Wow the Judges with Tips from Dressage Trainer, Gareth Hughes

Team silver and bronze dressage medallist, Gareth Hughes very kindly gave us some tips for riders heading to the SEIB Trailblazers Dressage Championships.

Gareth has a lifetime of experience competing at top level dressage and along with Jane Brewers horse, Dv Stenkjers Nadonna represented Britain at the FEI European Dressage Championships in 2013 to take the team bronze medal and in 2014 the pair again represented Britain, this time to take the silver medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.


Gareth said, “The preparation doesn’t change just because you are going to a Championship show.  If your horse is used to hacking out, keep doing that and likewise with all general daily activities.  The show will look different once you get there as it is going to be far bigger than your ordinary show. The main things to concentrate on are focusing on the job and enjoying the experience”.


“If you arrive at the Championship a day or two before you are due to compete, again, do what you would normally do.  Keep the exercise routine similar to what you would do at home.  If your horse isn’t used to being stabled 24 hours a day, it is important to bring him out of his stable more than once a day.  Maybe ride him first thing in the morning and then later on bring him out, even if it is just for a walk round”.

“Finally, you cannot over prepare, do more with your horse if need be.  Most of all, you are at the Championship to both compete and enjoy the experience of doing so”.


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