My Trip to the English “Search for a Star” Competition
During the summer I went to Carol Hogg's Dressage U21's UK summer Championships at Addington Manor, and from this I qualified to attend the “Search for a Star” finals, held during the Mid-term break, at Unicorn Equestrian Centre.
There was a fantastic atmosphere and everyone there was very friendly and helpful at it. The standard of the competition was also very high, and it was a tough and long two days. It began with a 40minute lesson, 20mins with one trainer (Matt Frost) and then 20mins with another (Robert Lumb). There were generally two in each group for the lessons. Then we each rode a test at our own level. In the afternoon we had a second lesson with the same format, and then we had a written paper and an oral discussion in the evening.
The following day we got to ride each other's horses as well and then we had a second test on our own horse. To conclude the competition we had a mounted prize giving. I finished 3rd overall, 1point behind the winner! I had the highest percentage in my tests both days with a 72.5% the first day, and a 74.5% the second day.
It was a great experience and something I would love to do again! I would also really recommend it to everyone else to try! Maybe someday we could have one in Ireland too!
Mid-Term Training Clinic
Eastern Region
The training clinic with Sonnar Murray-Brown which was held on the 24th and 25th of October in Marlton Stud was very beneficial. What I liked most about it was that he focused on the rider more so than the horse. He was able to sort out little habits that I have acquired over the years which was a lot of hard work, for both Sonnar and I. I lost count of the amount of times he told me to keep my toes in but it’s a good thing. It is amazing to be able to avail of training sessions with people of Sonnar's knowledge and ability. I would just like to say a big thank you to Sonnar and DIY for a great weekends training. Also, thank you very much to Bill & Sorrell for organising it and hopefully there will be many more to follow.
Northern Region
Along with a number of other Northern region riders, I was able to have a lesson with Sonnar Murray-Brown. Sonnar set to work on myself and my horse immediately, sussing out what needed to be worked upon and quickly developed a clear plan for the lesson. Our main aim was to work on increasing engagement and lift through the shoulder. We worked on a number of exercises with this aim in mind, integrating transitions with lateral work. This demanded quick reactions from the horse and showed me just how responsive our horses need to be. Quicker thinking on the part of the rider was also required! I feel I came away from the lesson with a clear plan of what to work on and a number of useful exercises to try. With thanks to Sonnar, DIY and the Hanna family for the use of their facilities.
My Trip to the State College of Oldenburg, Germany
The Silver Spurs competition, organised by Joan Keogh, has encouraged an interest in dressage amongst young riders in Ireland. There are Irish Horse Board bursaries to be won in each section: Pony, Junior and Young Rider. I was lucky enough to win one of these bursaries to assist in my training. My trainer, Vida Tansey suggested going to Germany. That's how I ended up spending a brilliant two weeks in the State College of Oldenburg at Alexander Wortmann's course.
The principle of the course is to prepare you for the exam at the end of the two weeks. In Germany anyone who wishes to compete must attain a licence verifying their standard. It is compulsory for all horse handlers, riders and non-riders alike, to attain the Basis Pass. The first riding medal to be challenged is the Bronze medal class IV. This allows you to compete at Preliminary or Novice level and jump up to 1.10m. The Bronze medal class III allows you to compete at novice or elementary level and jump up to 1.40m. The Silver medal follows allowing you to ride up to Prix St. George and jump up to 1.60m. Afterwards there is "Silver with Gold", the Apprenticeship and finally the Gold medal which you receive when you win ten Grand Prixs.
A typical day started off with the assigned group doing "barn duty" at 7:30. At 8 o' clock the dressage lessons began. Once the lessons are finished we have our theory classes, which involve riding techniques and horse management. After lunch the first ride begins their jumping lesson. The lungeing exam was an option also, which you trained for after jumping. The day concludes with theory. During the weekends we visited some top German yards like, Warendorf, Kasselmanns, and Heinrichs. We also went to an U25's international jumping and dressage show. It was great to see what the standard of the other countries was like.
The main focus was the rider's position. From day one they were drilling the german principles of riding into our heads. In dressage there was a strong emphasis on deepening the seat and elasticity and correct position of the hands. Whereas in the jumping we were learning to have a light seat and balance.
The two weeks were so enjoyable. I made a lot of friends, from Hawaii to Texas. I found the visits to the yards interesting and useful as point of contact for the future. It was a great opportunity to learn from the people who are at the top of our sport, which is ironic seeing as they were the last country to embrace dressage as a sport (a surprising piece of information passed on to us by Mr Wortmann). I've already booked my place for next year and am looking forward to going back.
News Archive
31.01.2010 - Would You Love to Represent Ireland in Korea at the World University Games in November 2010?
05.11.2009 - Christmas Party
03.10.2009 - World Cup Qualifier at the London Olympia Horse Show
10.08.2009 - BYRDS Welsh Home International
12.07.2009 - Marlton U25's Dress Rehearsal
06.06.2009 - Logo Competition
17.05.2009 - Northern Ireland Dressage Festival (Cavan)
17.05.2009 - DIY Easter Party 2009
10.05.2009 - International News
27.03.2009 - DIY Easter Party