Tips from the top with international showjumper ,
Bex Mason
Introducing ‘ Green Horses ’ to Jumping Courses
Developing a green horse requires patience , knowledge and a good amount of skill . It ’ s not a job for a rider just starting out themselves .
Equestrians use the term ' green ' to describe the less experienced horse . The horse is often young , however , older horses can be seen as green too ; when the horse lacks formal education for example .
This lack of education in any case can cause the green horse confusion and upset when trying to perform a movement , or job it doesn ’ t understand . This can lead to any number of problems , including tight muscles , a dislike to being ridden and unwillingness to go forward . Not only this , but the horse requires time to build strength , ability , and flexibility under saddle to help it perform the task at hand .
Getting it right from the start is crucial to the future success of any horse and rider combination .
Here , international showjumper Bex Mason shares four top tips suitable for the more experienced rider , to help introduce green horses to jumping courses for the very first time . The tips help encourage the horse to learn , while having fun so that jumping can be seen as positive and rewarding .
24 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : JULY 2021
ABOUT BEX MASON Bex Mason is a Gloucestershire-based showjumper who has a strong team of up-and-coming world-class horses , which she competes across the UK and Europe . Bex spent years training and competing with leading showjumpers , including Tina and Graham Fletcher ( GB ), Ludo Philleaperts ( BEL ), ( NZ ) and Viki Roycroft ( AUS ). In recent years Bex has qualified for HOYS , World Breeding Championships , become National 5yo Champion and took a National title at The Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships in 2019 .