A manual for a champion

Caroline Moore’s new book is a thorough, precise guide through her training system, with detailed exercises and performance-enhancing ideas

FOR anyone wanting to reach the top in eventing, the 2018 world champion and reigning Badminton winner Ros Canter is the ultimate role model. How did she scale the heights of the sport? Much of Ros’ success is down to Caroline Moore – whom Ros describes in the foreword to this book as “not only my trainer, but my mentor in every aspect of becoming a successful performer. Caroline is one of my greatest inspirations. Her thirst for learning and improving continues to motivate me every day.

“This book can be picked up whenever direction is needed in the training of our horses as well as in rider confidence.”

There can be no greater endorsement of this comprehensive guide for the event rider to support every stage of the training process, from starting out to your first CCI4*.

Caroline asks, “What are the ingredients of a champion? Why do some athletes make it and others fall by the wayside?”

She breaks it down into four main attributes an athlete needs: the correct training system, a podium mentality, a positive mindset and confidence. The training system consists of training to learn, to compete and to win, with nearly 50 exercises to try out on the flat, over poles and fences. Here are two example jumping exercises.

Training to win

TURNING TIGHT INTO A LINE AND EXITING STRAIGHT 

THIS exercise is highly technical as it requires balance, obedience and total straightness around a 90-degree turn to jump a fence with no deviation from the line in the air, while being challenged with a narrow fence on landing. It is also a useful exercise to improve jumping technique and to refresh the directional aids.