IMPROVE YOUR JUMPING POSITION WITH SHOWJUMPER BEX MASON

Do you need to hone your jumping position? As Derriere’s showjumping ambassador, I have some tips! It can be tricky to find that perfect leg position, and many of us have our stirrups a little too short - you will need to have quite short stirrups, especially as the fences rise in height, in order to give you the required shock absorption through the ankle joint. Your stirrups need to be short enough so that you can comfortably get your seat out of the saddle, allowing your horse to bascule through your legs. Your heels must stay down, and you need to have a bend in the knee, keeping your lower leg position ‘anchored’.

Practise your position

           

Because we use our jumping position for only a few seconds at a time, it can be difficult to master. Familiarise yourself by taking your jumping position when schooling on the flat, without jumps. A common mistake is to allow your lower leg to swing too far back, inadvertently encouraging your horse to speed up. Keeping the weight into your stirrups with your heels well down should prevent this happening. Over a fence, really focus on keeping the weight down into your heels, and do consider your upper body - if it is too far forward, e.g. if you lean forward too early, you may get catapulted forward, and your heels will rise. It is usually better from a safety perspective to be behind the movement that in front of it!

When training, I like to use bounce fences, where the horse will not put any strides between each jump, maintaining the jumping position throughout a grid. Start by setting out canter poles and if the distance is correct for you, it will be about the same for bounce jumps. One non-jumping stride is approx 7.5m, and two non-jumping strides approx 10.7m, but this is totally variable! Ask a friend to assist by moving the poles and adjusting them for you, and putting back any knocked poles, or work with your instructor. Try to keep the lower leg still, and think of the hips as acting like a ‘hinge’.

The show jumping position needs to be quite versatile - riders jumping higher showjumping fences are often seen in unusual positions when they ride against the clock, for example leaning to one side of the saddle, or pushing off from the ball of their foot to gain balance if the horse cat leaps. This means they need to have optimum foot stability, as the ankle acts like a spring for the rider’s limb, and must not collapse. Although all riders are different, the predominant style for event riders’ positions over XC fences currently seems to be more ‘chair’ shaped than when tackling arena fences, with the lower leg quite far forward, and the rider’s body weight further back with the heels well down as an ‘anchor’.

Either way, e.g. whatever your discipline, we can all improve our strength and stability through lunge lessons, which helps to mobilise and open the hips. Remember your comfy riding underwear too!

About Bex

Bex has worked for many years breaking in horses and competing at an international level with elite riders such as Tina and Graham Fletcher (GB), Ludo Philleaperts (BEL), Steve Cohan (NZ) and Viki Roycroft (AUS). Bex specialises in producing competition horses. “I find myself expressing love for my Derrieres daily,” Bex says of the underwear range. “I openly discuss the results and versatility of the products, whether it’s to customers at my yard, or fellow competitors at shows; I don’t even realise I’m doing it - these pants change riders’ lives!” 

"I would not be without my derrières they're an essential to my everyday and competition life. A day in the saddle calls for them, what ever your discipline. derrieres will help you perfect that perfect seat maintain comfort and support throughout your time in the saddle.  I've recommended the fab range to many equestrian friends from international polocross players to hardy seasoned hunters all with raving feedback!! Who would've thought we all needed such an innovative stylish undergarment, lessens the grind of our day, especially as the winter has set in, my behind is cared for. perfect pressie that will be with you for life not just for Christmas, proof is in the pudding after all

ALL ABOUT THE GAITS BY EVENTER DAISY BERKELEY DERRIERE EQUESTRIAN SPONSORED RIDER

All of us that ride horses know about the three main gaits, and how to ride each of them. But how often do we actually think about the gaits, and how our riding influences them? It may be second nature to us now, but it warrants some further thought, in order to maximise our effectiveness in the saddle.

First of all, let’s look at the difference between a gait and a pace - a gait is a type of movement, or a ‘way of going’, e.g. walk, trot and canter, while the pace is more about the speed within the gait - e.g. collected or medium walk. Within a gait, we can break it down to the footfall sequence, the beat, the stride, and any moments of suspension.

Walk

Walk is a four beat gait with the footfalls following one another - so, inside hind, inside fore, outside hind, outside fore. At the walk, the horse will always have one foot raised, although each horse’s way of going differs slightly, notably by breed. So, what should we be doing as a rider in walk? Whatever your discipline you will be seeking a forward-going walk, so the horse is ‘marching’ out.

If the rider is ‘nagging’ with their legs and frequently asking the horse to walk on, their position may be compromised, and the horse isn’t really attentive. You should be using a definite squeeze with the lower leg backed up with a tap of your whip, if required. You should be sitting tall and absorbing the movement through your hips and pelvis, with the weight down into your stirrups. The horse is moving its head forwards and backwards, and you should be ‘giving’ in the contact, to allow for this movement. When walking downhill, this is a good time to really focus on the horse’s movement, as it is exaggerated - can you feel the movement through your hips and lower back - are you mobilising with the horse?

Trot

Trot is a two beat gait where diagonal leg of pairs move simultaneously, followed by a moment of suspension. If you’re in rising trot, you are sitting and then rising with each diagonal pair. Are your hips moving upwards and forwards, with a thrusting motion, rather than a directly ‘up and down’ movement? Try to keep the lower leg still, to aid a rhythmical rising motion, and sit on the correct diagonal, eg. sitting as the inside hind leg and outside fore hit the ground. In sitting trot,  remember that a braced back and less flexible pelvis leads to a stilted movement, so try to mobilise your lower back! Work without stirrups helps.

Canter

This three-time gait involves the hind leg striking off, followed by the inside hind and outside fore together as a pair, then the inside fore, followed by a moment of suspension. Canter is easier to sit to than trot, for most people - let your upper body remain in neutral, e.g. still and balanced, and allow your hips and pelvis to swing - your core will be supporting your upper body. The muscles moving and supporting your hip joints must remain relaxed and flexible, so they can absorb the horse's own hip and pelvis movements. Try not to hollow your back! This can ‘drive’ the canter forward unintentionally.

  

 

Remember, when the rider is comfortable within the saddle, they can move more easily with the horse’s gait.  Bear in mind also that a good sports bra is essential, in order to both carry and open the shoulders!

Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Rider Daisy Berkeley is an event rider and alumni of British teams, including the 2008 Olympics, where the Brits placed third. Daisy’s top results in 2016 included a top fifteen placing in the three star class at Bramham with ‘Strike Smartly’, and a second place at Houghton with ‘Ballinteskin Cooper S’ in the one star CCI. Daisy is an experienced eventer with top rides having included Springbok and Spring Along. She has a promising string of youngsters that she is currently producing.

“Derriere underwear is fabulous; discreet and very comfortable,” Daisy says. “The breeches are extremely smart and very flattering. Excitingly, I have started to get into yoga. When I heard that Mark Todd is quite a follower, and remains supple at his age, I thought I would give it a go! It has made a great difference to my core strength, balance and flexibility. When I combine this with my wonderful Derriere clothing, I hope to have that edge we are all looking for, so roll on next season!”

Team Derriere Equestrian are behind Daisy all the way for the 2017 season and wish her every success.

Empowering Riders To Feel Confident, Comfortable, Stylish and Healthy in their Sporting Underwear

Ultimate Comfort For The Perfect Seat

www.derriereequestrian.com 

LOUIS & ROMEO ON THEIR ADVENTURES

Hello my name is Louis Richard  I live in a pretty little house with stables, with my Mum and my big Brother Edward. I have 3 horses my Mum and my brother spoil me with help.  I have been lucky to have the most amazing horses. 

 

My passion is my horses and I am determined to make it my career.

Romeo he’s my new boy 18h 12 years old Warmblood 

Aqua   she’s a super mare that I hope will have some foals for me for the future

Oxo    he is about 16.1 Zangersheide  stallion,  he is very new to the show jumping but very brave have got a lot of work to do but feels exciting.

I took a selfie when i was at a show the other day to meet up with some friends I asked for a selfie with Puis Schwizer ( I know amazing right) one of the top show jumpers in the world !

Yesterday I did a photo shoot, one of our close family friends was the photographer for the day (so grateful) here are some pictures .

I was wearing breeches and special rider’s boxer shorts from derriere a new company that my mum is stocking and selling, She did a lot of research because I get really bad rubs and sore from breeches and pants when I am riding. 

  

They were really comfy for me makes the biggest difference , I will keep you posted how I get on.

Thanks for reading my blog 

Louis 

DRESSAGE BY DESIGN IRELAND - THE PLACE TO PURCHASE YOUR DERRIERES!

I have a massive hatred of underpants when it comes to horse riding. Unless they are suspended under your feet, cross-threaded to each leg and hung from your bra, they have a tendency to attempt a gynaecological examination at high speed.

I had mentioned this to Collette, owner of Dressage by Design and she had told me (really it was more of a nagging) that I should get myself a pair of the Derrière Equestrian underpants. I was not too convinced, however after a wrestling match similar to the epic fail of Zoolander trying to remove his jocks from under his trousers I finally submitted to Collette’s suggestion of a solution.

Driving to the yard with my padded behind, I was still a little unsure. I asked my husband if he could see my padded booty and after much examination he didn’t notice they were there. Truthfully I think he was delighted I was giving him permission to look at my bum. Poor Michael who works in our yard had the terrifying task of taking photos of my bum to prove you can’t see it… sorry to all the viewers here.

I was so unbelievably sceptical about these padded panties but, I am a total convert. The padding is amazing when it comes to the, all too close contact, of the dressage saddle. For the first time in months my foofoo was unscathed following an hour of half pass and sitting trot. When it came to the collected canter work it was amazing, I was cushioned and protected like a princess, my delicates were treated so delicately. So confidant in my cushioned undies, I have even gone for a forty minute hack in walk and have not needed an icepack when I arrived back at the yard.

The whole time I rode and wandered around the yard they never budged or attempted to go north. I tried the briefs and loved the wide waist band, however, I felt that I would possibly have been more comfortable in the boy pants for the feeling of ‘security’.

So to conclude, the Derriere equestrian underpants are comfortable and don’t show under your jodhpurs. The pretty pink padding cushions your bum and lady garden, making riding with your seat less like a negative experience with a belt sander and more like silk knickers and summer breeze. Because the padding is so well engineered it doesn’t try to go crawling where it really shouldn’t. And finally as an added bonus (and this is huge considering its 3 degrees outside a the moment) it keeps your bum all cosy against the cold. They come in a range of sizes, colours and shapes including a G-string style.

You do need to look after your heavenly underpants, and you will want to too. They need to be washed at 30 on a delicate wash and if you can I would hand wash them. Use gentle detergents, avoid fabric softeners and wash as soon as you can – all this will help keep the integrity of the set foam. Remember too they won’t fare well in the dryer either, so treat them as delicately as the place they are used for.

Thanks Collette for recommending these and twisting my arm (or untwisting my knickers), I will be back to Dressage by Design ASAP to buy me a truck load of those heavenly pants!

2016 SHOW JUMPING SEASON ROUND UP – BEX MASON DERRIERE EQUESTRIAN SPONSORED RIDER

Bex Mason Show Jumping Season Round Up

We are excited to introduce a new sponsored rider who is extremely active in the equine field. A talented show jumper and professional trainer, step forward - Bex Mason.

‘As we settle into winter, horses are getting clipped and progress has been made prepping for the indoor season. I’m sitting here in my padded shorty’s reflecting on the past few weeks and how Derriere underwear has literally supported me along the way.

I’ve seen some revelations in the horses that I currently own, and am making clear progress to achieve our collective goals.

I find myself expressing love for my Derrieres daily. I openly discuss the results and versatility of the range. Whether it’s to customers at my yard or fellow competitors at shows, I don’t even realise I’m doing it, these pants change riders lives, and feeling truly is believing.

We’ve had super results with our team of horses recently. VDL Clover and Miserden Imprezza both qualified for the BlueChip Championships 2017 on their first attempt!  I was sporting my gorgeous Cannes Competition Breeches on both occasions, combined with DE seamless pants and Derriere G on the second occasion. I’m not hugely superstitious but they have now proven to be, and are officially my lucky pants and breeches! Qualifiers go on until spring so getting this done so early on only allows me to focus on other goals to keep moving forward.

In fact, we have won 8 classes in total and over 15 placings since the support of Derriere Equestrian, so you have directly enhanced my performance.

As I look to the future I am re-structuring my business to allow my ultimate objectives to fall into place. It’s becoming super clear where my focus needs to be. Claire Galer, Managing Director of Derriere Equestrian is a true inspiration as a business owner.  To watch her focus, drive and passion proves that dreams and success can be achieved when there is a belief and targeted action at their seat. I know that Claire developing Derrieres for riders is an outstanding revelation within the whole riding industry.

Every morning my ‘jods’ do not go on without a pair of Derrieres beneath. Without realising, I’ve made this my routine and genuinely panic if I can’t find my Derrieres! I’ve been totally blemish free from the grind of 9 horses daily. Whether I’m a tad hot and bothered or cold and damp, no conditions have caused discomfort while wearing them.

So, a couple of rumours I’m putting to rest ‘does my bum look big in this?’ the padded panty’s and shorty’s really are incredible.  I’ve had people say.. ”You can’t be wearing your Derrieres you don’t have a J-lo bum!” ha, they are so so discreet and totally hidden from view, feels like sitting on a soft cushion with absolutely no bulk. No other product comes close in the comfort stakes. These combined with the Treviso Training Breeches are the perfect combination for the colder days ahead. I’m certainly not worried about winter #doublederriere!

This year I was lucky enough to meet another inspirational hero, the one and only Olympic Gold medallist Nick Skelton, who is proof that with hard work, determination and a team of believers behind you - incredible and unbelievable results can be achieved. Nick is an individual Olympic gold medallist, a true horseman, and a humble hero. I lapped up the opportunity to attend the British Show Jumping Awards Ball to meet the man himself and celebrate his achievements in Rio. Meeting and surrounding myself with fellow go-getters just triggered more excitement in me for the sport and further underpins my passion to achieve future goals.’

‘Roll on the indoor season!!! #dareyourderriere’

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GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS AT THE BETA CONFERENCE 2016

Derriere Equestrian Talk Shop With Key Industry Figures

Every vibrant industry of note usually has the backing of a great supporting trade body, and the equestrian industry is no exception. BETA, The British Equestrian Trade Association works to support its 800 plus members in their efforts to achieve the highest level of repute, knowledge and profitability.

On Monday 7th November, Derriere Equestrian founder Claire Galer, and Sales & Marketing Manager Heidi Parker joined their yearly conference held near Coventry.  This years’ theme was ‘The Bottom Line,’ and delegates from across the UK gathered to network with colleagues to listen to expert advice and handy tips from a panel of top-flight business professionals. BETA’s Chris Gordon chaired proceedings where Derriere Equestrian caught up with other friends of the industry who attended the event including Classic Dressage, Horse & Country TV, and Equestrian Trade News.

Vale Brothers' managing director, Peter Wilkes, was first to take the podium, speaking about his self-imposed challenge to jump a 70cm fence after only 10 riding lessons. The self-confessed adrenaline junky said that the achievement had left him looking for another equestrian adventure.

Ray Armes, founder of creative agency Touch of Mojo,  and known as ‘the magician man’ explored the concept of building a brand and urged delegates to use theirs as a lighthouse to reveal their world views, rather than focusing solely on the products they offer. Working with mega-brands such as Unilever, both Ray and Derriere Equestrian understand the importance of innovation and creativity in the marketing mix, and that customer needs should flow like oxygen through the lifeblood of every company.

Claire Williams, Chief Executive of BETA spoke about their plans to expand on market research and provide further data for industry use, vital for highlighting industry trends, growth and future opportunities. Some of BETA’s main achievements over the past 30 years include the development of BETA International as a world respected trade exhibition, with the next event taking place on 22nd-24th January at the NEC, Birmingham. While their recent #gethorsey campaign has encouraged more than 3,300 would-be riders to sample life in the saddle, discovering the sense of grounding, and sheer pleasure equestrian sports offer.

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SHOW DATES FOR SHOPPERS CHRISTMAS 2016 DON'T MISS THE UK'S LARGEST EQUINE SHOPPING EVENTS OF THE YEAR!

Your Horse Live launches on the 12-13th November at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire

A shopping extravaganza, bursting at the seams with over 350 shopping stands offering great bargains for you and your horse, watch breathtaking performances from the World’s best riders & performers at YHL. Meet and greet celebrities such as Charlotte Dujardin & Geoff Billington. Visit gorgeous horses in need of new homes in the Rescue Village, soak up expert advice from top equine specialists in the Equine Learning Zone and much, much more!

Derriere Equestrian are delighted to be supporting their retailer Wychanger Barton Saddlery & the Inches Saddlery team at the event. They are one of the UK's leading equestrian retailers, and pride themselves on their tradition of providing high quality products, excellent customer service and exceptional value for money.

Wychanger is well known for its saddlery roots, having been based and running in the Devon/Somerset area for the last 25 years, Roy and Jeanette Male have owned Wychanger for 10 years, and in this time the business has grown and flourished into new areas of the equestrian industry.Their most notable new development in the last 10 years has been at shows. They are now one of the biggest show unit retailers in the country, attending around 28-30 shows every year, including all of the UK's major equestrian events, such as Badminton Horse Trials, Burghley Horse Trials, Horse of The Year Show and Olympia.

At the show, shoppers will be able to purchase their luxury Derrieres just in time for Christmas.Perfectly giftable, our beautifully packaged rider base wear will satisfy even the most discerning recipients. Choose from our iconic padded or non-padded range, for ultimate comfort, sculpting, shapewear. Your perfect seat is here. Shop the collection.

Olympia – The London International Horse Show – 13th to 19th December

One of the key UK equestrian events, and billed as the World’s best equestrian Christmas party, Olympia is the only UK Show to host all three FEI World CupTM Qualifiers in Dressage, Show Jumping and Driving. Each performance includes an equestrian competition along with a variety of displays from around the World.

Olympia’s Shopping Village offers a smorgasbord of equine delights, and boasts over 250 shops. Seek out the new boutique stores on your visit to Olympia, but don’t forget those old favorites and well-known brands. Take your time to soak up lashings of fashion, gifts, and equestrian essentials.

Olympic equine star, Valegro, will be appearing alongside Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester. Valegro’s official retirement from competition will take place in the Grand Hall on Wednesday 14 December. The sold out retirement ceremony will follow the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle competition in what promises to be an emotional evening for Valegro fans.

Don’t forget to visit Derriere Equestrian who will again be supporting their retailer Wychanger Barton Saddlery & the Inches Saddlery team at the event.

SHOP THE COLLECTION - DERRIEREEQUESTRIAN.COM

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LINDSAY GRAHAM DERRIERE EQUESTRIAN DOTY2016 IRELAND WINNER TELLS US HOW SHE KEEPS HER BODY IN SHAPE

Lindsay Graham tells us how she keeps her body in shape

Lindsay Graham is an Irish event rider who has competed up to three star level, show-jumped to 1.35m, and is a renowned producer and coach, teaching riding club and pony club teams for eventing, dressage and show jumping. Over the past two years, she’s had first placings at Annaharvey Horse Trials with Shanbeg Pandora in the 90cm, as well as at Lisgarvan House’s prestigious HSI Mares five and six year old Championship with one of her top rides, Graf Maypole. Lindsay has also had several recent top ten placings at one star level with both Graf Maypole and Clooncalagy Knight. Lindsay was the well-deserved Derriere Equestrian ‘Face of Ireland’ Derriere of the Year (DOTY) Winner for 2016 /17, so we asked her to write a blog for us based on her own experience of keeping in good health and maintaining riding fitness!

Fitness and mobility

Lindsay says that before she set up her business Shanbeg Sports Horses, she played rugby and also took up kick boxing. The latter she was obviously very good at, as Lindsay still holds two national kick boxing titles. However, like many of us, she admits to suffering with back pain sometimes, so advocates physiotherapy sessions to help maintain fitness and mobility. “All event riders have had falls, strains and injuries over the years, so it is quite common to find that the more experienced riders have ongoing, chronic back or mobility issues - my physio cites reduced hip mobility, tightness in the shoulders, poor core strength and lower back fatigue as being the most common issues seen by eventers,” Lindsay tells us. “It is useful for riders to do some warm up exercises before getting on their horse or pony to ride - squats, as if you are sitting down in an imaginary chair, and spinal rolls, e.g. bending slowly down towards your toes, and back up again, are both great exercises for riders to mobilise the joints and muscles ahead of riding.”

Lindsay has between ten to sixteen horses at her busy yard to work and manage, so she says that the daily chores, including mucking out, help to keep her fit, while all that riding maintains muscle memory and a strong core. We asked Lindsay for her top tips for maintaining back health as an eventer:

“Remember that a healthy, mobile back is essential for your riding position – if you are experiencing soreness or tension, it will immediately transmit to your horse or pony. Try and maintain good posture at all times when at the yard, for example, using your core muscles to help carry hay bales, or carrying water buckets on both sides; not just your strong arm, which is usually our right arm,” she advises. “I’d also a recommend not carrying more than you have to at the yard or when at shows; invest in a trolley for heavy items.”

Heaven to ride in

Achieving a healthy, mobile back to optimise your riding position is all well and good - but what if you are riding your horse or pony ‘defensively’, in order to avoid personal discomfort in your nether regions?! Discomfort can be caused by a hollowing of the back, or a general immobility in the lower back, which causes a forward-tipping motion, and sometimes by wearing underwear beneath your breeches that has stitched seams. “It is important to be able to mobilise your pelvic area, to really use your seat effectively. Consider padded underwear like items from the Derriere range; remember, when the rider is comfortable in the saddle, there is less likelihood of compensatory misalignment of the spine and pelvis. I spend hours on end riding horses, so to be comfortable in my riding attire is so important to me,” Lindsay continues. “For example, the Derriere breeches have great stretch and comfort, while the Derriere padded panty is just heaven to ride in!”

Derriere breeches, Derriere padded panty, eventer, event rider, Shanbeg Sports Horses, riding, riding position, horse, pony, mucking out, Lindsay Graham

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Derriere Equestrian® has brought together innovation, science and style to develop the perfect equestrian riding underwear. The Derriere Equestrian® concept is driven from years of research, experience and exploration of the use of underwear and padded pa

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2016 ENDURANCE SEASON ROUND UP – KATIE BEDWIN DERRIERE EQUESTRIAN SPONSORED RIDER

2016 Endurance Season Round Up – Katie Bedwin

I cannot believe it’s already the middle of October, 1151 successful kilometres ridden this season, but where has the time gone! I’ve now started studying paediatric nursing at the University of Brighton, so I’m now readjusting mine and my horses’ routine’s to fit with my new timetable. I’m very glad that I made the decision to go to university in Brighton, so I could continue living at home and keep the horses going.

This season has been one of the busiest yet, and I am finding now that despite my unit work, I still have a lot of free time at weekends! I’ve been very fortunate to ride some very special horses this year; Elayla, Burfield Goodie Two Shoes, Penhwnllys Samala De Mons and Nahzira bint Chantanz, and although they had very different goals, they have been achieved and then some!

Burfield Goodie Two Shoes, has defied all odds and is qualified for the 2017 World endurance championships for young riders in Italy, after completing her two CEI 2** 120km rides, with a 1st at Kings Forest and 8th at Euston Park. She has also had good placing’s/grading’s in all of her other competitions this season, including her first ever Red Dragon experience, where she was 8th in the Little Dragon 80km class.

Layla’s season plan has been the most difficult this year, at times it felt like every ride I entered was cancelled/changed! But she had a brilliant run at Royal Windsor CEI 2** 120km, where she placed 22nd, the 3rd GB combination home and I was the first young rider home. Layla also went on to win the 80km National race at Kings Forest in the summer, she led from the start and it was one of those races, where everything seems to go to plan – and this doesn’t happen often!  Layla has also been instrumental in taking my young horses out this season, she is a brilliant confidence giver and has gained the top grading, even though she thought it was boring being a nanny!

Nahzira bint Chatanz has been with us since she was 6 months old, but it is still daunting when you enter their first ever endurance ride. I had no need to worry because Izzy has taken her three novice rides in her stride, and the atmosphere did not bother her in the slightest. She has now upgraded to open level for 2017, and has her first 40km qualifier under her belt, to start her pathway to FEI.

I am very fortunate to have the ride of Penhwnllys Samala De Mons, a mare who I backed at three years old and has subsequently returned to me to complete her first few longer rides. Marley has a lot of potential, and her owner was keen for her to fulfil this, so we started her on the FEI ladder after completing her last 80km qualifier. She was 2nd in the CEI 1* at Kings Forest, and this was a great start to her FEI career. Unfortunately, the CEI 2* we had aimed for was cancelled, so we will have to wait till 2017 to obtain her next qualification.

I could not ask any more from my horses, but I equally could not achieve what I have without my support team and sponsors. Every mile I have competed this season, at home and in competition has been with my Derriere’s on...basically because I can’t bring myself to ride in anything else anymore! The Derriere Equestrian underwear meets the needs of every rider by combining comfort with style, and once you’ve tried them you won’t look back. A personal favourite of mine are the ‘DE Padded Performance Panty’, but I cannot wait to try the new DE sports bra’s!

So whilst I watch the horses’ grazing in the field, on their winter breaks, my thoughts turn the 2017 season. Now this will obviously be my first season with juggling university and endurance – but I am not worried, I have coped through GCSE’s and A levels, a degree will be a breeze….! I’m always getting asked how I juggle my studies and sport, so I have written some tips below, I’m no expert, but they help me!

Tips on how to juggle university studying and sport training;

Be organised; you don’t want to let your studies or your sport down, so keep an up to date diary of lectures, meetings and assignment deadlines. It’s then easier for you to see when you can fit in training.

Manage your time wisely; Time is precious, you don’t want to waste an hour and then regret it! Ensuring you allow enough time each week for social and downtime is really important, and key to a happy and healthy body.

 Do not procrastinate; Complete your assignments when they are set, not last minute! Poor planning leads to undue stress, and missed training sessions.

Take advantage of days off and gaps between lectures; It is very tempting to do nothing, but it is also just as easy to get ahead of your work, making your life easier over the next few weeks.

Sport is great for study breaks; Instead of using social media or watching TV. Use sport as a way of escaping from your work, it is great for the body and mind, as it gets you in the fresh air and thinking about something completely different.

Talk; Universities/schools understand the demands of sport, and how it can affect your studies. If you are honest with them, then in my experience they will give you a lot of support in juggling the two aspects.

Take time out; If you manage your time, then it should be easy for you to spend time not doing sport or studying – and this is very important, trust me!

 Katie Bedwin Major Endurance Results 2014 – 2016

Haywood Oaks – CEI 1* 90km 5th with Burfield Goodie Two Shoes

Kings Forest – CEI 2* 120km 1st with Burfield Goodie Two Shoes

Windsor – CEI 2* 120km 22nd with Elayla – 3rd GB rider home and top Young Rider

Kings Forest – 80km National Race 1st with Elayla

Kings Forest – CEI 1* 80km 2nd with Penhwnllys Samala de Mons

Pilgrims Trail – 80km National Race 1st with Burfield Goodie Two Shoes

Euston Park – CEI 2* 120km 8th with Burfield Goodie Two Shoes

Red Dragon – 80km National Race 8th with Burfield Goodie Two Shoes

DERRIERE EQUESTRIAN COFFEE BREAK WITH ERIN ORFORD

Dressage to music tips from Grade Two National Champ,

Erin Orford

Derriere-sponsored rider Erin Orford has been competing in dressage both Nationally and Internationally for over 10 years, and has ridden up to Advanced Medium at Regional level. She contests para-dressage competitions at grade two level, and recently defended her KBIS Para Gold Grade Two title on Annabel Whittet’s Dimaggio mare, Dior, or Pimms, at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships.

We have to start our chat by mentioning the Paralympics, which Erin is always inspired by. In 2004, she went out to Athens to watch the Paralympic Games. “Watching the British team win Gold was incredible and I suddenly realised that this is what I wanted to do,” she tells us. The 2016 Paralympics were a triumph for Great Britain, so we asked Erin, who was a nominated entry on the long-list for 2016 and was selected as non-travelling reserve, what it would mean to be selected for Tokyo 2020. “The Olympics and Paralympics are the pinnacle of every athlete's career, and for me it's no different; I’d be honoured to be selected,” she says.

Musicality

Erin is a fan of dressage to music, saying it incorporates so many extra factors in terms of dressage competition, and is a real skill and discipline in itself. “It is a good opportunity to really show off your horse’s strengths,” she says. “You must show all the required movements described in the British Dressage test sheet for your chosen level, but you can also use additional movements currently in use in tests at this level; I have just started contesting elementary. It is so much fun, and there are lots of dressage to music CDs available with suitable music to ride to. An easy way to start is to search i-tunes for songs that suit you and your horse; it is then fun to play them as you watch a video of you riding your test; or, you could just play the song at home, as you run a metronome at your horse’s relevant beats per minute, or BPM - there are free metronomes online. You can easily work out the BPMs for your horse by videoing him, and counting the footfalls in each pace, in each minute,” Erin adds.

We asked Erin why she enjoys dressage to music so much. “When you break it down, it's a chance to show off your horse's strengths. My current music was put together professionally by Julie Geraghty from Equivisions. We worked on trying to find something that wasn't too heavy for Pimms, as she's quite light footed.”

Erin and Pimms recently contested their first Elementary freestyle routine at Bury Farm Equestrian Village, and enjoyed the experience. “Pimms strutted her stuff in the trot and the walk elements at Bury Farm, but unfortunately the judge spotted me walking during some of the compulsory canter movements. I'll be more subtle next time,” she jokes. 

“It has been important for us to get the right balance musically, without it sounding like background music - I like a combination of crescendos and quieter areas of music,” Erin continues. “I find that I tend to ride to the music quite a lot when I am training, so I make sure that the music I use makes this work in my favour - in the past, I've found that if I have anything that's too quick, I can over ride, so I keep that in mind when choosing music,” she adds.

As a bi-lateral through knee amputee, Erin has no lower legs, making her seat extra important throughout all of her practise and training for dressage competitions. “My Derriere undies are invaluable!” Erin says. “They really help me to sit deeply, and mobilise my back and torso, and relax my pelvis.”

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