Spectators at day two of Globetrotting The Way of the Horse filed out of the Grand Pavilion this afternoon with full hearts and busy minds filled with new information and understanding.
There was so much to take in on the second day – from the words of wisdom from the mentors to the gems of knowledge from judges, the acts of trust by the horses and the kindness of the trainers.
The crowds again had their favourites picked and were vocal in their support. What was very clear quickly was the way the trainers re-introduced themselves to their horses would set the scene for the whole 75-minute session. For all it was a revision and consolidation of yesterday’s work followed by the new work of the day.
Trainers Matt Bleby, Flinders Greentree and Amber Scriven all made progress to varying degrees with their horses with all getting saddles on backs.
Matt’s mentor Ken Faulkner urged the audience not to read too much into the horses having a bit of buck after being introduced to the saddle. “It’s just the horse feeling a little uncomfortable,” he said. “Horses are natural extroverts who show their emotion through their feet.”
Amber’s palomino gelding Potentially Goodbar gave her a lovely welcome on entering the pen but still managed to make his feelings known in all sorts of ways through the session. Her mentor Adam Sutton said it was important not to think of TWOTH as a competition but a showcase of the best of one’s abilities.
“He really wants to do the right thing,” said Amber of Potentially Goodbar. By the end of the session, Amber was sitting astride the horse in the saddle. “I came out with a few more tactics today. It is so good to have Adam there – we bounce off each other a lot. For us it is not about winning the whole competition but winning the horse’s mind over.”
Flinders and his mentor Priscilla Oberreiner both say Clairveau Made Hot is a bit of a challenging filly who is very reactive and sensitive. Flinders had to tread carefully today, gently but firmly guiding Made Hot. “He is building a good foundation and really is training the horse for tomorrow,” said Priscilla. “There is a real need to be flexible with a horse in this situation and do the right thing for the horse . . . it is for the love of the horse.”
At 21, Flinders is the baby of the competition. For him it was key to try and encourage the filly to stay calm and relaxed. “She’s certainly different,” he said. “She’s a beautiful horse but just tricky. I think she’s just wired a little differently.”
He was chuffed she started to relax towards the end of the session. “I just have to slow it all down and make sure she understands everything I am asking of her and showing her.”
Matt Bleby was pleased his horse had less nervous energy today. “He’s got a good mind I just have to keep helping him along. He needs to know I am there to support him,” said Matt. “He started off looking good but then had a bit of a moment. He is very sensitive.”
While he got the saddle on and girth done up, the horse had mixed reactions. “It will take him as long as it takes. I am here to start him for the rest of his riding career. This whole competition is about sharing our knowledge with each other. I hope everyone gets something to take home.”
It is the first time TWOTH has had mentors ringside with the trainers and it is proving a winner with fabulous commentary from each to explain what is being done in the round pens.
The competition continues tomorrow before what promises to be a climatic final on Sunday.
