|
Recently I was discussing training questions with the mother of a teenage girl who is very ambitious to do well in competition. Nothing unusual in that, you may think, and of course that is something that many of us do on a regular basis; but parents Yvonne and David are supporting daughter Ashley along the Para rider trail.
Although Ashley has to ride with just one hand, the expectations for the horse’s performance are the same. Suppleness, balance and willing acceptance of the aids are qualities we all desire and are equally important for the Para horse; perhaps more so. Anyone who has watched Para competitions in the recent past will know that correctly produced horse power is essential. Here is where the training principles of TTT are so valuable.
With an emphasis on developing empathy between horse and rider and working with, not against the physiology of the horse, the Trust’s principles have always recognised that force is not the way forward. In my own experience this has informed the way to coach riders with disability. In Ireland I played a part in coaching a rider who had lost her sight through diabetes and she made it to the Olympics, and although nerves impaired their performance on the day, which of us can say that we have never been affected in the same way?
With London 2012 very much in mind, Lee Frawley of the US Virgin Islands is hoping that with Andrew Murphy’s help she and new horse Pip will be ready for the challenge. Lee has done well with previous horse Brodie despite his “high octane reactions.” With both Hartpury and Moorsele on the agenda this year, Lee’s programme promises to be both challenging and a busy one as she forges a partnership with Pip.
Long time Trust member Sarah Healing has also been heavily involved with helping Para riders at the Penn wells RDA centre in Hertfordshire. With over 140 disabled adults and children at the centre every week, Sarah is well placed to know how the Trust’s work has been of value to the riders she helps. Sarah says;
“I believe our goals remain the same-the comfort, alignment and balance of the horse is paramount to gaining a good tempo with rhythm, balance, co-ordination and comfort for the riders. We look at the disability and find ways to work with it rather than against it.”
Riders from Penniwells are now competing at Regional, National and International level. Sarah adds that she believes that this success is owes much to the knowledge she has gained through the Trust, which has enabled her to share it with the riders, adapted to individual needs but always with the same aims.
It is heartening to know that the work of TTT can reach and help so many riders and trainers, something which would please Jennifer Sewell who was so involved with the RDA.
|
