Preparation is key – it’s all about the flat work!
Flat work – more power required, think about her legs moving faster than her body (just the idea). Concentrate on balance power and speed, Finn needs to feel a foot shorter: more compact. Think about riding crisp transitions, more in the outside hand – especially on the right rein.
Don’t let Finn ‘kid’ me into pretending she is there [between leg and hand] – she hardly ever is! Ride actively to a rhythm and always ensure she is in front of the leg….
Be very clear about work time and rest time – don’t let her fall on her head in the downward transition, I must ride positively until I am ready for her to rest.
Finn is better off a longer stride – don’t allow her to get too deep, this is when she catches poles.
Need to have more ‘revs’ – better to have her taking me to the fence – think of the car analogy – higher revs and foot on the clutch – then she can just go when the clutch is released, rather than having to put the foot on the accelerator, feels more powerful this way, feels like she is always ready…
Try not to signal to anyone (especially the horse) that the stride was not perfect, ride with confidence at all times!
Do not get in front of the movement – it is better to be a little behind – especially on Finn as this will help her to lift her shoulders – it’s also much safer – you hardly ever see people falling off backwards!
Landing on the correct leg after the jump – Finn can do it so if there is a mistake it’s down to me! Think about making the turn in the air over the fence – the position I need to adopt is like making a turn when skiiing – on the edge of the ski – be careful not to push my bottom out to the opposite side though!