BHS Instructors Convention
Monday, November 07, 2005
Tim Stockdale makes an impression at The British Horse Society Instructors' Convention
More than 400 instructors attended The British Horse Society 2005 National Instructors' Convention at Manor Farm, Huntingdon where the BHS presented "Show Jumping Explained" with Tim Stockdale providing an insight into his training techniques.
Tim said: "The BHS Instructors present will hopefully wish to incorporate these ideas into their lesson plans to show that working with the simple priorities of balance and rhythm really does work."
Many riders applied to bring their horses to the convention, but only eight could be selected to ride for Tim. They where split into two sessions: the first was for novice horses and the second for those working at or above Newcomers level. Tricia Price of Bedford, rode her horse Goliath in the second session, she said: "It was fantastic: Tim talks a lot of sense. I've had Goliath for seven years and he is an all-round horse. Today I think we really reinforced the basics of riding and we will be able to move on from here. I would certainly like another lesson with Tim."
In the afternoon, Tim entertained the crowds by riding a six-year-old grade C mare Cassia. He showed how grid work helps to improve balance and rhythm whilst helping to build confidence.
Tim's eight-year-old grade A stallion Primus, which he has had for just four months was in the spotlight next. In the short time Tim has been riding the stallion, Primus has made enormous improvements. "I concentrated on this horse's flatwork initially. He was very one sided when I got him. Today I used him to demonstrate how gymnastic exercises can really make a horse use itself through its shoulder over the fences," he said.
Tim closed the convention by answering questions from the audience before saying: "I enjoyed imparting the way I train to these skilled BHS instructors. It is really straightforward: the quality of the canter, levelness of the stride pattern, with a smooth rhythm and good balance are what enable horses to jump fences to the best of their ability."
