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Tuesday, May 08 2018 / Published in General

Show Jumper Brian Walker Answers Your Questions

Brian Walker
Photo by Hervé Bonnaud, 1clicphoto.com

Brian Walker, a dual Canadian and American citizen, has trained, worked and ridden alongside the best in the world over the last 25 years. As a junior, Brian won the Maclay Medal Equitation Championship in 2001. Brian has made a name for himself by developing quality horses into successful competitors in both the hunter and jumper arenas, earning accolades for himself and his clients. Do you have a question you want Brian to answer? Send questions to editor@sidelinesnews.com.

I think it’s almost time to sell my horse and buy one that will help me further my riding and achieve my goals of jumping higher. Do you have any suggestions for finding my horse the right new owners? I want him to have a good home; this isn’t about money. 

Selling your horse can be like selling a family member: almost impossible! If money isn’t the issue and all you want to do is find your horse a nice home, you should first think about what your horse currently does best. Let your trainer do the job of finding a possible client for your horse with some of your requests. Let the professionals do the business side of selling. You can give your approval of the possible client before they even try your horse. Normally, if the horse is put into a job it’s comfortable doing, it should have a happy life.

The trainer I’ve worked with for the last few years is moving to a different state. She’s the only trainer I’ve known, and was recommended when I first started taking lessons. What should I be looking for in a trainer?

Having a trainer you feel comfortable with is very important as you will end up spending quite a lot of time together. You must first think of your goals and where you want your riding to go. This may actually be a great opportunity to take your next step for your riding. Location and access is definitely something to consider, as more time in the saddle allows you to get better, but just because a certain trainer is close doesn’t mean he or she may be the best for your career. When you’re busy showing, it actually doesn’t matter where your trainer is from because everyone is on the road. If you go to show somewhere in the winter, that’s another four months. With this is mind, your trainer’s home location doesn’t matter as much. Pick someone who you feel will help you get out of your comfort zone and into the next level.

My horse has never traveled by airplane and will be traveling out of the country for the first time this winter. How did you acclimate your horses when you moved to Europe? Did it take them a long time to be competition-ready again? Do you suggest a shorter flight for my horse first, just so he can get used to it?

For the most part, horses travel on a plane or truck quite well. I think horses travel even better on a plane, though some get a little nervous when they put the pallet on the plane or at takeoff. When they’re in the air, it’s smooth and they relax right away. You don’t need to overthink a horse’s travel plan if they’re inexperienced travelers. They’ll learn the drill with experience. When I moved to Europe, my horses had already flown over to the United States once, so I knew they’d be alright flying back to Europe. After a few days of riding once they get there, they will be ready to show.

My horse recently refused a jump during training, skidding into it and falling. Now he is refusing every jump and is visibly upset about even going into the practice ring. I’ve had him checked out by the vet; his feet, legs, teeth and entire body received the all-clear, so it isn’t like he was hurt and refused the jump as a result. When I flat him and do ground poles, he’s perfect. How do you suggest I ease my horse back into jumping without causing him distress?

Lots of things can go wrong when we jump, which can result in our horse crashing into the jump. Most of the time, it’s the fault of the rider. For a less experienced rider or amateur, a horse crashing into the jump can be quite unnerving, which only makes matters worse for the next jump. Horses can feel everything we’re feeling, and confidence is key for both horse and rider. If your horse won’t jump after sliding into the jump, he’s probably scared. It would be a good idea to start small, beginning with poles, then little jumps, to work your way back up to where you were before the fall. If the horse is scared to jump, then maybe you need to have a good riding professional get him going again. This may be a quick fix with one ride, or it may take many training rides. Your horse’s behavior could come from him being scared to crash again, but it can also come from your horse noticing a lack of confidence from the rider.

What’s the best way to break in tall boots for showing? I don’t want to make my boots look sloppy by wearing them for practice, but I also need to be able to move in them with my horse during competition.

Breaking in boots can sometimes be uncomfortable, but high quality boots are really easy to break in. After one or two times riding in them at home, they’re ready for the ring. With the semi-custom ones off the shelf, you can show the first time you wear them. For boots that are stiff, you can actually soak them with a little water once or twice after you put them on and they will break in much quicker.

I’m looking for a helmet that is comfortable, offers great protection and is stylish. What are some of your favorite tips and tricks to finding the right helmet in the top brands? 

There are lots of good helmets on the market. I personally ride in Samshield helmets for two reasons: They are stylish and are extremely comfortable. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong helmet; they all meet safety requirements. The rest is just up to your personal tastes, but I would suggest going with the one you think is the most comfortable, because there is nothing worse than wearing a helmet that hurts your head.

 

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Tagged under: brian walker, q&a, show jumping

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We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
AI only and EVA negative
Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

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Don't get caught without your green on today!🍀🍀
 
In today's featured article, we have Jessica Howington, who is dressed for the occasion in her green shirt! Jessica is the Owner/Rider at CrownView Dressage, a Realtor with Showcase Properties of Central Florida, and a Nurse Practitioner! Jessica has been involved with horses since she was a little girl. Everything from bareback to eventing she tried until she found her love for dressage.

Today, she and her family own CrownView Dressage, a 157-acre training, boarding, and breeding facility in Ocala, Florida. Jessica started training and teaching but felt as if her life was still missing something. Until Jessica focused on horses full-time, she didn’t realize how important the healthcare field was to her life. Jessica missed seeing patients and being in the medical field. Jessica is now back to working again as a nurse practitioner while also focusing on training her five competition horses, including her Grand Prix mare Cavalia. 

Jessica feels lucky 🍀 to have two amazing parents who have supported her in all of her endeavors and instilled the importance of work ethic, morals, dedication, and sacrifice. 

You can read all about Jessica and how she's finding fulfillment in her busy lifestyle in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Click the link in our bio for more 

✳️Tag us in your “lucky” photos for a chance to be featured on our story! Happy st. Patrick’s day everyone!🍀🍀

📸Photos by Melissa Fuller, msfullerphotography.com 

#stpatricksday #irish #stpattysday #green #ireland #luckoftheirish #stpaddysday #shamrock #happystpatricksday #lucky #saintpatricksday #leprechaun #stpatricks #stpatrick #kissmeimirish #clover #paddysday #march #potofgold #stpattys #love #beer #guinness #shopsmall #handmade #stpatricksdaydecor #stpatricksdayoutfit #fourleafclover #stpatricksdayparade #luckycharms
Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no stranger to balancing a busy schedule. From serving as president of the Pony Club South Region Youth Board to working on her online high school courses and modeling gigs, Devon has nearly every minute of her time planned out. And with her horses right in her backyard in Ball Ground, Georgia, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Devon’s fast-paced lifestyle stems from growing up around her parents’ animal casting business, Animal Casting Atlanta, where they train and provide animals for projects in the film industry. Devon’s parents, Carol and Greg, took her on her first film job at just two weeks old; both parents pushed Devon toward acting when she was younger. While Devon didn’t want to be an actor herself, she did follow in their footsteps with her love of animals, especially horses. 

“My parents’ company has provided animals for ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Suicide Squad,’ a majority of the Marvel TV shows, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and so many more,” Devon said.

Devon started her equestrian journey when she was 9 years old. Initially, the Tresans bought a flashy gray Welsh pony, I Am Superman, for Devon to take in the hunter ring. However, Superman lived up to his name and proved to be too speedy for the job. 

“He was super cute and just a great little ride,” Devon said, “but he was still a pony! He made me work hard for everything we accomplished together. I was lucky enough to ride with a trainer who did both hunters and eventing, so we were able to switch disciplines pretty easily. Those eventing lessons together kickstarted my love for the sport.”

Read all about Devon and her busy life in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more
@TrDevon Lane Tresan  @Devontresan

📸Photo by Carol Lane Tresan
📸Photo courtesy of Devon Tresan
📸Modeling photo by Sara Hanna, @atlphotos 

#model #fashion #photography #love #style #instagood #photooftheday #beauty #instagram #beautiful #like #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #Sidelinesmagazine
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