Hartpury lecturers help equestrian competitors with expert advice in new book

A host of Hartpury lecturers have played their part in the release of a new book that will help riders and students be more effective in their equestrian training and understand the science behind performance.

Titled ‘Training for Equestrian Performance’, the book has been co-edited by leading International equine physiologist Dr David Evans and Hartpury’s Head of Animal and Land Sciences, Dr Jane Williams.

Equine Book

Hartpury lecturers. From L to R: Dr Chris Potter, Linda Greening, Dr Jane Williams, Kirsty Lesniak (on horse), Gillian Tabor and Dr Nicki Potter

The book combines chapters from leading experts in Equitation Science from around the world including six of Jane’s colleagues. Hartpury lecturers Linda Greening, Kirsty Lesniak, Gillian Tabor, Dr Chris Potter, Dr Nicki Potter and Jenni Douglas each wrote chapters for the guide. The book was created to help the modern equestrian competitor optimise their own and their horse’s potential in training and competition, both individually and as a partnership. It also aims to support the equestrian sports science student wanting to understand more of the science that underpins training of both the horse and rider.

Jane said: “The book explores a wide range of topics that have an effect on competition preparation and performance, and it was great that so many members of Hartpury staff could make a key contribution in sharing their particular expertise.”

The guide brings together the fundamental scientific principles which underpin competition preparation for the horse and rider including exercise physiology, psychology, conformation, biomechanics and feeding for performance. It also explores the various principles of training and alternative training methods that can help individuals (horses and riders) extend their careers.

“The book gives the reader the chance to select techniques and devise training regimes that can help them to achieve competitive goals as a rider, for their horse or within the horse-rider partnership but it also enables students to understand each component that plays a role in competition success,” Jane added.

The book builds on Jane’s previous research investigating performance factors in elite equine athletes and riders, including a ground breaking study with Dr David Marlin and Dr Inga Wolframm, which found links between the personality traits of riders and the equestrian sports they chose to compete in.

The book is available from Wagingenin Press at http://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/book/10.3920/978-90-8686-258-0.