Hello Everyone!

My next few posts encompass an overview of some of my top tips. Some are easier said than done! The first ten...


1. All veterinary care is paramount – your horse is not going to perform to the best of his ability if he is not feeling great.

2. Horses are like people, they have weaker sides and stronger sets of muscles. Work on improving these weaknesses with the help of a physiotherapist.

3. Learn to recognize what your horse is telling you.

4. Plan in advance anything that is likely to create a change in routine such as worming or teeth to avoid important dates in your show plan.

5. Always have in your mind that horses are unpredictable animals not machines. Over familiarity can lead to taking liberties and accidents occurring.

6. Use boots when jumping at home or at shows. They are cheaper than vet’s bills!

7. Respect your horse, recognize if you become too big or too heavy for him.

8. My training philosophy is absolutely to keep it simple.

9. Riders should do the right things naturally.

10. Do these things to help you into the correct position:
a. Stay in the center of the horse
b. Put weight into your heel
c. Have a little kink in your arm
d. Raise your hands and keep them forward

Tim Stockdale