Homework Time
Horse Magazine|October 2017

Budding showing stars Catherine Tucker and Quattro have been puting in some homework to ensure they put on a polished performance at their next competition.

Catherine Tucker
Homework Time

Well, what a summer we’ve had – there’s been rain, rain and more rain! Unfortunately, Quattro and I don’t have access to an indoor school so it’s a case of braving the weather or not riding at all. This means our riding efforts have been hampered somewhat.

When the rain stopped for long enough, we spent time in the outdoor arena brushing up on our individual showing routine, and we have also enjoyed some relaxing and sunny evening hacks.

In the arena, straightness has been a focus, and to help with this I’ve been working Quattro over some grids.

Straightness is something we struggle with, as Quatts loses concentration easily and I’m not always on the ball to correct him quickly.

At the first show we went to, we were a little wobbly during our individual show, which made it difficult to display his paces evenly.

Having said that, Quattro is very responsive and performed some nice, obedient transitions in front of the judge, which I believe scored us brownie points.

Another exercise I do regularly is to ride over raised poles on a circle, to work on suppleness.

This story is from the October 2017 edition of Horse Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2017 edition of Horse Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORSE MAGAZINEView All
Take To One Side
Horse Magazine

Take To One Side

Our latest Equilibrium Products Rising Star is Robyn Caterall, who has a passionate for the art of riding side-saddle.

time-read
5 mins  |
Winter 2017
A New Year spectacular
Horse Magazine

A New Year spectacular

Make the New Year a special occasion for the whole family this year, with a trip to the Liverpool International Horse Show. Here’s what’s on offer

time-read
3 mins  |
Winter 2017
Mongolian Adventure
Horse Magazine

Mongolian Adventure

Intrepid traveller Josie Stanford takes an unforgettable trip by horseback into a remote region of Mongolia

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2018
Building On The Basics
Horse Magazine

Building On The Basics

Train your horse sympathetically and get those all-important basic building blocks in place, with the help of top dressage rider Zoe Sleigh

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2018
10 Steps To Jumping Confidence
Horse Magazine

10 Steps To Jumping Confidence

Increase your chances of going clear on the cross-country course with top tips from event rider Austin O’Connor

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2018
10 Essential Winter Feeding Tips
Horse Magazine

10 Essential Winter Feeding Tips

Keep your horse happy, healthy and in good condition with these useful tips from Castle Horse Feed nutritionist Lisa Elliott MSc

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2018
3 Of The Best...Ways To Build A Bond
Horse Magazine

3 Of The Best...Ways To Build A Bond

Strengthen the relationship you have with your horse, with top advice from equine behaviourist and chartered physiotherapist Sue Palmer

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2018
Secure A Sponsor
Horse Magazine

Secure A Sponsor

Get help to achieve your riding and competition goals, and cover some of the costs, by securing sponsorship. Here are some useful tips to get you started...

time-read
8 mins  |
April 2017
Achieve Your Goals
Horse Magazine

Achieve Your Goals

Don’t fall at the first hurdle and fail to meet your goals in 2017. Confidence coach Jenni Winter has some smart advice to keep you on track and increase your chance of success.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2017
Power To The Paces
Horse Magazine

Power To The Paces

Add expression to your horse’s paces by including some medium steps. Not only will this set you up for the higher levels of dressage, but it can help your jumping, too.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2017