Well begun is half done. Judith: ‘It’s not unusual to see horses completing a B test (beginner, ed.) pretty much without guidance. That’s not what we like to see. Being able to use the brakes and step on the gas is also essential for showing off your horse’s paces and riding transitions. At B level the horses are not yet required to be on the bit in the correct way but you must be able to ride the horse back to front over his back and into the hand. Riders must demonstrate they can ride with an independent seat.’
The basics
Right from the start Judith includes transitions within the pace, riding lines and asking for flexion in her lessons. ‘Working on good bend through the body, transitions, improving suppleness. Just basics, which you can do with any young horse training at B level’, Judith says. ‘Friesian horses are known to have a tendency to move in their own natural posture and it´s up to the rider to teach them to move in a different outline’, Judith explains. ‘We are continuously working to improve lengthening in the neck by asking them to flex to the left and the right on the circle. That makes it much harder for them to tuck their heads in. Keep asking with a little pressure on the rein and slowly ease the pressure again. Never ride with a fixed hand but instead give soft squeezes. This will encourage the horse to reach for the contact.’
Riding transitions is another element of our training. ‘With young and inexperienced horses it’s all about getting a reaction to your aids. It’s a simple system of repeat, reward, repeat, reward. The reward is gradually giving smaller aids and relaxing the hand.’
A very useful exercise is stretching the neck. ‘First you should shorten your horse a bit, making sure you have a good connection with the mouth. When you feel a little more weight in your hand then allow the neck forwards and down.’
It’s important for riders to have realistic expectations when they go to a competition. ‘Don’t get overwrought, remember you should also enjoy the ride. Try not to get too stressed because of banners or the jury because this will certainly influence your horse. Even if he spooks then remember there are at least twenty other elements in the test. Just get on with your riding and don’t worry too much about trivial things.’
As posted in the April KFPS Newsletter
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