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S HOW - J UM P I NG
In the sport of show-jumping how do training
and talent influence 'peak performance'?
Andrew James DipWCF,
Show-jumper and farrier, Bodmin, Cornwall
A potential show-jumper should have a
good natural rhythm and conformation;
some just find it easier than others. A horse
with a good mental attitude and enthusiasm
for work makes them easier to train and
allows for better performance. At the end
of the day the horse has to perform for
2 minutes so everything is aimed at peak
physical performance and power for a
short period of time.
Most young horses are started at three years
old with predominantly flatwork, jumping
starting at home as a four year old with the
aim to be competing as a four and a half
year old. Perhaps we are pushing these
horses too hard too quickly but they have to
be pushed in order to get to the stage that's
expected of them.
As a show-jumper I focus on the back
end, the most important gait is canter
and I work on lots of length followed by
collection. It is important to maintain
variation in their work in order to keep
them fresh.
What role does physiotherapy play in achieving
show-jumping ‘peak performance’?
Louise Towl BSc(Hons) MCSP PG Dip Vet phys ACPAT,
Chartered Veterinary Phyisotherapist, Devon
Whether show-jumping is your hobby or
livelihood, achieving the best performance
each time you compete is important.
Having the help of a Chartered Veterinary/
Animal Physiotherapist can be very
important. Detection of small problems
can prevent them from becoming major
problems, and seemingly minor
weaknesses or asymmetries in the horse's
way of working can be corrected.
Horses’ like people, are usually slightly
one sided. So, for example, by improving
flexibility or strength, the ability to turn
tightly into a fence or shorten/lengthen
for difficult distances can be improved.
Manual treatments and regular stable
exercises are important, but schooling
exercises such as rein-back into trot, turn on
the forehand and more challenging pole
exercises are excellent for strength and
co-ordination. For more specific muscle or
joint targeting, taping and theraband can
be utilised to great effect, but should not
be used without prior guidance.
EQUINE MATTERS
12
What role does farriery play in achieving
show-jumping 'peak performance'?
Most show-jumpers have good hoof
quality as they are well managed and
well fed. Their general management
means they don't really lose shoes so
you can often shoe with good length,
width and support.
Foot balance is key to achieving peak
performance; foot balance is the state
whereby the hoof wall, sole, frog and
bars are prepared so that an equilibrium
exists around the DIP joint, with a shoe
placed on the foot, providing maximum
base of support while still minimising
stresses and leverages to the lower
limb, both statically and dynamically.
Clearly, poor foot balance will alter the
stresses and leverages through the limb
leading to a reduction in performance.
Studs are essential for show-jumping,
usually two in each unless they are prone
to treading on themselves. If studs are not
used and they slip this is a common reason
to lose confidence and so a reduction
in performance.
SPRING 2014 ISSUE