Report from the F&I Talland Study Day

“Instinct and feel”.

A WARM March day welcomed us all to The Talland School of Equitation, home of the Hutton equestrian dynasty – which was a welcome surprise following the cold and wet first two months of the year. We were greeted on arrival by Becky Monk BHSI, who, as always, organises a great day, along with Pammy Hutton FBHS and the Talland team. We were given teas/coffees, and a list of the day’s horses. All horses were detailed, including name, age and experience, for the audience, although at the request of Pammy these details were held back from the riding participants to enable a realistic experience of evaluating the horses for the Fellowship Assessment.

We also benefitted from Sam York FBHS, Danny Anholt FBHS and Lisa Morris FBHS being in attendance to support Pammy in delivering the day – or “to rein her in” (her own words). Although as Eric Winter said to me recently, “conversation creates education”, so perhaps we should not be “reining ourselves in” but confident to push the boundaries and realise that controversy develops discussion and learning. Sam York set a positive tone by reminding us that the F&I Association is a professional body and this was a forum in which attendees could and should voice queries openly, without fear of retribution, so any points can be discussed and explored.

In her opening remarks Pammy explained there should be a focus on “instinct and feel”. Emphasis was placed on these two aspects and that these abilities can only be gained through training and more hours in the saddle. Practical experience is required for us to develop these skills and to ensure they are maintained throughout our careers. The development of “feel” is crucial for the rider to evaluate the horse’s level of education and ability, and through correct training riders can develop “instinct” where they respond with the correct aid automatically. Pammy rode at one point during the day and reminded us that she continues to hone her own skills in the saddle, plus competing, so she can relate to others travelling down the centre line to face the judge. Many within the audience commented that we hope, when we are similar ages (I would not ask a lady) to Pammy, we can still work a horse with something approaching the feel and suppleness she exhibited when riding.

In the morning, we were able to watch the eight riders working a range of novice and advanced horses. We saw the riders having time to assess each horse and their level, then progressing on to see what improvement could be made for each equine. A reminder was given that the first ten minutes belonged to the horse, in order to give time to warm up and also let the rider settle in the saddle. Discussion was had around the first horse ridden in the BHSI assessment as the Fellowship does not allow candidates this luxury of having the “discard horse”. Allowing riders time to warm up was an aspect which all assessors should consider as candidates need time to have time to relax into any assessment from Stage 1 to the Fellowship.

Riders were invited to offer feedback on each horse throughout the sessions with the emphasis on keeping comments succinct. It was good advice as it stopped us running out of time, but encouraged the riders to:

Quickly think about the level to which the horse is educated and working towards. What level the horse could realistically compete to and what would be the likely scores?

And crucially:

Assess the horse’s strengths and weaknesses efficiently without giving verbal “war and peace”. A valuable take away was “say the obvious and stop” so you offer the assessor a concise assessment, which then fits with your plan to improve the horse.

Pammy joined the riders at different points during the ridden sessions offering some support and advice on working the horses to improve their way of going. Although as an audience we were not party to these conversations in real time it was great to see how riders improved both their own technique and the horse they were working.

The idea of “get out of the riding school trot” helped us all focus on seeing what the horse could offer as it is easy to get stuck in a ‘nice’ trot, but can we find a ‘good’ trot. I often say “don’t settle for a 6, ride for an 8” which was very applicable, and all the riders rose to the occasion. In her usual style Pammy introduced a few curved balls to the ridden sessions with Pippa El Derby and Annie (a talented Talland student) joining the sessions, for the audience to assess against the school horses. This offered excellent comparisons between the starting point and finished product that we are aiming for long-term; although there may be financial constraints, it does not stop a horse being developed correctly to perform at high level within the competition arena.

The afternoon saw six coaching sessions, with horses and riders being coached up to Prix St Georges. These sessions were overseen by Lisa Morris, Sam York and Danny Anholt who were able to support and offer feedback on each session to the participants. The individuals watching were encouraged to assess the coaching and identify the qualities through key words when they were displayed, for example:

• Inspirational
• Motivational
• Rapport
• Welfare
  Engaging
• Arena position
• Knowledgeable
• Confident

Pammy posed the question ‘what makes a good coach?’ and offered some thoughts on how we become the best coach. Firstly, we must “hold our own in this world”, find our niche and then develop our understanding, to competently coach. Beware of overusing online training, as practical experience is crucial for us to be able to deliver our training effectively in order to develop feel and instinct in our riders. We should always be assessing the welfare of the horse and seeking to train the horse in a way which promotes strengthening and conditioning, so we are “riding the horse sound” and to his benefit. Finally, “be quick”, train your eye so that you spot issues for example the horse changing behind when making the transition from canter to trot, which again comes from experience.

Thanks go to Pammy, the Talland Team and to Lisa, Danny and Sam for supporting the day. Also to the riders and coaches who put themselves forward for the audience to watch throughout the day – I hope they realise that the day would not be possible or offer such insights without them.

Finally, as many will know, Pammy’s mother, Molly Sivewright FBHS, was an avid supporter of our Association and she originally ran these days to support F&I. This continues today with Pammy insisting any profits are given to F&I to continue our activities with the support of Talland School of Equitation.

A wonderful day – thank you to all involved.

Report by Richard Johnston-Smith BHSI