And the ESMA for most creative titles goes to…not me. Good morning Eventing Nation! Although some of the training session riders are experiencing David’s coaching for the first time this week, Max Corcoran has seen David’s favorite exercises probably hundreds, if not thousands of times, over the years. It is thus from a perspective of unprecedented experience that she writes about what the riders went through in their Monday jump lessons. As always, thank you so much for writing this Max and thank you for reading!
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From Max:
What a day at Meredyth South!
Monday at the Ocala training sessions was a very busy day! First thing in the morning, everyone met at the jump ring to discuss different theories of jumping followed by course setting.
The first two groups of three rode before lunch and each lesson followed the same type of pattern. The groups started off doing basic trot rails followed by canter rails – starting with one and finishing with three in a row. David was emphasizing straightness again – some horses were trying to duck through the corners making people pull to get the right distance instead of keeping the rhythm of the canter. It is a very basic exercise that many forget.
After the canter rails were conquered – each pair did an exercise consisting ground rail nine feet on the take off and landing side of a vertical. This was to help the horses form and footwork before, during and after the jump.
The riders went onto jumping an individual oxer. As the horses continued to warm up, the oxer got wider and a rail was put diagonally across the opening encouraging the horses to find scope and use their shoulders.
Next came a related distance – two simple jumps on a bending line. Most of the focus was on each stride remaining the same and maintaining a balance throughout the line. From there, a second jump was added one stride from the jump going out the line – again, the importance of regular steps was critical.
Lunchtime brought stable management lectures from yours truly – we discussed studs, show turnout, nutrition, and how to trot your horse up correctly.
Shortly after that, the last group was up and did the same pattern as the morning groups.
The crew was lucky to have Jo-Ann Wilson come to speak to them Monday afternoon. Jo-Ann is an amazing massage therapist. She has extensive knowledge in physiology and biomechanics of horses. She was partners with the world famous Jack Meagher, who was the founder of sports massage for horses. She taught them how to watch a horse walk and what to look for in the gait. She then carried on to discuss the mechanics of the muscle and touched on what were the largest and most important muscle groups. She then showed the group how to effectively work on those muscles. Hoku was lucky enough to be the “demo horse” – lucky lady!
Another long day for everyone – there were no official night time plans, which was probably be quite welcome. Today will bring more 80-degree weather (have to throw that in, sorry – I did grow up in New England – I know the pain!). The horses will be back in the dressage ring working on movements and Joe Pegan from KER is speaking about nutrition.
More soon…
