News
I am now supported by Louise Broom of Personal Best
and Vicky Spalding, equine physio to the GB team.
October 2009
A well-earned rest and time to catch up!
After a busy season it’s time for Indi (and us!) to have a short break before we start serious work again. However, on a recent visit our horse physio, Victoria Spalding, said that Indi was so fit and going well, it is probably best not to let him down altogether. She said that now he’s getting older, it would take much longer to get him fit again if he had a complete holiday.
Therefore, we are going to continue him in light work, with a bit more hacking and less test riding and competing. It has been suggested I have plenty of lunge lessons on Indi and ride without stirrups to improve my position over the winter – thanks guys – looking forward to that!! (not). Also, my friend Gemma has been jumping him and he’s really enjoying it.
Indi - looking relaxed and happy at home
Trevor now has to step up to the mark so he will be starting serious work any day now – just need to get him clipped, but he seems very chilled at the moment and seems to have really grown up lately.
The outdoor now looks immaculate and much bigger!
As we have been so busy this year, the outdoor school was in need of a bit of attention, and was looking rather overgrown round the edges – we’ve finally had time to give it a makeover (with the help of two strong men!) and it now looks like new – and a lot bigger!!
Personal Best Performance Lab Open Day – 17 October
My sports physio, Louise Broom, and her multi-disciplinary network of experts at Personal Best held a Performance Lab at Hannah Esberger-Shepherd’s yard, on 17 October.
Louise was showcasing her latest equipment including:
- mechanical horse
- video analysis
- pressure feedback pad
There was a queue of people waiting to have go on the new mechanical horse for most of the day. A couple of other para riders attended as well as myself and it was really interesting and useful for us all.
Me on the mechanial horse - caled George!
You had to sit on the pressure feedback pad which was on the saddle and then you could see on screen, via the laptop, if you were sitting evenly or putting more weight on one side. It could also show whether you were tipping forward or behind the vertical, or leaning to one side or the other (or tipping your head to the left like I do!).
Image of my 'position'
For more information see http://www.personalbest.me.uk
British Dressage Para Seminar – 24 October
This course will be held at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire on 24th October 2009 and is open to riders, trainers, judges and anyone who wishes to spend a day learning the theory and practicalities of the new 2010 FEI Para Tests.
Speakers on the day will include International FEI Judge Anne Prain and National Para-Equestrian Dressage Coach Michel Assouline.
The seminar will incorporate walk through theory and practical sessions for each grade with demonstrations from riders on the World Class Programme.
Time: 9.30am start
Tickets: £30 each
Contact Amy Cullen Para Dressage Officer for further details and ticket sales.
Tel: 02476 698837 Email: amycullen@britishdressage.co.uk
Download the new test from the FEI website here