BRIEF ENCOUNTER
Bex Mason has worked for many years breaking in horses and competing at an international level with elite riders such as Tina and Graham Fletcher, and Ludo Philleaperts. Bex specialises in producing competition horses, and has a strong team of up-and-coming, world class equine competitors. She runs popular showjumping clinics in Gloucestershire, and is the current Myloplast Foxhunter Masters National Champion with her ride Vancurtis, or Kimmy.
Bex Mason is the epitome of the hard-working showjumper, regularly taking multiples of horses to shows up and down the country, and heading to sunnier climes in Europe early spring. A busy schedule of producing and competing horses, peppered with occasional showjumping clinics when time allowed, was the norm for Bex until the end of 2019.
Time to reflect
A routine
ankle operation in December came at the right time for Bex, at a quieter time
of year, but it was not a time for festivities, as David Fudge, owner and
breeder of horses including Bex’s top ride, Kimmy, very sadly passed away just
after Christmas. 2019 had seen a very successful year for Bex and David, with
wins on a number of his horses under Bex’s care at events including HOYS and
Hickstead, and the prestigious Foxhunter Masters National Championship. His
passing was a terrible blow to Bex. A freak fall in February 2020 saw the
showjumper tear both ankle ligaments, so when lockdown came around, in some
ways, she must have been ready to pause and take time to reflect, and slow down
her busy schedule.
The resulting months in lockdown have been revelatory for Bex, allowing her to train at home, invest time in her coaching business, and devote time to self care and development.
She has subsequently
spent the spring and summer working on the horses’ training, notably with her
top ride, Kimmy, now part-owned by Bex, since David Fudge’s family gifted a
half share in the horse to her.
Incremental improvements
“After my
fall, I ended up doing lots of work without stirrups, focussing on my core – I
am now so much stronger! I did lots of schooling and also safe hacking without
stirrups,” she explains. As part of her rider performance programme with
Hartpury College, Bex has been working with senior equine science lecturer and
osteopath, Liz Launder. “I regularly do exercises from the rider performance
programme, which help give me incremental riding improvements; I work on my
core, incorporating yoga stretches and working on my proprioception and
flexibility,” Bex continues. “It’s all rider-focussed, so you perform the
correct riding exercises out of the saddle; I have set routines that also help
my ankle strength. Rider fitness and balance can be the decider between being
placed or not – for example, if I land too much to the right with my bodyweight
after a jump, and I need to turn left, that’s half a second gone. The programme
has helped me immensely,” she says.
Appreciating the small things in life
Bex has also
been working on her own mental health of late. “Every morning I wake up especially
a little earlier, to meditate, and do some affirmations and journaling. I like
to appreciate the little things in life – it gives me a really good start to
the day,” she explains.
Bex’s horses have not been resting on their laurels either, during lockdown – normally the youngsters would be contesting age classes, but Bex says as they still have lots of growing to do, the lockdown period has allowed them valuable growing time. “Longevity is everything – there’s no rush for them,” Bex states.
Taking a step back
Aside from
the rewarding riding, Bex has seen her coaching business take off in 2020.
“It’s given me a whole new perspective in terms of my business. “There’s a lot
of ‘fluff’ in our usual lives, so it has been good to take a step a step back
and see everything more clearly. It’s helped me see what’s important, and the
balance I have now what I have always dreamed of; good horses, good people,
living my dream,” she explains. “With lockdown, some horses got sent home to
their owners, so I had my four that I own, or part own, and more time on my
hands. I got together with my friend Rachel, who also grooms for me, and we
started the clinics – I am so enjoying the coaching,” Bex says. “This year has
reignited my passion for training, and I feel like I have a really good balance
of riding and coaching now,” Bex concludes.
Ultimate comfort
For ultimate comfort in the saddle, so
you’re not thinking about discomfort when trying to hone your sitting trot, try
the Derriere Equestrian DE SPORT Seamless Shorty, in male and female designs,
designed to eradicate seamlines visible through breeches, and ensure no
rubbing, chaffing or abrasions. The new, integrated waistband further ensures
no restriction or discomfort for the wearer. Visit http://www.derriereequestrian.com.
“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!”
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