Janet’s first clinic and confidence is growing

Janet’s first clinic and confidence is growing

Posted on 15. Apr, 2010 by in Janet Hammond

I had never been to Carlton before, and was very impressed by the well-maintained ground with a good range of jumps.

Nick was brilliant, starting the session very low key with walking up and down steps, and in and out of the water, then gradually building up to ditches and bigger steps, and stringing together 7-8 fences.

His advice is always practical and relevant – “it doesn’t have to look pretty, it needs to be effective”.

I had a couple of heart stopping moments, not least when we had to jump up 3 steps (Tara bounced up those like an old pro) followed by two big steps down. I hadn’t appreciated the drop until I arrived there. I was having second thoughts, but nothing was stopping Tara, and she popped down beautifully. She was an absolute star the whole day.

I thought we were getting a bit of a breather when we had to jump a “straightforward” round top, until Nick told us that statistically more falls happened at round tops last season than any other type of jump. Apparently most riders under-estimate these as they look so inviting. It made me realise that actually no cross-country jump is “easy”.

The drops and downhill sections are always my least favourite, but we practised a lot of these, and my confidence was really starting to grow by the end. Training clinics are so useful to help iron out any concerns.

A big thank you to Sara Tusting who provided such a warm welcome, and lots of information to help get this eventing season started.

And the best bit of advice for the day – “sit up and wait for the jump to come to you”.

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9 Responses to “Janet’s first clinic and confidence is growing”

  1. Alison Kenward

    16. Apr, 2010

    Go Janet! This sounds like such fun it makes me want to have a xc lesson. Very best wishes for the 2010 season! Alison

  2. Janet Hammond

    19. Apr, 2010

    Thank you, Alison.
    I get a bit anxious, especially on the downhill sections!! But the thrill is enormous.

  3. Alison moody

    20. Apr, 2010

    Well Done Janet – looks great fun – I’ll maybe see you at BCA (intro) in June.

  4. Lieneke

    20. Apr, 2010

    Wow Janet, looking good! We really need to catch up soon on 1 of your future events! Or go schooling together somewhere?

  5. Janet Hammond

    23. Apr, 2010

    Definitely making the Carlton event my first one, and going to start with the 80(T) class just to get settled.

    Would love to come and groom for you in June, Ali. It would be great experience. Hope Millie is behaving.

  6. Janet Hammond

    23. Apr, 2010

    Lieneke – would love to do some training together – like the good old days! Let’s fix something when you’re back from Japan – let’s go to Carlton!

  7. Helen Cope

    28. Apr, 2010

    Great work Janet – Love your passion and enthusiasm. Keep up the great work!!!!!!

  8. Hayley

    28. Apr, 2010

    The video and pictures are great!fancy catching up sometime soon? i can always meet you at great westwood for a xc play?

  9. Diana

    05. May, 2010

    This is fab Janet! Tara looks so well groomed and confident – but I put that down to the rider! Keep going – you look really professional. The main thing is – ENJOY yourself.

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