Day 2 - Carl Hester

The first day of the Grand Prix started at 9:30 am. After watching many inspirational rides in the morning, we had the immense pleasure of meeting with Carl Hester during lunch. His charisma and sense of humor put everyone at ease, I think we were all a bit nervous to meet him (I know I sure was).  Here is some of the information we received from Carl:

Training Program: 
Carl has a training program that he said comes from his eventing background. His horses work 2 days, hack 1 day, work 2 days, and have 1 day of rest. He also mentioned that it is important at events like the European Championships to make sure that the horse is fit enough to compete for 3 days. There were 3 key points from our discussion of training:

1. The thought process of the horse
2. Fitness 
3. Yourself

The horses begin there rides by warming up with the grooms for 30 minutes then Carl or Charlotte ride for about 25 minutes and then the horses cool out with the grooms. Carl emphasized the necessity of cooling the horse out to prevent a build up lactic acid. On hack days the horses go out on the roads to get used to a variety of sights and sounds to better prepare them for atmospheres like the Aachen. They also trot hills and have daily turnout. When starting young horses he told us that they sit on the horses at three and a half and then have someone down the road that starts riding the horses at four years old. 

It was interesting to learn that in Great Britain there is a lottery that helps fund sports. With all the new technology and equipment available to athletes Carl said they take advantage of having access to it for them and their horses, for example, water treadmills can be useful for older horses in maintaining physical fitness. They also have a nutritionist for the horses and routinely weigh the horses to make sure that they are in top physical shape. In addition to physical fitness, we discussed mental preparedness. Sports psychologist can make a big difference when competing under pressure and can help give top athletes an edge in managing the stress and pressure. 

Carl's take on top horses was refreshing, he said if you can't buy it then make it. He told us that he has found many of his horses as inexpensive youngsters and trains them to the Grand Prix. He also said another way to get a better horse is to start with what you can afford, train it, then sell it and buy something of better quality. He emphasized the necessity of developing timing and feel as a rider which is something that cannot be taught easily but must come from getting on lots of different horses and riding. His thought is that in teaching the movements to the horses, you as the rider become better too. 

As young riders looking to move up, Carl told us to keep putting ourselves out there and keep ourselves in front of people we want to work with. Don't be afraid to be a bit pushy but still respectful when you really want something because you never know when a position will become available.