This article has appeared previously with Equestrian Life. To see what is in our latest issue, please click here.
Lyndal Oatley and Sandro Boy 9.
© Roger Fitzhardinge
By Lyndal Oatley
I am very fortunate to be able to watch the best of the best riders and trainers behind the scenes as they prepare for competitions. I am also fortunate to be able to call many of them friends, which is something I am grateful for - their friendliness, generosity and helpfulness. There are some wonderful role models both in Australia and overseas that we can all watch and learn from.
When I think back over the past few years, it is quite amazing how much I have taken away from meeting or watching these people, and the results of these opportunities remain with me every day in my training and thinking.
These champions have provided both good and not-so-good memories - all of which are part of the learning experience. So here they are - the best learning experiences I have had, thanks to the best in the business…
Suck it up…
I was riding Potifar in the early days of my dressage career at a World Dressage Masters competition in Munich. To even manage to get him in the arena felt like a success in itself, as at that point he was very hot and spooky and he had to deal with a muddy eventing-style slope down to the arena, carriage horses, flashing big screens and children squealing with delight as they were being flung into the air on bungees, which left Potifar squealing with fear and panic!
Later that night, I met up with one of my idols - who, between sips of her wine and long drags on her cigarette, told me very bluntly that I was a very average rider with a very poor seat (okay my seat at that stage was not pretty and is still not my strongest feature) - but that at least I could cook so I could do something well!
The entire German team was present - trainers, riders, sponsors - and the table went silent and jaws dropped as I gasped and struggled for something to say whilst trying to keep Patrik and close friend Christoph Koschel calm, as they were ready to defend me in no uncertain terms!
After this confidence smash, I worked even harder and refused to let this woman's opinion of me change my goals or make me think less of myself and, to this day, I can still hear her voice as she gave me her lovely opinion and I chuckle to myself as it has made me 'suck it up' and work harder and harder - so now I can ride and cook better than ever!
Have a bit of fun in between….
Carl Hester - oh how I love this man!!
No matter what warm up arena he is in, whether it be for Silver in the Europeans or training in general, I can not ride by or walk past this man without a seriously cheeky comment coming from his lips. I die of laughter as he is dirty and clever all wrapped up into one delectable package that is Carl. Patrik pulls me back into line, but Carl always reminds me that no matter what the pressure, or what the situation is, you have to enjoy yourself.
Carl is also the Master Showman. I have watched some warm-ups when I really wondered how he was going to get through some parts of the test or deal with this or that. He does…every time…he goes into that arena like he can conquer it all, and he does!
A soon to be released book by Carl is something I am already on the pre order list for, and think his bio will be such a great insight into one of the sports greatest riders, visionaries and all round greatest guys!
Don't complain - just ride better yourself….
My lovely hubby lives by this, and reminds me of it on occasion when necessary.
It is based on a very simple statement - the only thing you can control is you. The less time you spend worrying about the rest of the world - who is doing what, who is scoring what etc. - then the more time you can focus on the only thing you can influence - you and your riding.
This may seem simple but it is so important
Nothing positive can be achieved by complaining - work harder and smarter and eventually…. eventually, you will get your chance.
Patience, Practice, Perseverance….
This one is from my mum! Three simple words that speak for themselves.. Even in my hacking days, mum would say this to me when things were difficult or challenging. To this day, I think about it often and they are three words I live by that are oh so true.
Ride like you have nothing to lose, not like you have something to prove…
This one is by yours truly. I felt so much pressure to prove myself that I was going into the tests and trying too hard for all the wrong reasons. As a result, my performance and results suffered. So I came up with this and it is on a bracelet on my wrist. If I ever feel like I am about to revert to feeling like I have to prove myself, I read it and get back into my zone. Works for me!
There is no such thing as too many transitions or too many half-halts…
Mr. Eddie Gal is the maestro of this basic form of training. His training - especially with Undercover - is based on a mind boggling amount of beautifully ridden transitions to balance and contain energy.
Edward is a master of balance and positive containment of energy, and you can always learn something from sitting and watching him train. His relationships with his horses are clearly based on mutual understanding and respect, and Edward is capable of producing amazing moments in training and the arena 90% of the dressage population can only dream of achieving.
Eddie also has a great way of keeping in his zone by simplifying his life. Edward is a genius at simplifying his life, shutting out what is unnecessary or hindering, and so he can do what he does best- RIDE! Edward's philosophy is one that is a very good way of not letting the outside world interfere with you, reducing the influence of social media, the internet and the outside world in general but not paying attention to it and instead enjoying his life and his riding.
Helmets - clip them on!!!!!!
It is quite unbelievable the amount of people NOT wearing helmets whilst training at home and to be honest, I think this is the worst example we as riders can give.
Why do we protect every part of our horses bodies, triple layers on the legs etc and not bother to protect ourselves!
I have heard the excuse "Oh, it takes too much effort" ???? WHAT THE??? It takes a couple of seconds and it's on your head.
The days of over heating your head in the heat are addressed with many helmets having super ventilation systems. There is every design, colour, shape and form imaginable and I think it is ridiculous people do not wear a helmet in training.
I think a bit of pressure from sponsors, media, and the general public can be of great benefit in this situation, and then some positive examples would be encouraged.
Seeing Courtney King Dye at the WEG in Kentucky did it for me.. such a talented, sweet positive girl with her competitive riding future ahead of her taken away too soon. Her super attitude to life and efforts to increase the numbers of riders wearing helmets should be an example on how to lead your life.
If first you don't succeed, try and try again...
We have all heard this one before, but it is one that sums up the careers of most top riders. No one had an easy ride to the top of the sport. Every rider I have seen stand on a podium had to work seriously hard and overcome hardships, disappointment and issues to get to that point of ultimate success.
Whether it be in life or training, the best of the best seem to be able to turn a negative into a positive, and leave a difficult situation stronger and more focused.
A bad test or a mistake for them is simply a chance to get better. They may kick themselves in the butt and cook inside (think Isabel Werth's facial expression when something does to go to plan in a test!!!!) however they are already thinking of how to address the issue and move on better and more prepared!
- Lyndal
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