THE 2023 season is under way and it’s lovely to see fellow competitors out and about again. The qualifiers for the Royal International are now upon us and while it’s great to see combinations gaining their tickets, I would advise riders to think about their preparation for this show well in advance.
Many of the shows around this time of year are held in equestrian centres, which have fabulous surfaces when the ground is still so wet, but we need to remember that the bigger shows have large grass rings, and I don’t think enough people are prepared for this until it’s too late.
My advice is to get out of the goldfish bowl and use the fields and other open spaces around you. All too often I’ve seen riders freeze in terror when they come out of the smaller arenas and onto the grass at shows. They need to replicate this type of open environment beforehand – whether that’s going on a fun ride or possibly cross country schooling.
Denne historien er fra April 06, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra April 06, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
