Andrew and Nat Blundell at the Canberra clinic
When we spoke to Andrew Hoy in the UK last year he told us that, although he has no plans to stop competing, he is looking forward to spending more time coaching at his new facility at Somerby Stables.
However it seems that Australian riders too are benefiting from the experience of the Olympic gold medallist without having to travel half way around the world to train with him. Andrew visited Australia late last year to attend the Australian International 3 Day Event and coach Australian riders and he is now back again.
Luckily the winter break in the UK enables Andrew to spend some time in Australia before the competition season starts again. Once the eventing season starts he will be busy with his many horses at all levels, from his experienced 4* horse Rutherglen to the new additions to his stable, Jack Sparrow and Algebra, previously ridden by Natalie Blundell
Nat has been coached by Andrew for several years and in 2014 she spent an extended period of time at his yard in the UK. She’s hoping to head back there in the future when her younger horses are ready but in the meantime she is always champing at the bit for more of Andrew’s coaching when he’s in Australia
“Learning from the master himself has been a great experience” says Nat “I’ve learned so much from Andrew in every way, shape and form”
Watching Andrew work with young horses is always a treat; “I never force young horses I only guide them” is his mantra. Many of the horses ridden at the top level by Andrew have been ones he has brought on from Novice/Intermediate level himself and he works hard on identifying their individual needs to coax the best out of them “The most important thing with all horses is that they’re sound but then it’s their character. Every horse has its own individual personality and for me it’s important to find out about that personality and how to work with it”
Molly Peters down the steps
As well as training the horse, one of Andrew's favourite parts of coaching is seeing people gain knowledge to improve and realise how valuable some fundamental skills are. “I enjoy seeing people going away having knowledge to improve their skills. It doesn’t matter what level it is, basics need to be 100%” he told Elizabeth Habermann when she reported on a past clinic with Andrew for AEL
You too can benefit from Andrew’s many years of experience while he is here in Australia by joining in the Andrew Hoy Eventing Technique clinic at Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park, Camden, NSW on February 12th, 13th & 14th 2015. There will be jumping training in the morning and cross country training each afternoon on the excellent facilities at Camden with groups being allocated across ability levels – riders of all levels are welcome
For further details contact Mark Williams on 0412 584 390 or view the Andrew Hoy Eventing Technique clinic event listing on Nominate
