Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2014 | Page 77

Training
horses with
Robert Booth BHSI

Tips!

Equine trainer
Rodgebrook Horses
Tel: [phone]
rodgebrookhorses.co.uk

Robert Booth
Get to know the course

B

efore competing in a showjumping competition you have
to walk the course. There is more to this than first meets
the eye; it’s not just a case of going from No1 to the finish.
It is an invaluable chance to look at the jumps, ground
conditions and take note of spooky objects around the arena rather
than just use it as an opportunity to catch up on the gossip with your
friends.
Plan the approach to the first jump; most horses have a preference
from left or right. Walk the direct line from one jump to the next
and the getaway is the approach to the next. According to the level
of class you are competing in the course builder will put in certain
questions to test you and your horse, and you have to remember
when to lengthen or shorten your horse’s stride.
Knowing the length of your stride to the length of your horses
stride is very important when walking distances in combinations and
related distances. The average persons stride is one metre and the
average horse stride is 3.7 metres. Allow two metres for take off and
landing.
If there is a course plan available have a look at it so you can also
plan your jump-off route at this stage, as you don’t get a chance to
walk it again. Memorise the course and if possible watch one or two
riders go so you can see how the course is riding before your turn.
Preparation is important and if you know where you are going, know
the distances and the problems around the course you are some
way towards getting a clear round.

E

Useful tips
on training
your horse

Know the rules

it for the bell to
nter the arena and wa
45 seconds to pass
ring, you then have
through the start
through the start. Go
d stop the clock.
and finish, to start an
.
d speed of the course
Know the length an
the
for you to complete
it
lim
e
tim
a
is
e
er
Th
g on
round and dependin
the level of class the
speed per metre
varies, usually
getting faster the
bigger the class.
This is important
to know so as not to
incur time faults.

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