Standard Jumping and Cross Country clinic run for 1.5 hours with a mixture of both theory and practical exercises designed to increase the skill level and confidence of both horse and rider. We won't be jumping for the entire 1.5hours as we will spend time discussing the challenges and analysing the responses to specifically designed, unique and active exercises
What does each session look like?
During the warm up and initial assessment of horse and rider we will discuss topics such as: - Horse Behaviour and Learning styles. Understanding the needs of each individual horse and how we as riders need to respond allowing for greater trust and engagement from the horse. - Creating a strong work ethic in the horses and how we can encourage our horses to become problem solvers - Discussing thresholds in both horses and humans. How we need to become aware of them before they become a problem, and use that awareness to instil a desire in our horses to take us to the fence with confidence.
During the jumping session we use specific schooling exercises over fences designed to increase our horses honesty, straightness, balance (both physical, mental and emotional), and rhythm, thus giving the horse the best opportunity to jump the fence easily. Each fence is an opportunity to become aware of the little nuances and behavioural patterns in the horses body, allowing us to make subtle changes in the horses way of going.
Each period of jumping is designed to find any gaps in the scale of schooling required to jump at whatever level you are currently competing and then fill those gaps with knowledge and understanding. We need to ensure the horse is aware of what is being asked of him and make sure he is up to the task, willing to ask questions and think his way through any obstacle.
During the session, my job is also to help you design your goals moving forward with your horses and give you tools and strategies to help get you there. We will also look at any repetitive thoughts or beliefs that you are holding onto either consciously or unconsciously and whether they are ultimately serving you and your riding experience. From there you will learn mental strategies to retrain your brain into offering you higher quality questions and solutions leading to an increase in opportunities and results.
Whether you have high level competition goals or are simply jumping for pleasure, working on your mental, emotional and physical skill development will get you there faster with more success and enjoyment.
"When you have a big enough WHY you can handle any HOW"