Top tips from leading event rider

One of Britain’s leading event riders, Oliver Townend, gave an inspirational and entertaining lecture demonstration at Reaseheath’s Equestrian Centre.

A former winner of both Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials – Britain’s toughest four star events – Oliver demonstrated how he prepares his young horses for the dressage and showjumping phases by concentrating on achieving forward paces and rhythm.

Riding a five year-old and then an eight year old, Oliver revealed to his audience that the key to building up a horse’s confidence was to sit as still as possible and let the horse think for itself over small but varied fences.

He then demonstrated a more technically demanding course with three star ride Cooley Master Class, who was enjoying his first jump of the season. Oliver has great hopes for this 10 year-old by Ramiro B this season.

Caption: Oliver and Cooley Master Class is pictured with student arena party Rosie Swain, Ella Stephenson, Tyler Simpson, Katie Fearns and Fran Lewis