Sedbergh Prep Pupils Trained by Olympic Dressage Rider

Ex-Olympian Emma Hindle, an experienced dressage rider who competed for Great Britain at both the Athens and Beijing Games, recently took time out of her busy schedule to visit Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School. Despite currently competing for selection at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Emma had kindly offered to coach a number of Prep School pupils, who are part of the Sedbergh equestrian team that competes in the Northern Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) events.

Emma’s session focused on the young riders’ flat work and dressage skills, helping both the riders and their horses to concentrate on developing their balance and control. She encouraged the riders to work with the horses to promote softness and suppleness within the riding position, all of which are important in flat work as well as jumping. Emma’s extensive experience also meant she was able to talk to the pupils about what the judges would be looking for during a competition and she mounted a couple of the horses to demonstrate this first hand.

The one day team subsequently competed in a ‘Jumping With Style’ event, where the 70cm Arena Eventing Team qualified for the Nationals and one of the riders from the Prep School gained an individual qualification against many talented riders. Their next one day event will take place soon in Northallerton.

This truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the riders to be trained by an Olympian, giving them a unique insight into the sport, and the Prep School looks forward to welcoming Emma back once she has finished her selection competitions.