you have to do with your body to achieve the correct cadence, direction and execution of the movement.

P.S. you can do this is the privacy of your home or be really adventurous and start a trend at your local equestrian centre/livery yard or even in Sainsbury’s…you never know it might be the next big thing like Bio Mechanics or Horse Fit!

Horses For Sale

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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

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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