By Amy Strapp

Photographs subject to copyright.

One of the keys to being a top competitor in the sport of show jumping is self-confidence and as I said in my past blogs a strong belief in your own system! A belief that will stop you getting confused, mixing too many ideas at once.

“Every great jumping rider I’ve ever known had unshakable faith in his system.” George Morris 

I also believe very strongly that the moment we stop looking to improve, the day we think we ‘know what we are doing’ and stop asking for guidance and advice is the day we stop growing and we lose! 

It’s just a matter of finding the people who are the true masters of that system you believe in, then becoming a sponge! Say nothing, listen and watch everything! 

“I’ve seen how you can’t learn anything when you’re trying to look like the smartest person in the room,” – Barbara Kingslover

As I told you a few weeks ago I am now in a fantastic situation to start stepping up in my competitive riding. I am working with a top team of horses, an owner who is motivated and seriously switched on and I have the resources to start to build this team up to higher levels, my motivation and excitement for the future are through the roof!

So the next most logical step for me is to find a trainer I can ‘click’ with. I wanted to find a classical trainer, someone who really works from the ground up with the basics that in the end will help me to be competitive at the highest level.

Long story short I had my first lessons with Jos Kumps, who is located only an hour from me on Thursday!

I took Iowa and Fantastique (a new addition to my stable, affectionately nicknamed super pony), I cannot tell you how wonderful it was! Really!

Boys and mud! Iowa enjoying a much deserved rest in the mud!

For the first time in a long time I had the chance to have a lesson from someone who is not my boss, where I can really really listen and learn without being scared to make a mistake.

I was thrilled to be able to soak in Jos’s knowledge. As a true classical trainer we went right from the beginning with my position, through the flat work then jumping. With both horses finishing jumping absolutely super!

I am always comforted by a trainer who does not use ‘tricks’, but instead just simple basics to get a result. It’s the same basic principles I grew up with and that I always need drilled into me over and over. It was like medicine long over due and I absolutely loved it! As did my horses! 

Please understand that in my opinion a true classical trainer is a true horseperson, jumping or dressage it’s the language. Let me explain…

I spoke in my first ever blog about the different disciplines and how the basics of riding tie them all together. Well when finding a top trainer it is the same thing. I do not need a dressage trainer and a jumping trainer. I only need a true classical trainer. It is always the basics we need no matter the level we compete at!

Jos is not new to the scene; in fact he is one of the most respected trainers in Europe. Having worked with riders such as Rodrigo Pessoa, Michel Robert, Dermott Lennon, Kevin Staut, Leopold Van Asten and many many more.

I first met Jos while working for the Saudi Arabian team in Wisbecq Belgium. He would come and ride a few of the top stallions and train the guys on occasion. So I already knew of his training from then and as I am sure you can guess I was absolutely thrilled when he agreed to make time to teach me!

And so the journey continues and become more exciting by the week!

Super Pony (Fantastique of the Lowlands) who is 9 years old and bred with Darco bloodlines, joined my team a few weeks ago and I am thrilled with him! He is one of those horses that make you smile the moment you take him from the box. His big heart, fighting strength and trainable mind make him such a pleasure to work with and I believe he will be an exciting member of the team for my bigger shows!

A local show ground and training centre

I will write again soon!

Amy