‘I get more nervous watching her than riding’
RODNEY POWELL won Badminton in 1991 on The Irishman II and returns this year in the role of trainer to first-timer Greta Mason, who rides Cooley For Sure (Murphy), with whom she won the national under-25 title last year.
Greta has been based with and trained by Rodney and Alex Franklin for the past three years, qualifying for Badminton being their main goal.
“I have dreamt about getting to Badminton my whole life and now it is finally happening,” says Greta.
She is quick to point out that Rodney’s guidance has made it possible, especially with improving their jumping: “Rod has really helped me adapt my riding and made me use my aids to control the speed.
“We were picking up time-faults from wasting time setting up before a fence so we have worked hard to improve the control and be able to adjust without pulling into a fence, which is absolutely not what you want to be doing as the courses have got bigger as we have gone up the levels!
“Now Murphy comes back nicely, and we made the time at Bramham and Ballindenisk.”
With his coach hat on, Rodney speaks highly of his pupil: “She has really
put the work in and she and the horse have a great partnership. They should do well.”
When asked what the big difference is between Badminton in his day to today, Rodney explains it has a lot to do with the horse power.
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin April 27, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin April 27, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'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
