association of irish riding clubs

Prep & Perform – Dressage Test Training

One of the things we have been enjoying lately are test riding training clinic combining a thirty minute lesson with a coach followed by fifteen minutes with a Dressage Ireland judge to ride through a test and recieve written feedback. Recently, Barbara and I qualified for the British Dressage area festivals and she and IContinueContinue reading “Prep & Perform – Dressage Test Training”

Competition nerves and Winning Against Worrying

My anxiety around competition was never really just about competition. It was a fear of the unknown, of lack of control, of new things. It started when I was a small child and if I was anxious about something I would feel sick and nervous. Things like exams, trying new things, bus trips. Over timeContinueContinue reading “Competition nerves and Winning Against Worrying”

Making A Show Of Yourself – Part 1 – Types of ridden showing classes

This series is based on a guide I drew up a few years ago ahead of a clinic I delivered to novice adults and children. There are a wealth of showing experts out there and I will not pretend to know as much nor more than any of them. This guide is not intended forContinueContinue reading “Making A Show Of Yourself – Part 1 – Types of ridden showing classes”

2015 – Show Horse to Dressage Horse

In 2013 and 2014, Dolly the big chestnut mare and I focused on and achieved many goals in the show ring. We had not achieved what I hoped we could in dressage and given my passion for dressage this always frustrated me. I had performed well on ponies before but Dolly and I alwaysContinueContinue reading “2015 – Show Horse to Dressage Horse”

When Opportunity Met Preparation

“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is one of my favourite phrases. So often in competition, especially when things go wrong, we talk about what you can buy – the best horse with the most potential, the expensive clothing, the sessions with the best coach / instructor / sports psychologist. However it is the existenceContinueContinue reading “When Opportunity Met Preparation”

Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips

It is almost time for the annual riding clubs festival. Times have been issued, weather apps are being consulted, child of prague statues are being plonked out on doorsteps, plans are being made and lists are being written. You can check out what I learned at last year’s festival here. In the meantime, considering IContinueContinue reading “Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips”