The sometimes seemingly endless winter months of short, dark days and depressing weather is the perfect time to work on all the little things that escape you during the busy competition season. Once the New Year arrives it’s a whirlwind of clipping and clinics, and now in only it’s second year the International Eventing Forum is already becoming firmly established as an occasion not to missed. The brainchild of Irish International Eventer Eric Smiley FBHS, most recently coach to the Belgian Olympic team told me the aim of the forum is to present GOOD PRACTICE.
Eric Smiley (photo courtesy of Talkinghorse blog and used with kind permission)
Unfortunately for those of us in the US, Eric said the “the Forum has no plans to travel although I am passionate about the message it gives and I would love EVERYONE to hear it and put it into practise.” To that end, we’re thrilled that EN’s good friend, and we’re excited to announce future regular blogger Gavin Makinson will once again be reviewing the IEF for us. Gavin is based in London with two horses and wrote up a wonderful report for us last year.
Gavin competing Oliver Cromwell (photo used with kind permission)
Eric will chair the day and has carefully hand-picked the speakers; As he explained to me, “We want to demonstrate that GOOD PRACTICE means simple straightforward skills, used in a consistent way to maximise potential. Good Practise also means that the care and education of the horse is ethically undertaken and at the forefront of the process. The selection of the speakers reflects this aim. Most people who reach the top in their chosen sport have a clear thought process or have an uncluttered talent. Some are lucky enough to have both! I am lucky to be able to draw on my friends and connections to ask the top people to present at the Forum, they do so willingly and for no fee. This is a non profit making organisation so is able to retain its integrity. It is my hope that there will always be people who want to practise and preach the right and ethical way in sport and in doing so reap the pleasures and rewards.”
The speakers at the 2013 IEF are Dressage Coach Ian Woodhead (“How both ends meet” Dressage from the beginning to the finished product) , Mark Todd (“The Jumping Ladder” The Steps Through the Levels) and David O’Connor and Mike Etherington Smith (“XC Course Designer vs Coach” Mike will pose the questions and David will coach the solutions).
Luckily there is no fear that the forum will be lost to the weather as it is not only indoors but also heated. Doors open at 9am on Monday 4th February and the event starts at 10am sharp, finishing at 5pm. Tickets are still available from the venue, Hartpury College, or at the door. You can also follow the IEF on twitter. Enjoy the day if you’re going, and if not look for a full report here on EN soon. Go IEF and Go Eventing!
