Talented young showjumpers gear up to learn from the experts

Twelve up and coming showjumpers will descend on Solihull Equestrian Centre in the West Midlands next week (16-17 January) to hone their talent in the saddle and learn how to deliver a championship winning performance when it matters.

The two-day performance camp is an integral part of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) England Excel Talent Programme, which aims to seek out and nurture a pool of talented riders across the England Regions for future success. The training will develop their technical skill and ability to perform in the arena when competing, plus veterinary care, nutrition and sports psychology.

On day one riders will learn how best to train at home for a faultless performance in the ring with International team coach Corinne Bracken. They will then be coached on the flat by leading International dressage rider and multiple national title holder, Michael Eilberg.

Out of the saddle, the first day’s focus will be on the importance of physical fitness, with guidance from strength and conditioning coach Luke Sweet. The riders will also benefit from expert advice on their horse’s foot care and shoeing from farrier Ben Benson.

Day two will see each rider tackle an individual course, again under the watchful eye of Corinne Bracken. They will then consolidate their flatwork training with Michael Eilberg. The riders will pick up dietary tips from nutritionist Chris Rofinus, a sport science specialist from the English Institute of Sport (EIS) at Loughborough University, and analyse their mental attitude to training and competition with sports psychologist Nichola Kentzer.

The BEF England Excel Talent Programme was introduced in 2011 and the nationalised format will allow the BEF to provide a heightened level of expertise, so aiding riders’ development as all-round athletes.

This two-day course forms part of a series of Excel training camps across the equestrian Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. Dressage and event riders have already benefited from the first of two winter training camps, while the Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes are due to attend their first course later this month.