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4 minute read
The Howden Way Talent Rider Academy delivers another successful training camp
The Howden Way Talent Rider Academy hosted another highly successful two-day training camp for its Young Riders and Tier 1 athletes on 8th – 9th February at the National Training Centre in Hothorpe. This intensive camp provided riders with high calibre training and support across multiple disciplines, including flatwork, showjumping, cross-country, athlete strength and conditioning, and veterinary care.
Designed to support riders competing within the British Eventing framework, the camp aimed to refine essential skills, enhance knowledge, and prepare athletes for the transition and consistency to perform at higher levels of competition. By working closely with British Eventing, the academy ensures that the riders are equipped with the technical skills, strategic thinking, and physical preparedness needed to reach their full potential.
Flatwork Training:
Under the expert guidance of Tracie Robinson and Kylie Roddy, riders participated in focused individual flatwork sessions designed to refine their horse’s rhythm, balance, and suppleness. Building on skills developed in the previous camp, these sessions emphasised consistency and communication, helping riders to fine-tune their aids and develop a more harmonious partnership with their horses. Tracie’s detailed feedback was invaluable in improving each combination’s connection, accuracy, and execution of movements, ensuring that the foundations laid in flatwork could be successfully transferred into their jumping and cross-country work also.
Showjump Training
Showjumping sessions were led by Kylie Roddy and Philip Surl, offering riders the chance to develop key techniques essential for success in competition. Kylie worked closely with riders to improve their bending lines, stride adjustment, and decision-making when approaching fences. She encouraged them to think about their horse’s natural movement and how to optimise their line for maximum efficiency. Philip focused on course riding and time-saving techniques, guiding riders through effective balance management and rhythm control. He helped them learn how to shave off valuable seconds in competition without disrupting their horse’s flow, ensuring a confident and economical approach to each jump. With tailored exercises suited to each horse’s experience level, these sessions provided practical strategies that riders could take forward into their season ahead.
Cross-Country Training
Few disciplines test a rider’s skill and trust in their horse like cross-country and Tina Cook, who has won three Olympic medals for Great Britain, provided invaluable guidance in this crucial area. The sessions focused on technical lines and rider adaptability, ensuring that competitors could tackle a variety of challenges with confidence. Exercises started with walk approaches to fences, helping horses develop their jumping technique while encouraging riders to trust their instincts. The difficulty increased progressively, culminating in tackling skinny lines and combinations designed to test both accuracy and decision-making under pressure. Tina’s expert eye allowed her to tailor each session to suit different levels of experience, from young horses to experienced CCI5* Eventers preparing for top-level competitions. Riders were encouraged to analyse their approach, ensuring they maintained the correct speed, direction, and balance for each fence. By the end of the sessions, riders had gained a greater understanding of precision riding, allowing them to navigate cross-country fences with increased efficiency and confidence.
Athlete Strength and Conditioning
Following up on progress from the previous camp, riders underwent muscle strength testing, identifying any asymmetries or areas for improvement. The sessions emphasised core strength, balance, and reaction time, all of which are critical for maintaining stability and control when riding. By working on these aspects off the horse, riders improved their body awareness, ensuring they could remain strong and effective in the saddle throughout demanding competitions.
Veterinary Insights
Equine health and well-being were also a major focus, with each horse receiving a comprehensive veterinary check to help riders better understand their horse’s physical condition and performance needs. A dedicated evening talk provided further education on injury prevention, recovery strategies, and long-term soundness, emphasising the importance of proactive management in maintaining an eventing horse’s career. Riders gained valuable insights into how to detect early warning signs of discomfort and implement preventative measures to keep their horses performing at their best.
Justine Parker, Programme Director for The Howden Way said of the weekend “I can’t tell you how inspiring it is to watch our up-and-coming athletes progress under such expert guidance. The tangible difference these camps make in preparing our cohort of athletes for the season ahead make them of exceptional value. This weekend we have seen some great work put in by all riders and I am looking forward to watching them continue to thrive as we approach their first scheduled events which are now only a matter of weeks away.”
For more information on The Howden Way and the programmes it runs, which encompasses the Rider Talent Academy and Young Horse Academy for those competing within the British Eventing framework along with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP) which supports horses leaving racing in their transition to becoming riding horses, for all to enjoy visit www.thehowdenway.com