There are two reasons why this virtual lesson with Tim Stockdale is well worth owning. The first is that, despite starting from the very basics such as rider position and relaxing your horse, he constantly relates what he is saying to your final aim — that of jumping a course of show jumps.

The second is just to hear pearls of wisdom such as, “He’s got four legs — and he’s perfectly able to balance himself.” Many of us are guilty of ‘helping’ our horses too much and I think that some times seemingly obvious statements such as this can be the most startling.

Beginning with a basic warm up routine, Tim guides you through various exercises on the flat, over poles, through grids, over fences and finally round a course, always explaining what you should you be doing, exactly what you are trying to achieve and how it will benefit both you and your horse.

Whether you are struggling with your flying changes or your jump off turns, or just want to hear the advice of an Olympian, there is something here to benefit every show jumper and their horse.

This DVD features 90 minutes of show jumping, including highlights from the qualifying World Cup rounds and the final in Gothenburg, Sweden.

From the home menu there is the option to watch just the highlights of the season, the final, or to play all. I would recommend that you watch the whole lot, as it is actually put together very nicely. With scenic introductions and cultural narration to each of the host locations of the qualifying rounds, you feel as though you are being taken on a tour of the international show jumping circuit.

The jumping, particularly the final, is exciting even if you know the outcome, with the likes of Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and her superstar Shutterfly, Ludgar Beerbaum, Jessica Kurten, Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton jumping up to 1.65m.

It also features Arielle jumping a beautiful round in the early stages with William Whitaker, and subsequently ditching her new rider after her sale this year.

If you are a show jumping fan, you can’t go wrong with this DVD — in the words of the commentator and former international show jumper Stephen Hadley: “This is show jumping at its very best.”

Despite the 2008 Olympic Games being one of Britain’s less successful championships for the eventing team, the competition was packed full of drama and this DVD of all the highlights would be a welcome addition to any eventing enthusiasts’ Christmas list.

The DVD begins with highlights from the dressage, with supporting commentary from Lucinda Green and Jamie Hawksfield. None of the tests are show in full but the producers have been intelligent with their editing and have shown enough of the important tests to avoid the viewer feeling short changed.

Personally I would have liked to have seen all the British riders’ tests in full, but at least there is a considerable amount of both Tina Cook and Mary King’s tests.

On to the cross-country, which is the longest section of the coverage. We kick off with Mark Todd’s impressive round as pathfinder and all of the influential rounds are covered. As the day unfolds the challenges facing horse and rider become clear, with the rain playing an influential role as the competition comes to its conclusion. Lucinda Green’s insightful comments add to the footage in this section.

Finally it’s time for the two show jumping rounds, and once again the editors’ have been clever with their choice of footage. There is plenty here to capture the incredible atmosphere in Sha Tin as the team and individual competitions unfold. And even though I knew the outcome, it still had me on the edge of my seat.

H&H reviews Jump Racing Review 2007/08 on DVD

FORMER champion jump jockey Richard Dunwoody provides the informative commentary to this whistle-stop tour of the 2007/08 National Hunt season.

A comprehensive and interesting double DVD covering the highlights of the season, it manages to move at the right pace — rapid enough to keep the attention, but not fast enough to lose too much content.

Starting with Monet’s Garden’s win in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree and ending with Monkerhostin winning the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, it covers all the major races in between.

And the Cheltenham Festival is reviewed in detail — especially the exciting showdown between Paul Nicholls’ stable giants Kauto Star and Denman in the Gold Cup.

www.equestrianvision.co.uk

H&H reviews Mary King at Badminton on DVD

TWO great institutions of British eventing come together in this enjoyable DVD: the world’s oldest four-star — Badminton — and one of the most popular riders of the past two decades, Mary King.

In 2007 and 2008, a camera crew followed Mary at Badminton, so this DVD includes action footage and backstage insights, including the warm-up arena and the beautiful Badminton stables. As well as interviews with Mary, it also features her support team, such as her groom and her long-term dressage trainer, Ferdi Eilberg.

Showcasing the highs and lows of the great event, this DVD is fun to watch, and there are also plenty of tips on riding and horsecare.

www.equestrianvision.co.uk

H&H reviews Great Dressage Horses 2 on DVD

THIS is a treat. It’s incredible to see how competitors and their horses have changed over the past few decades. And being a greatest hits compilation, it’s all good bits without the dullness.

Just comparing Anky van Grunsven’s Bonfire to her latest medallist, Salinero, is fascinating. And then contrast Farbenfroh, Invasor, Blue Hors Matine — they couldn’t be more different.

Seeing how the venues have changed over the years, and spectator numbers, is also intriguing.

Best of all, check out the sponsors at Verden — Pritt, seriously, glue advertising at a horse show. Sponsorship managers with a sense of humour — marvellous.

www.equestrianvision.co.uk

H&H reviews Conrad Schumacher’s Dressage System: Prepare to Win Vol 1 on DVD

SOMEONE’S gone to town putting this DVD together, which is entertaining, even if it is unnecessary.

Herr Schumacher appears waltzing towards the opening credits through a field of flowers looking suitably jovial, before stroking horses’ noses in slow motion.

He introduces his system, but a voiceover explains the rest. I wanted to hear more from Schumacher.

His system is clear — you need balance, feel and the horse’s neck correct before you start, and some good tips are given, but I was left asking “how?”

Don’t be put off though. The DVD moves on to provide excellent exercises riders can replicate in their own manège.

www.conradschumacherdressage.com

Tina Sederholm is a clear and enthusiastic teacher, using visual imagery and plain English to effectively get her points across on this DVD.

The exercises she uses are designed to unlock the door to greater balance, symmetry and harmony in the rider, thereby benefiting the horse, and are suitable for riders of all disciplines.

The riders in the video were already riding at a competent level but under Tina’s tuition you see a clear improvement, thanks to her attention to detail and use of effective exercises. After watching the video I couldn’t wait to try out some of the exercises both on myself and my own pupils.

I feel this DVD will benefit any rider looking to build on their basic knowledge, as well as helping more advanced riders iron out bad habits accrued over time and giving trainers extra techniques to help their pupils.

I would thoroughly recommend this DVD to friends and clients and believe it should be included on the required viewing list for examination candidates. as well as in the ‘library’ of every training establishment.

The second in this series looking at eventing stars, this DVD covers 17 of the modern legends, including Eagle Lion, Supreme Rock, Ready Teddy, Over To You and Tamarillo, although he’s been left off the list on the dust jacket.

With commentary by Lucinda Green and Jamie Hawksfield over excellent footage from the top events, it makes enjoyable viewing, although it’s a shame there is no film from the Olympics due to the cost.

This DVD also provides a fascinating lesson in how eventing has changed in the past 13 years.

This review was first published in Horse & Hound (8 November, ’07)

This is a really informative DVD about training young and experienced horses using cavaletti in order to create balance and suppleness and improve the gaits.

Ingrid Klimke demonstrates a wide range of cavaletti work both on the lunge and under rider.

Working with cavaletti can be a satisfying change from the daily training routine and is a pleasure for horse and rider.

The DVD covers cavaletti work in walk and trot on the lunge, walk, trot and canter under the rider, on straight and bent lines, and gymnastic jumping.

This review was first published in Horse & Hound (8 November, ’07)

Richard Davison’s clear, logical approach to training will benefit all riders, whatever their level of interest in dressage.

“Horses go as well as we ride them,” he says, and so Richard begins by perfecting the position.

Watching him train his pupils to think about their balance and seat, we witness an automatic improvement in the horses’ way of going.

Then Richard looks to the horse, working on his response to the rider’s leg, acceptance of the bit and teaching half-halts.

So many riders get fixated on their horse’s outline, but what about their own straightness? This is a perfect gift for thinking riders who want to give their horse the best possible chance.

This review was first published in Horse & Hound (8 November, 2007)

This DVD is packed with up-to-date, technical advice, specifically aimed at the young horse.

Elmar focuses on the importance of the warm-up and also the vital role of flatwork in successful show jumping. There are also sections on improving your technique, as well as riding courses and jumping against the clock.

I particularly liked the use of diagrams to explain the exercises and how the horses should respond.

Although 55 minutes doesn’t sound long for a DVD, I would have preferred it to be slightly shorter, as it dragged a little at the end.