Lesson with Stephen Hadley.

Daisychain

Daisychain

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Had a fantastic lesson yesterday with Steve, i have always had a few issues with showjumping, and have a lovely young homebred i am bringing on so really want to get it right! With a combination of what he was saying and the endless practice i have been doing recently i really felt like a had a significant breakthrough yesterday, i am begining to see the light! One thing i did find very interesting is his criticism on finding the right stride... he is very hot on it and we really worked on this, his theory is that anyone who teaches you not to look for it shouldnt be training.... am really looking forward to my next one next month, also kerilli your tips have been incredibly helpful.
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We went with Rafi , when he was 4, he told us to use draw reins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We were not impressed, we did not take his advice and he now jumps very well and scored 70% and 73% in his last BD novice tests. He would never have got scores like that if we had taken his advice!
 
Well its very common for showjumpers to use draw reins, and lets face it he should know his game, and has been training the Olympic team for the last 6yrs!
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I used to have lessons with him and i have to say his obsession with seeing a stride was what stopped me going!
I have always been taught if the canter is right you let the fence come to you, dont start shortening and lengthening, especially at the height i jump, (3ft - 3'3). It was the only time my horse has ever stopped at a show jump. I think he will suit some people but definitely wasnt for me!
 
Yes know what you mean, but i think the seeing of the stride is down to the quality of the canter... if the canter isnt right neither is the stride.
 
he does have some controversial ideas on training, a girl I used to work for went to him often for lessons on quite a tricky jumper and it worked well for her...however I know from watching, his ideas wouldnt have suited me or my horse at the time. I don't like his obsession with seeing a stride, that comes with experience and the quality of the canter underneath you, so many riders get hung up on seeing one and totally mess things up, I dont think it should be encouraged tooooo much. He is really rated by some people though, I suppose its the same as anything - everyones different and gets on with difference trainers etc etc...glad to hear its going well for your boy anyway!
 
Yes agree what what your saying, i suppose its down to what you want to achieve really, and how far you want to go, but i do think what seperates an average rider to a fantastic rider is often that ability to get the horse to the rght place with plenty of impulsion, i do admit i have been obsessed with strides etc but i am finding through trial and error i am getting that canter where there is something to focus on!
 
Does he teach at his home near Leominster, or does he travel out, use a hired school etc?
Do you know how I could contact him as I am quite near and would like to try a lesson with him.
Thanks
 
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