Welcome to Trainer Tuesday! Each week we ask trainers a question and gather their answers for you. These trainers have a range of experience, backgrounds, and focus points of their programs, so the answers have as much variation as you would expect and also probably much more similarity.
This week’s question posed is: What preparation can riders begin doing now for fall finals and the Indoors show season?
Here are their answers:
“The best preparation for our horses is quality flat and lateral work combined with practicing low but interesting jumps and tracks. The horses already have a lot of jumps ahead of them in the fall season, so we mitigate stress on their legs and still allow the riders to practice this way. If the jumps are a little spooky but low, we can build the horses’ and riders’ confidence while still working the complicated tracks and tests that medal finals require.” -Brittany Massey
Read more from Brittany here.
“1. Read the class specifications and USEF rules that govern the class(s) and the judges’ scoring of major & minor faults. EQ 113 is a great place to review for trainers, riders, and parents.
2. Focus on your basics and balance.
3. Do your best and gain experience with your horse. Finals are just that..final/hard riding questions in a different setting than a regular horse show.
Good luck to all the riders this fall.” -Diane Carney
Read more from Diane and listen to her on The Plaidcast here.
“With Fall Finals approaching, I like to put the focus on connected lines. Reinforcing the importance of track and rhythm.
Things come up quick indoors so it’s easy for horses to fall behind the leg. On the flat, we work on having a quick response to the aids which helps to stay on rhythm, while staying on track. The winner will be able to connect everything effortlessly, demonstrating an understanding of rhythm and track.” –Caroline Mercier
Read more from Caroline here.
“I remember when I was a junoir rider preparing for the equitation finals and my trainers, Ronnie Much and Timmy Kees, would always set up the MOST challenging courses you could possibly imagine with the intent being that whatever courses we encountered at the Indoor shows, would, in theory, look easy comparatively.
That system seemed to work well.
So practice, practice, practice as much as possible over challenging courses so by the time you get to indoors, there is nothing you haven’t seen or jumped.
But remember, don’t overuse your horse.” -Lyman T. Whitehead
Read more from Lyman and listen to him on The Plaidcast here.
“One very simple was is to start riding without stirrups!” –Kim Stuckens
“Lots of no stirrup work and being as fit as possible! Make sure parents, teachers at school, etc. going into the fall are aware of the hard time lines you will have and make it less stressful for yourself by planning ahead and being organized!!
You and your horse should try to keep everything as “normal” as possible; Don’t change what ain’t broke!
Work on things now that could be made better but don’t reinvent the wheel. Try to work backwards so that now you and your horse(s) are getting either maintenance or rest–whatever will make the next few months prepare both of you for a great experience. Don’t get caught not being prepared!
Let your trainer set the tone–do what they think is best for you to be your best.
Enjoy the process and the journey!” -Dana Hart-Callanan
Read more from Dana here.
“Top athletes (horses and people) are a product of all the work that no one sees.
As we approach fall, continued preparation for the horse and human athlete is critical.
Mental preparations: Being intentional in what you mentally and visually “consume”, visualization, and developing a plan for handling pre-competition pressure.
Work hard to be “better,” even if it’s a small amount, so that you peak during the right moments for your finals days. Daily discipline with specific routines for morning, daytime, and the evening are helpful for making subtle changes as you prepare.
I also can’t emphasize enough the importance of diet (calorie dense healthy meals for fueling each athlete’s energy demands), exercise (for flexibility, injury prevention, and stamina), hydration, and REST.
Lean on your coaches and communicate with them. The whole team is probably excited to watch you shine!” -Raegan Comeaux
Read more from Raegan here.
