Author: Kate

Hi Everyone,

Well, WHAT A WEEKEND we had at Equestrian Park during the very popular John Twomey clinic.  John coached 33 combinations over the 3 days. We trialed a new format where each horse did showjump training in the morning, then a XC training session that same afternoon. This worked really well for those of us who have to travel.

Gosh does John know his theory.  He explained that in his earlier riding years, he was lucky enough to have some very good horses, and a good feel.  Once his career progressed he came to realise that you can’t always rely on just this to succeed.  Through teaching, he began to break down the theory behind his success.

The showjump lesson began with exercises that worked on the horse’s straightness.  It was very important to guide your horse around turns using the outside aids, and not let them bulge through the shoulder.   Similarly to the Sam Lyle clinic earlier in the year, we concentrated on how the ride over one fence really impacted your ride to the next. John emphasised the importance of a quality canter.  He always prefers to get a bad spot with a good canter, than a perfect spot with a bad canter.

We all put so much pressure on ourselves to get a perfect spot.  At the takeoff to each fence, there is a spot where we ideally want the horse’s front feet to step before takeoff.   However, John explained that this is not the only spot that works.  John carved a circle in the sand about 1m diameter around that point).  If we can get the horse to step anywhere within that circle, we can make it work.

The final (genius) pointer that John gave me (he calls it the “Tinney Tip” giving credit to Stuart Tinney), is where to focus your eyes when approaching a jump or a line.  I always had thought that the best place to look was through the jumps straight ahead (this probably stems back to my pony club days where they would say “don’t look down!”). How wrong I was!  How are you supposed to see a distance when you aren’t even looking at the jump? John explained that you need to focus on a point on the top, front rail.  As you get closer you need to zone in on a tiny detail such as a chip in the paint.  Instantly my ride to each jump improved.  I couldn’t believe such a tiny, little change could produce such a quick improvement.  I now refer to it as the “Twomey, Tinney Tip”, and I think this will change the way I ride forever.

Cross country time!  We were all very excited to get some cross country advice from the only rider in the Horseland CIC3* at our event last year, to successfully attempt the direct route in the water jump .  See link below…

Twomey Takes on Canberra in 2012

This was also the last opportunity for riders to school on the course before our upcoming event.  John’s teaching style was to combine a few jumps at a time, as though you were actually on-course, and then stop to discuss what went well or could be improved. We tested our skills from the showjumping lesson by doing lots of narrow combinations, and using our outside aids to get around tight corners.

Rob Lille

 Harriet Gruen

Thanks kate Mackenzie for your efforts organising the clinic and John for a fantastic 3 days! We hope he can make it back soon.

Over the weekend NCHTA also held a working bee in preparation for our November event.  We had a great turnout and made a huge dent in the amount of work to be done.  With some recently cleared areas and new jumps constructed, there were several places where the footing needed improvement.  The team spent several hours (mattock in hand) chipping away at protruding tree roots.  We also repainted/ oiled some existing and new jumps.  Thanks to all those who came to lend a hand! Special thanks to Felicity Moran and Ben Smith and for organising and catering!

Georgina Miller and Sally Townsend

Lauren McIntosh and Ben Smith

As some of you may also know, the Canberra water jump is in the process of getting a major overhaul.  When complete it is going to be more than double the size that it was.  Check out some of the progress below!

Water Jump Earthworks

As we all look forward to the Canberra event coming up, please remember there is still lots of preparation needed. If anyone can spare an hour or two to paint new portable xc fences let me know. The painting can be done at your convenience, not necessarily on the weekend.

The next working bee will be Sat 26 and Sun 27 October (the weekend before the CNC). A large proportion of work for the event can only be done the weekend before the event (eg whippersnipping ground lines to fences, mowing where needed, bunting, roping off the xc course in places, flagging), so we need and would welcome your help, be it for an hour or two, or for a day. We also really need 5-6 helpers on Friday 1 Nov for the final set-up for the event. Please contact me at canberraht@gmail.com if you can help with any of the above – your efforts do not go unnoticed!

Lindsey

NCHTA Club Secretary