It presents step by-step training programs and showing advice from recognized experts in hunters, jumpers, equitation, dressage, and eventing, along with money- and time-saving ideas on health care and stable management.
Driving to work this morning, I contemplated what to write about in this month’s Editor’s Note. Maybe it should be about our story on the clinic taught by British eventer Francis Whittington last fall in Virginia, I thought. The idea that stayed with me after reading the story (page 38) was Francis’ varying approaches to different types of horses. His overall message is rhythm, balance and control with the focus on getting horses to carry weight on their hindquarters and lift their shoulders. Some riders practiced small circles to encourage their horses to step under themselves. But for a tense horse, Francis suggested first sending him more forward and lengthening his stride behind so he could stretch out his neck and relax. Only then did the horse’s rider use half-halts…
George H. Morris is the former chef d’équipe of the U.S. Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Team. He serves on the USEF National Jumper Committee and Planning Committee, is an adviser to the USEF High-Performance Show Jumping Committee and is president of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. 1 Our first rider appears to be using a rubber safety stirrup. This is perfectly acceptable, but the iron needs to be moved so it’s on the ball of his foot and at a right angle to the girth. The stirrup is far too long for jumping—it needs to be shortened at least two holes, maybe three. The angle behind the knee needs to be about 110 degrees; here it’s about 170. Because of this, the rider is desperately trying to find his…
Whether I am judging a model class, evaluating a prospect for a client or sizing up the yearlings at home, I first stand back and look for an overall impression of balance and symmetry. My ideal horse “fits” in a square box. By that, I mean he is defined by matching and equal parts, both front to back and side to side. This allows for athletic ability, soundness, trainability and longevity in the job. A horse who fits in a box will have a body that is made up of one-third shoulder, one-third back and one-third hindquarters. I like to see the withers and point of croup at the same level. The horse’s stance, from point of shoulder to buttock, should equal the distance from the height of the withers…
Based at Fox Covert Farm, in Upperville, Virginia, Jim Wofford competed in three Olympics and two World Championships and won the U.S. National Championship five times. He is also a highly respected coach. For more on Jim, go to www.jimwofford.blogspot.com. When it comes to eventing, I long ago crossed the line between hobby and obsession. My obsession with eventing is total. It has been my constant companion for well over half a century. It has served as a steady source of learning about our beloved horses, a guide, a goal, a stimulant and—occasionally—a scourge. In February, my research for a speech I gave at the International Eventing Forum caused me to look back over the history of our sport with thought-provoking results. A New Millennium’s Challenges We have all heard…
It’s an experience like no other: You and your horse are joined together in the moment with a clear focus on the task at hand. Immersed in the here-and-now, you harmoniously perform a half-pass, execute a careful approach to a delicate vertical or adjust your balance to jump down a bank. The experience is fluid, exhilarating and fun. Mind you, this does not mean “perfect”—you may be preventing and correcting mistakes as you go or switching to Plan B (or C), but you are doing so instantaneously and to the very best of your capabilities. All top riders have mastered this ability to be in the moment and stay mindful during their ride. It is also, thankfully, something you can successfully enhance no matter what your level of physical expertise.…
How successfully you perform at an important competition, whether it is a local show, a special class at a rated show or a regional or national championship, depends upon how effectively you plan your training in the weeks leading up to it. The better prepared you and your horse are, the more confident you will feel and the more mentally and physically fit you will be for the task at hand. Over the long term, properly preparing your horse for every show will also help to keep him happy, healthy and sound—helping to extend his competitive career. The key to a good show-prep plan is to tailor it to your and your horse’s needs. Evaluate every factor in your own situation. How experienced are you at this level? How long…
