Andrew discussed things patiently but thoroughly with each group before putting something into practice
One thought that should spring to the minds of the riders who attended the W.A.Y.E.R Andrew Hoy clinic at the end of February at Brookleigh Estate is ‘attention to detail’. There’s no wonder that a man with such incredible depth of knowledge about riding horses and such a strong attention to detail has made it to seven Olympic Games and an amazing three Gold medals. It was such a privilege for all to ride under such a living legend and over the three days there was a lot taught and learnt.
Lauren Browne focussing on not giving too much release over a fence
Andrew made it clear from the start – there is no real room for error. A man who is a total perfectionist would not let the riders stop striving to achieve the result. ‘You need a good strong canter, a balance between the horse and the rider and a good take-off spot – this will make a good jump’. There were no ‘hidden tricks’ or ‘secret methods’ to it – rhythm and balance are the essential things. “Jumping a fence is just an elevated canter stride”, said Andrew, “the jump should be in the middle of this elevated canter stride”. He talked a lot about the release over a fence adding that “we don’t jump big fences like the show-jumpers (1.30m – 1.35m) maximum. The show jumping comes on the last day of competition and therefore they need the riders support and a good contact through the air over the fence, rather than a massive crest release.”
Andrew Hoy with myself and 'Daisy' - we were happy with our weekend efforts!
His methods were put into practice for the first two days over show-jumps and then the last day over cross country fences. Thankfully, Perth put on some fantastic riding weather for the three days – no hotter than around 30 degrees. The cross country sessions were spent schooling the rhythm and keeping the balance. Andrew had some very interesting things to say about the approaches to different fences although one thing still stood the same – keep the rhythm and keep the balance. He was a firm believer that counting the strides would assist with keeping the rhythm if you were struggling and claimed that he often counts strides up to fences himself in his head.
Andrew asked many riders to raise their stirrup level from the show jumping day
Andrew puts his stirrups up 2-3 holes for the cross country phase.
On Saturday night a social evening with Andrew was held in conjunction with the W.A.Y.E.R 2012 Award Presentations. This night was open to the public in the gatehouse at Brookleigh and had a good result with attendance. The night commenced with a sausage sizzle and then the chair of W.A.Y.E.R PollyAnn Huntington took to the stage to give her wrap of the 2012 season. PollyAnn explained how W.A.Y.E.R was founded – some six odd years ago, when herself, Karen Wood (event secretary of W.A.Y.E.R @ Brookleigh CIC 3***) and Irene Martindale all got together and decided that they were going to create a club to assist Western Australian Young Event Riders towards getting to the top in their sport. She reminded everyone that since then they have held two International events (with great success) and are currently mid-way through the preparation in a third. Riders such as Belinda Isbister, Lauren Browne, Michaela Martindale and Makayla Wood had all risen up through W.A.Y.E.R and all made it to either a National or International stage with honours. Polly couldn’t have sounded more passionate about this club and the positive things that it is doing in creating these ‘up and coming’ riders.
Belinda Isbister practicing her rhythm and balance
Andrew then took to the stage in complete praise towards PollyAnn, all of the committee members and to the riders for taking this positive step towards hopefully achieving the end result of an Olympic representation. Andrew talked about the distance that the W.A riders travel to compete in major events throughout Australia and how amazed he was at the difference between here and in Europe. In comparison – Andrew can travel 2500kms to Italy to compete in a major competition. This involved crossing through countries and several different time zones. For Perth riders – we have to travel 2500kms to reach Adelaide, which is still in the same country! It is such an incredible difference however riders in W.A, rather than feeling ‘limited’ or left behind, are still stepping up to the plate and getting on with it to contend and compete with the rest of Australia. Andrew then went on to talk about his journey towards London and what he did to ensure he achieved the best possible chance at making the team. Andrew is such an inspiring person and I am sure that everyone, whether riders or parents, walked away from the talk feeling positive towards improving their riding and creating more opportunities.
Andrew making student Michaela Martindale laugh
Overall, the clinic was a great success and I’m sure that everyone walked away at least having learnt something about riding and training their horses or improving their position and balance. I would like to very publically thank W.A.Y.E.R and all of its’ volunteers, particularly PollyAnn Huntington for the opportunities that they are presenting to not only myself, but to all aspiring event riders in W.A.
Article by Makayla Wood
