Amanda Ross and Koko Popping Candy. Photo by Katie Neat Photography.
There’s no denying that the horse world is an expensive place to hang out. But you know what doesn’t have to be expensive? Top-quality education from some of the world’s best riders. For all the internet’s faults (help me, my life has become an episode of Black Mirror), it’s an absolute treasure trove for the thinking rider. Want to read about the mechanics behind a certain movement or exercise? You got it. Want to watch a pro to see how it should be done? Say no more. Now want to see a normal rider like you give it a go under the watchful eye and analytical commentary of an expert? Pull up a beanbag and jump into an eternal movie night.
We’re huge fans of the FEI’s YouTube channel, which gives us a chance to snoop around the yards of equestrians across the disciplines, and also gives us an insight into how they train their horses and themselves. In this video, we head down under to catch up with the perennially sunny Amanda Ross, Olympic eventer and busy coach. She introduces us to three of her most-used jumping exercises, so if you need us this week, you’ll find us slogging away in our respective arenas, making the most of our free riding lesson.
Will you be trying Amanda’s exercises? Are any of them already mainstays in your programme? Let us know in the comments!
