Riding flying changes on a serpentine has helped Hannah Smith-Hilliard and Del-Isla crack changes in a test.
CENTRAL Quainton Stud, Bucks
The revelation is improving their marks, and the pair headed both advanced mediums at Quainton.
Currently based with Judy Harvey as apprentice rider, Hannah has owned the eightyear-old Negro x Don Schufro mare “Grace” for four years.
“We’ve just started to get the hang of the changes now and her general way of going is easier, meaning that the test flows better,” said Hannah.
“Riding changes on a serpentine has helped me to define when and where to ask for the changes, and maintain the correct positioning.”
The pair have only contested a handful of advanced mediums to date.
“We are learning together as neither of us have competed at this level before,” added Hannah. “I’ve also been working on getting her canter more active and threebeat while staying rounder, and it really paid off.”
Hill Green Farm Livery yard manager Grace Wilson, and her rising six-year-old mare Giovanna headed an elementary.
Grace bought the six-year-old British-bred Dutch warmblood by Johnson out of a Rhodium mare from breeder Fiona Bull as a weanling.
“We’ve done young horse classes with her and started elementary earlier this year,” said Grace, who trains with her mother Gail Allan.
“She’s hot and nearly 18hh, while I’m only 5ft 5ins. She’s a lot of horse to control and gets upset by sudden noises, but she’s the nicest horse I’ve ever had.”