Getting to know Andrew Stennett

Getting to know you…

We asked trainer Andrew Stennett to share his news and views.

What did you do during the first lockdown of 2020 – and how did you keep the horses ticking over?

Lockdown gave us the chance to reflect and revaluate our goals; for me, the most important thing was keeping humans and horses safe and happy, both mentally and physically.

Now your stables are open again, what do you have in store for clients?

We are delighted to be open again at Grove House Stables Equestrian centre. Our riders have taken part in online competitions and events, including a win at The British Horse Society Riding School Championship. Next year the centre we shall be celebrating 30 years since I started the equestrian centre, and plans are ongoing to celebrate this achievement! We’re also busy coordinating our not-for-profit organisation www.ipegasus.co.uk, which is playing our role in our equestrian community (both onsite and virtually), and reaching out to the wider community. It’s also collaborating with the British Horse Society’s Changing Lives Through Horses programme, which helps individuals make positive changes to their lives.

Have you had much opportunity for riding in recent times?

Sadly 2020 did not involve much opportunity for riding with the challenge of Covid, and developing the new opportunities for the business. However, we have some super young horses which I hope to be involved with in 2021, our anniversary year!

What’s your top tip for improving horse and rider performance?

For me, a great exercise is to video your horse, both ridden and without a rider. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on your combined strengths and weakness before you book a review session with your coach. If you don’t have an assistant to film your riding session, or even a tripod (flexible ones are great, as they can wrap around wings and fences), you can just prop your smart phone in a safe place, as long as it is off the ground (around 4-5 feet), and has a good viewpoint of where you’re riding. (A position at ‘A’ or ‘C’ in the arena is useful – you can then ride a 20m circle at X and can also ride down the centre line towards the camera). Motion track cameras are useful if you’re doing this regularly. Film yourself in all gaits and ride normally, as if the camera wasn’t there. Try to film your horse without a rider too, either loose schooled or lunged, to study his movement and self carriage.

What to look out for when you review your film

·       Firstly, focus on your position. Check out your symmetry coming straight towards the camera – are your hands carried equally, and is the weight balanced in both stirrups? Are both knees relaxed? Remember, this is a dressage judge’s first impression of you.

·       Notice positional issues like slumped shoulders, unstable lower legs or inconsistent rein contact. Also note good elements that you’re pleased with!

·       Compare your riding on both reins, especially before, during and after transitions. Are there any inconsistencies? Any unconscious habits you can spot?

·       Check your ‘housekeeping’ – do you allow sufficient warm up, spend equal time on both reins, reward and pat the horse regularly, and allow him a stretch and a rest periodically? Could you make improvements?

·       Focus on watching the horse now – are there any clues to his comfort and willingness that you didn’t spot when riding; a flick of the head on a certain rein, or a flattening of the ears when he’s asked to perform a lateral movement? Is he equally sound, and can you spot any differences on each rein?

·       Use the results of what you see to help you formulate a training plan and work on any obvious issues. Keep the footage to refer back to, and share with your instructor if you’re brave enough!

 

Andrew Stennett is a registered instructor, NVQ/UKCC Assessor & Verifier. He is a Qualified Teacher of further Education specialising in Equestrian Learning and Development, and is a British Equestrian Federation Elite Recreational Coach. Andrew is a fan of Derriere Equestrian products, telling us they make a big difference to his riding. “Derrieres enabled me to get back riding in comfort after a break, and they are helping me compete at the same level as in my youth,” he says.

Andrew offers group and private lessons from his base at Grove House Stables in Misterton, Nottinghamshire, as well as clinics when guidelines allow, and competitive events. Visit www.grovehousestables.co.uk or find Andrew and the team on Facebook.

“In 2021 we are launching a series of 'boot camps' to develop horse and rider performance as well as enjoyment of your horse – watch this space!” he says.

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