We started Selangor Turf Club Equestrian Centre’s activities last weekend with a jumping clinic by Peter Abisheganaden. Peter was a World Cup showjumper in his previous life and is now a polo player / course designer. Every year I try to convince Peter to come out and coach us, in at least one clinic. It does take some pleading but I mostly succeed!

In this year’s clinic, we worked on riding forward to the jumps, how to angle fences as well as riding bending lines. We had a total of 3 groups, comprising of coaches and riders from STC, Bukit Kiara and UPM.

Cavi was extremely fresh and spooky on the first day and I was given a very rare pass to not have to ride without my stirrups, much to my relief!! My chiropractor would not have been impressed if I fell off! For our first session, we worked a lot on improving our eye and being able to adjust the horse’s stride in a line.

On the second day, we jumped a course and worked on the weaknesses that we had. Cavi finally had enough work by the middle of the second session and actually jumped really well in the end. He is the sort of horse that takes his courage from his rider and I keep having to challenge myself to be braver when jumping fences. This does not come naturally to me.

I try to organise clinics throughout the year, not just for my own benefit but also to benefit the equestrian community. We tend to forget sometimes that we have to step out of our comfort zones to grow. You may not agree with every clinician but you will always learn something… It could be something that you have gotten into a rut with, or the same thing your coach has told you, but delivered in a different way. It is important to keep an open mind.

From a coach’s point of view, when I have lessons with my normal coach or when I ride with a different coach, I get to adopt new training methods or new ways to deliver the same message. It is quite inspiring and refreshing!

We have just had one new year and another new year celebration is almost upon us. Gong Xi Fa Cai, everyone!! I hope the new year is a good one for you.