Once again, Selwood’s ‘Ask the Experts’ series is proving incredibly popular with all our online followers. Fresh from answering his first show jumping question last week, Ireland’s Trevor Breen is our expert again. Providing valuable advice and training tips to all budding show jumpers out there!
Trevor has had a great deal of success to date both competing on the National and International circuit as well as sourcing, producing and selling some top international horses both for Breen Sport Horses. Trevor is a familiar face on the showjumping circuit and many of you may know him for the notable success he has had with his one eyed wonder horse Adventure de Kannan or Addy as he is known to his stable mates!
This weeks question is from 16 year old Jessica Ligman. She competes regularly in most disciplines but enjoys working hunter classes as well as sponsored rides and all riding club activities. Her horse is a 19 year old welsh cross and she says he really enjoys his jumping and has jumped over 1m with her in the past at home. Jessica is looking to improve their show jumping as she sometimes has a few problems when out competing.
Her question for Trevor is
“What would you suggest for one of my horses who jumps amazing at home but not when out! He can be a little stubborn and at shows spooks at the jumps and then refuses? He has his good days but also his bad! Thank you”
Trevor advises…..
With an older horse i would suggest that you use some different fillers at home to practice over. It sounds like you need to get him used to jumping lots of different types of fences so he doesnt look at them when out. It would be also be useful to take him out and about to local arena’s and hire them for schooling purposes. Give yourself the time to school round a variety of fences in different circumstances to get him more confident with different surroundings. It would also be great if you could find an instructor to go with you and help you school round the jumps, giving advice from the ground and making sure you are riding turns, approaches etc in the best way possible. It may be that you start with the fences and fillers smaller and then build up to give you both the confidence around a course. Good luck and enjoy your summer with your horse!
