JCS Equestrian Coach - Jodi Wilkinson BHSAI

14/08/2024

Evening all! I’m in the Gunness/Scunthorpe/Flixborough area on Saturday if anyone wants a lesson?

13/08/2024

Lovely hack out on OP tonight fighting the flab!! We’ve put on some timber since moving to Low Hunsley so more hacking by the merrier! 😂

I’m available for riding, schooling and exercising your horse. Get in touch. 💜

13/08/2024

The Importance of a Qualified Horse Riding Coach

Choosing the right horse riding coach is crucial for both rider and horse safety, and for achieving your riding goals.

While enthusiasm for the sport is admirable, simply claiming to be a coach is not enough.

A qualified coach possesses a deep understanding of equine behaviour, riding techniques, and safety protocols. They have undergone rigorous training and often hold certifications from recognized equestrian organizations. Furthermore, they carry appropriate insurance to protect both themselves and their clients in case of accidents. First aid training is essential for handling potential emergencies that may arise during lessons.

By selecting a coach with these qualifications, you can be confident that your riding journey is built on a foundation of knowledge, expertise, and care. A qualified coach will not only help you improve your skills but will also prioritize the well-being of your horse. Remember, investing in a qualified coach is an investment in your safety and the long-term success of your horse riding aspirations.

I'm a qualified coach and updating my BHS Accredited Professional Coach membership as well.

https://www.bhs.org.uk/careers-recreational-awards/become-a-coach/coaching-pathway/

12/08/2024

Hand grazing the giant pony! I’m lucky there’s a beautiful breeze at my yard.

12/08/2024

Coaching availability this weekend - I'm in the Gunness/Scunthorpe area on Saturday morning.

Photo - Another fab pic of Korn practising her polework on Bilbo!

12/08/2024

Have you ever ridden a horse that's a bit hot, sensitive, or anxious? 😬

I have! In fact I own one! How about some valuable tips to help manage your sensitive horse?

1️⃣ Nutrition 🌱

A horse's performance starts from within. Before even saddling up, ensuring optimal nutrition is crucial. Just like humans, horses can experience digestive upset when stressed, impacting their overall well-being and athletic ability.

I've noticed a growing trend among horse owners to invest in Equine Microbiome Testing Kits to gain a deeper understanding of their horse's gut health. This data-driven approach allows professional nutritionists to create personalised diet plans tailored to the horse's specific needs. I'm excited to implement this strategy for General to optimise his nutrition and support his peak performance.

2️⃣ Grooming 🪮

Grooming is more than just a chore; it's quality time. Beyond keeping your horse clean, grooming builds trust and can significantly reduce stress. Horses naturally groom each other to bond and relax, and you can replicate this calming effect. Focus on areas your horse enjoys, like their withers or chest—General loves his bum scratching! 🤣 Experiment with different brushes to find your horse’s preference; some love the deep massage of a harder brush, while others prefer the gentler touch of soft rubber curry comb. Gen loves a soft body brush and magic brush combo!

3️⃣ Groundwork 👣

Groundwork is essential for building trust and relaxation with your horse. Exercises like yielding, long-reining, ground driving, and liberty work improve communication, respect, and physical well-being. Keep sessions positive, reward good behaviour, and be patient for a strong partnership. Incorporating groundwork into your horse's routine, you'll not only improve their physical and mental well-being but also deepen your connection with them. It's something I'm working on with Gen because it's so good for us, even though I've avoided it in the past!

4️⃣ Mindfulness 🧘‍♀️

Your emotional state is a powerful influence on your horse. Before mounting up, take a few moments for yourself. Deep, intentional breaths can help to release the day’s tensions and ground you in the present moment. Focus on cultivating a positive mindset and a sense of calm. When you approach your horse with tranquillity, you create a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation in both of you. This shared calmness enhances your ability to communicate effectively, leading to a more enjoyable and productive ride.

Remember, your horse is attuned to your energy, so by prioritising your own well-being, you're indirectly enhancing theirs. Read that again.

5️⃣ Walking Breaks 🚶‍♀️

Walking breaks are essential for both horse and rider. Begin every session with a relaxed walk to loosen up your horse's muscles and mind. During intense training periods, incorporate short walking interludes to allow both of you to recover and reset. By allowing the nervous system to recalibrate, horses can more readily re-engage in demanding exercises with renewed energy and focus. Maintain a calm, upright posture while walking to avoid inadvertently passing tension onto your horse. These breaks are crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining focus throughout your training session.

Caring for a sensitive horse, like General, demands a holistic approach. This involves optimising nutrition, cultivating a strong bond, employing effective groundwork techniques, maintaining a mindful presence, and implementing thoughtful training methods.

Hope this helps you and your spicy 🌶 four-legged friend!

09/08/2024

When something goes wrong in your training, it usually has to do with how you’re communicating with your horse. Horses are incredibly honest and kind. If they are not doing what you want, it's almost always because they don't understand.

If you are having trouble communicating with your horse, slow down, and make sure that you are giving clear aids. Imagine exactly how you will give the aid and the reaction that you desire. If needed, go back to a simpler exercise that is easy for you and your horse, and then when you have done that well, come back to the exercise you were having trouble with a clear plan.

Image - One of my lovely friends and client, Kornelia on her TB Bilbo practising a walk pole exercise.

09/08/2024

Lesson availability tomorrow - get in touch!

09/08/2024

It's Riders Minds day today -
Time to:
💜 Wear something purple
💜 Ask, Care, Talk
💜 Start a conversation
💜 Bring people together

It's Riders Minds Day today -
Time to:
💜 Wear something purple
💜 Ask, Care, Talk
💜 Start a conversation
💜 Bring people together

09/08/2024

Riders Minds Day - 9th August 2024

Riders Minds are inviting equestrians all over the world to come together on 9th August 2024, for Riders Minds Day, in a campaign to break barriers and show each other support.

💜𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩
🌍Live webchat: https://ridersminds.org/
🇬🇧Live text support: 07480 488 103
🇬🇧Call the helpline: 0800 088 2073

08/08/2024

🙌🙌🙌

08/08/2024

Let’s talk about the lack of quality coaching and lack of standards in the equine industry. For example, kids learning with someone who claims to be an "coach" and all they learned is how to see-saw a horse's head down and chuck their body over a fence like a champion. All coaching is not equal.

But what happens when you have a good coach? One that opens their program to you, takes you under his/her wing? Becomes invested in your success? When you essentially become part of the "family"...

Eventually, something will happen...

Coach tells you that you are not Karen O'Connor 2.0, and not ready to make the move up to the next level.
Coach says you need to go back and fix some holes in your training.
Coach says you have developed a bad habit, and it needs to be fixed before you can accomplish your goals.
Coach says you need to make sure that your horse is being ridden (not just hanging out at the barn).
Coach says you need to dedicate more time to studying the sport, not just riding.
Coach says it isn't a "horse" problem, it is a "you" problem.

People have become increasingly more reactionary. More easily offended. In lieu of everyone getting a trophy, it is so hard to hear these words from people you admire. Some of the best coaches will be the toughest. Not ones that tear you apart constantly, but coaches that aren't afraid to have the tough conversations with you. Or conversations that you may not have wanted to have.

But remember, a good coach is in YOUR corner. They want YOU to achieve success. They dedicate so much more than an hour of time to your growth not only as a rider but as a horseman. Maybe you are burning the candle at both ends (and in the middle), and you need a reality check that this sport requires more of your time and focus.

These conversations can hurt, but while it may sting at first.... take a second. Think about why your coach is against you moving up right now, why your coach is saying to wait until the summer to be a working student, why your coach is saying that you should not enter the show until the homework and flat work is done.

By Courtney Waskiewicz

08/08/2024

The time has come to open up the diary for new clients across the North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire area.

Availability evenings and weekends.

💜 DM me to discuss your requirements💜

08/08/2024

Since 1965, animal welfare organisations have referred to the ‘The Five Freedoms’ which have assisted us with assessing animal welfare. This was further strengthened in 2006 with the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which consisted of five needs:

1. Need for a suitable environment
2. Need for a suitable diet
3. Need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
4. Need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
5. Need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

These were created to help us ensure that an animal’s essential needs are met as defined in legislation, as well as helping us to understand the welfare standards we should all be providing and promoting.

However, in all the years which have passed, our knowledge and understanding of animal welfare has expanded and it has become vital to re-examine the way we look at and consider animal welfare so we can ensure animals live their best possible life.

The Five Freedoms and Five Domains frameworks contain essentially the same five elements. However, the Five Domains explore the mental state of an animal in more detail and acknowledges how, for every physical aspect that is affected, there may be an accompanying emotion or subjective experience which may also affect welfare. This is useful in terms of reinforcing the message that emotional needs are equally as important as the physical needs for animals.

The Five Domains are the most recent evolution of the Five Freedoms and provides us with a means to approach animal welfare in a more holistic manner, meaning we are not just meeting their most basic needs, but we are making decisions that can further promote their physical and mental wellbeing.

Learn more on our website 👉 https://bransbyhorses.co.uk/the-five-domains-of-animal-welfare/

06/08/2024

🐴 Experienced Freelance Coach, Rider and Groom Available 🐴

With a lifelong passion for horses, I have produced and trained my own horses, competed on clients horses and worked for several years in competition yards, livery yards and large commercial riding schools as both a groom, rider and instructor. Used to handling and riding a wide range of horses and ponies, I have extensive experience, as well as with sharp, quirky, and challenging horses. Competition experience in dressage, showjumping, hunter trials, and eventing. Recently completed a BSC (Hons) Equine Sports Science and Coaching degree, I now also provide rider performance and fitness training programmes.

Services include the following…

🧲 Riding

I am available for schooling, jumping, and development riding, or hacking/fitness. Being a lightweight rider means I can ride both ponies and horses. Please note that I am not offering starting services at this time.

🧲 Lessons

I provide both flat, jump and polework lessons for riders of all ages and ability levels, with a passion for motivating, encouraging, building confidence from a holistic, horse-centred approach. Particularly love working with neurodivergent, differently abled and rainbow riders.

🧲 Rider Performance Fitness Plan

I work with you to create a bespoke fitness and training programme to improve your cardio, core, balance and endurance.

🧲 Grooming

Show prep, trimming, plaiting, tack cleaning, show assistance, travelling groom, and actual full grooming.

🧲 Training

BHS Stage 1 & 2 training including BHS Challenge Awards and BHS Pony Stars Awards.

For more information, please send me a private message or WhatsApp 07731361399.

I provide high-quality services at very reasonable prices, fully insured with reputable qualifications, and first aid trained.

I am based at HU20/DN18, and am willing to travel within a reasonable distance in East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

Please feel free to share this information with others who might be interested.

03/08/2024

Lesson availability coming … 🔜
Comment below if you’re interested ⤵️

23/07/2024

Anyone I know going to this?

23/07/2024

Love this !

They say never work with animals or children! but someone has to don't they!
Let's share this if you think this will help support your favourite Equine Pros!
Any other ideas?
p.s. don't forget to share!

21/07/2024

Go in then. What have I said that made you laugh? 😆

Share away!

11/07/2024

If you've had a lesson with me in the past, I'd really appreciate you popping me a 5* review!

19/06/2024

If you have had a lesson with me, what is one thing that you enjoyed?

07/05/2024

If your canter length is not 12 feet (3.6 m), you're making it difficult for your horse to find a good takeoff spot. Show jumping courses are designed to accommodate a standard canter stride length and are not adjusted to each horse's stride. This means courses with related lines (ie all of them!) and distances in combinations will be significant challenges if you can't maintain a 12-foot (3.6 m) canter.

Yes, it's possible to jump clear without a standard stride, but you'll need a great "eye". You've probably seen the "old school" riders who hold and hold and hold until they "see a spot," then they chase it down. This approach requires a reactive horse, bigger bits, nosebands, martingales, and the often yelled instruction of "MORE LEG".

There are better ways to achieve consistency.

Inconsistent stride lengths increase wear and tear on your horse, which we want to avoid at all costs. I'm not saying you don't need an adjustable canter or a sharp eye—because you do—but it should be subtle.

We've all heard people say, "riders just sit there; the horse does all the work." You CAN learn to ride like that, but it requires careful preparation. If you don't have one yet, get a long tape measure and use it for the free exercises on my website (link in comment). You'll be on your way to improvement!

Most jumping riders practice straight-line distances, but it's just as important to master the 3.6 m (12-foot) stride on curved lines. At home, you can test this by placing two poles on opposite sides of a 20-meter circle. Canter around the circle and count how many strides you take between the poles.

You should be able to canter eight non-jumping strides for each half of the 20-meter circle. If this is new to you, you might end up with around ten strides, or even more. Here's the maths: The circumference of a 20-meter circle (C = πd) is about 63 meters, which is 17.5 standard canter strides. For simplicity, we'll call it 18. Subtract two strides for the poles, leaving 16. Half of that is eight.

Don't say that's too hard! Your phone has a calculator, and if you rotate it, you'll find a scientific calculator with a π symbol. If you want to be a jumping rider there are no excuses for being lazy about distances and canter length. You cannot improve what you do not measure.

One day, you'll face a combination off a half-circle approach. If you're counting ten strides between the poles on a 20-meter circle, how will you safely jump though a combination approached from a turn? If you can't maintain a 12-foot (3.6 m) canter by riding eight strides over poles on the ground in both directions, please hold off on jumping courses for now. Nail down the right canter so you can handle bigger tracks harmoniously without pulling and chasing. Your horse will thank you.