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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