Posted: 31st March 2015 | Back to news feed
THE Equestrian Direct Surfaces Arena Eventing series at Solihull Riding Club ran over the winter months and offered competitors the chance to prepare for the season ahead, culminating in a fantastic prize for the winners, a lesson with Equestrian Direct sponsored rider and triple Olympic event rider, Matt Ryan.
The lucky winners that made up the 80cm group were Sue Dawson, Louise Oliver, Amber Bradshaw and Louise Gattoni-Sherar.
Sian Gardener, Laura Matthews, Jo Purvis and Julie Curling were the deserving winners of the 90cm sections.
The focus of the lessons was on safe cross-country riding and they took place in the outdoor Flexiride arena at Solihull Riding Club using the arena eventing course.
Matt focused his lessons on the position of the rider and the importance of the approach to the fence especially when jumping a solid cross country course.
After starting the warm up Matt told the groups to concentrate mainly on the pace at which they were going to be working and quickly got the riders to focus on their canter work, changing pace and leads, leg yielding and lateral work to help supple the horses up and get them listening.
Matt’s top tip was to work on counter-canter.
Said Matt: “That way if you land on the wrong leg you don’t have to disrupt the rhythm and flow to change to the correct lead. You should keep going, try a flying change if the horse can or carry on in counter-canter keeping the rhythm to the next fence. If you land on the correct leg it is always a bonus!”
Throughout the lesson Matt worked on improving each of the riders’ positions, making sure they weren’t folding too early, dropping their shoulders and giving the horse chance to refuse.
Added Matt: “The rider should be sat in the saddle, pushing the horse forward using their legs, the upper body should stay upright with only the arms moving forward to give the rein to allow the horse to use himself as he jumps.”
Said lucky winner Laura Matthews: “Matt explained a lot about position and how to ride cross-country using a more defensive seat. We did a lot of work on riding the right line to fences and the importance of the approach to the fence. It was a fantastic experience and opportunity to learn from an Olympic event rider.”
Matt also focused on the approach to the fence; getting straight and allowing the horse to move forward more as they would cross-country. The group looked at different approaches including jumping at an angle, where to jump a corner and possible problems that the rider could face if they get the approach wrong.
Many of the winners are now looking forward to their first event as the season starts and will be full of confidence after their lesson with Matt.
For further information on the Flexiride surface contact Equestrian Direct Surfaces on 01564 794020 or visit www.equestriandirectltd.co.uk
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