The Importance of a Performance Coach and Pit Crew
by Donna Irvin
Here is the plan we implemented for improvement:
- Change of head gear for training. Sharon recommended the use of a Bumper Bit, Wrapped Nose 3-Piece Iron Wrap Lifesaver, and German Martingale, to elevate and lighten Ropenator in the face and feet.
- Work on squares using the long and short side of the arena to practice rating and turning with Ropenator’s outside shoulder up, and his hind-end under him.
- During the rate and turn process, practice drills to keep my seat bones balanced and weight in my outside stirrup, for a snappier turn.
- Keep Ropenator from stepping laterally out of his turn. This was accomplished by doing 360º turns, implementing outside rein and straight sprints.
- Practice the same drills on the barrel pattern once Ropenator began to lighten up in the bridle and was responding to my body and leg cues.
- Experiment with different competition bridles to best address different arena conditions and warm-up exercises.
husband John, flew to Camp
Camarillo to shoe Ropenator
After putting all of this information together, combined with my practice and arena work, Ropenator had a somewhat tender nose, but he was lighter, more balanced and had much quicker footwork, especially around the 1st barrel.
Your performance coach will support your training efforts and help take your competition to the next level. Competitors and trainers alike are aware that taking your time from the 30-second range down to the teens is a matter of training and experience; taking your time to the pay window where hundredths of seconds make the difference, takes a team.
Finding a great coach, a professional who can shoe your horse for success, a veterinarian who understands the stress a performance horse sustains, and additional professionals who will support and help sustain your program – all of this is easier talked about than accomplished.
Sometimes it’s a matter of trial and error. Ask for references and recommendations. You have a great start with this website. We have resources to offer you in our Performance Team, Co-instructors, Dr. Dave, Dr. Will and other professionals. Check these resources out on a frequent basis. All of this content is here to help you!