Useful Competition Exercise

Today was the last day of the Canadian and Bermuda Para Equestrian training camp. We put a dressage arena up in the lovely main indoor arena at Majestic Farms. All riders rode their freestyles at prescribed times. This meant that the riders had to work out their working in times. This is such an important part of good performance. The horse has to be 'exactly' right. There is a small 'window' where the horses are at the beginning of their best. We are not interested in 'oh, such a pity, the horse warmed up so well and was then disappointing in its test'. Or 'I just needed an extra 5 minutes'. So now the riders have some idea about how much time they need to allow in their warm-ups.

Coaches can only help the riders perform at their best. The riders are ultimately responsible for their individual performances. They need to work out their warm up timetables. The more riders can do for themselves the more 'empowered' they become.

Tara is a Grade 1A rider. This is her first big competition.

Tomorrow we all arrive at WEG. So exciting! So much walking!

Andrea (head coach) and Ashley (Grade 1B rider) eating healthy - so they can eat junk food later! You can see the great rider/coach relationships. Its such fun being involved in the team.

Between packing everything up we managed to have a team photograph.

Then we returned to the hotel and watched the WEG Grand Prix Freestyle on the FEI site. Most inspiring.