Up in the air
With the basics firmly in place, Pippa Funnell puts Emma and Buzz to the test over some simple jumping exercises
In this feature. . .
Use
cavaletti to build an adjustable canter
Warm up like a pro
Develop
your course riding skills
As told to Tilly Berendt. Photos: Lucy Merrell
Riding well might seem complicated, but in a lot of ways, it’s all about perfecting the basics and using them to lay a sustainable foundation for every job you ask your horse to do. That doesn’t change when you’re jumping, and in many ways, it’s even more important – if your horse is listening to your seat, you can make quick adjustments to his stride length while on course, and you can also simplify your aids. There’s a clear distribution of labour out on course – you’re responsible for creating the canter and picking the line, and it’s your horse’s job to jump the fence. By keeping your aids clear and simple, and cutting out any interference, you’ll give him the best chance of holding up his end of the bargain.
The mission
Throughout this series, we’ve been focusing on making your seat your most influential aid. Now that we’re adding some fences into the equation, this will test your ability to keep your hands soft and change the stride using your seat and core – this is a crucial skill for all riders, but it’s especially useful for those riding hot horses or those who can be prone to rushing.
Our expert
Pippa Funnell is one of Britain’s greatest eventers. In 2003, she was the first winner of the Grand Slam and she’s represented the nation on a number of occasions since. Working with the Wesko Equestrian Foundation, alongside a team of professionals including nutritionists and fitness consultants, she offers mentorship to the programme’s eventers to help shape their careers as professional riders.
Our models
Wesko Equestrian Foundation and CCI4* eventer Emma Thomas rides her top horse, The Buzz Factor (Buzz). He’s an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse and he completed Blenheim CCI4*-L in 2021. This season’s highlights so far include a double clear in Thoresby’s CCI4*-S.