As we begin 2014 here are a few things to think about as you get back into riding after the Christmas and New Year break.
1. If your horse has enjoyed a few weeks holiday make sure you don’t suddenly leap on board and expect him to jump round a cross country course. So take a bit of time to get him fitness back up to scratch and you are more likely to be rewarded with a happier healthier horse for the rest of the year.
2. Check that your horse’s shoes are in good order and if necessary book the farrier before you start riding.
Do you need to phone the farrier?
3. Your horse may be feeling very well after his little holiday so giving him a short lunge might be a good idea to get rid of any holiday highs!
4. Your equipment. Take a few minutes to check all your tack for wear and tear. The heat of summer can have a terrible effect on leather making it prone to cracking so if you see a slight tear in you stirrup leathers go and buy some new ones - of course if you had been organised you would have asked Father Christmas!
Don't even think of using stirrups like this!
5. Never underestimate the importance of a well fitting helmet. Riding accidents can happen to anybody on a horse. It makes no difference if you are a 4* rider or Newcomer– brain injuries do not discriminate. If you have a fall be thankful that your helmet saved you from more severe injury – then go out and buy a new one. Damage to a helmet cannot always be seen.
These days helmets can be both comfortable and smart - make sure yours is in good order and fits correctly
NB - Hairnet tucked into hat ready to use - see point 8 below
6. Book yourself in for some lessons with a professional, qualified coach. It’s always helpful to have some direction as you start off your year and a good coach will be able to give you plenty of homework that you can work on by yourself before you have some more lessons.
7. A good coach will always be keen for their pupils to go and learn from other coaches at the many clinics on offer at this time of year. Everyone teaches in a slightly different way and the same instruction said in a different way might just make things click for you. Everyone teaches you something … it is then up to you to decided if you want to take on and use that ‘something’.
Clinics are a great way of learning more skills
8. Remember when you compete to keep a professional attitude about all aspects of the event. Be polite to those people organising the event along with the any officials. Being professional also includes being dressed smartly in all phases with clean gear. Straps that are flapping about, hair that is flying out from beneath your hat, and dirty boots is not going to impress anyone – especially the dressage judge!
This rider doesn't have enough hair to warrat wearing a hairnet but she achieves
a very professional look with her hair neatly tied back in a little bun
9. Be organised. Make a plan of what events you would like to ride at and work backwards organising fitness work, lessons, farrier dates and any dressage or show jumping competitions in the run up to your event.
10. Don’t get too carried away. Just as we all enjoy a day off from work so does your horse and make sure you enjoy plenty of days where the two of you can simply enjoy a ride out rather than going round and round the arena.
Good Luck to everyone in 2014
