The support for the Eventing Training Demonstration Tour, co-hosted by Sam Watson and Diarm Byrne of Equiratings, to raise funds for the Irish High-Performance Eventing athletes on their way to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, was a resounding success. Team coaches Ian Woodhead (dressage) and Ian Fearon (show jumping) gave wonderfully entertaining and highly informative sessions. Essentially it was a masterclass by two top coaches, which gave those there an insight improving their own performance.
Senior High Performance Director Sally Corscadden’s team of riders, not only gave their all to the riding, but got involved with keeping the demos active.
Jonty Evans with coach Ian Woodhead. How not to enter a dressage arena!
The first evening at Maryville Stables saw Jonty Evans appear into the arena in a dishevelled state, to demonstrate Ian Woodhead’s opening subject; the first impression when presenting in front of the judges for a dressage test is vitally important, so should not be overlooked.
Whilst Jonty’s shabby appearance was somewhat exaggerated, it certainly showed how first impressions can affect the judges marking throughout the rest of the test.
Show jumping coach, Ian Fearon
Show jumping coach Ian Fearon , gave an excellent coaching session showing what he expects to achieve at the different stages of training. He demonstrated exercercises with some of the younger horses and then showed how to improve the advanced horses.
Michelle Kenny with RLE Aspe
Sam Watson auctions off the riders
The auction of riders was a resounding success, with Declan Cullen adding to what the riders were offering as each auction progressed!
Declan Cullen
Starting off with a basic day at the various riders yards, as bids kept increasing more was being offered, from a promise of lunch, a chance to sit up on either Horseware Bushman or Portersize Just A Jiff, to a spin in the helicopter with River Lodge Equestrian. Both Sam Watson and Declan Cullen may have missed a calling as auctioneers.
Camilla and Jiffy
Camilla Speirs recently decided to announce the 18 year old Portersize Just A Jiff’s retirement. He made his appearance at each leg of the tour to give his many fans a farewell.
Camilla said “For fourteen years I have had the privilege of working with a true legend. Taking me from Pony Club to Olympic Games, Jiff and I have shared such a special partnership”.
He looked to be in top form and enjoying his appearance. We wish him a long and happy retirement , though it will be sad not to see him competing again
