REBEKA ANTONIJA SETNIKAR SHOW JUMPING

We had our first training session with Jane on Friday. We placed the most significant emphasis on the position and the impact of my hands. The goal in the following training sessions is to get to what I call a 'fluffy cloud stage' as soon as possible (mare relaxed, ready to work, leaning head down, collection, soft on hand, long, correct steps, feeling like you're sitting on a 'fluffy cloud'). When I finally thought I knew the mare to the last bit, this training revealed to me that there was still a lot of unknown and undiscovered. While it will not be easy to change deep-rooted habits that have proven to be wrong, I look forward to improving and can hardly wait to see the results that will show after a few months of being here. Jane was absolutely amazing, and I really like her training style. Not only does she say something needs to be done, but she also connects consequences with anatomy, physiology, and behaviour. With this, I am not only refined in riding but...

Arrival: Freshers week is over, and preparations for Milka's arrival are well underway. Last week I got to know the workers, environment, other riders at the academy and their horses. The mare drove off on Sunday morning, travelled from Slovenia to Belgium, slept for one night and then continued the trip on Monday. She was taken by ferry to England and thence to WUC. The journey was long and difficult, but she carried over very well. Despite travelling for 17 hours on the first day and 7 hours the next day, she arrived in college lively, well and happy. And that's where our story began. Isolation: Milka had to stay in quarantine for the first week to make sure she was healthy. A white fence protected the entrance to stable, and there was a barrier in front, to disinfect shoes before entering and exiting the stable. I had to make sure that mare, myself, or anyone who came into contact with her did not touch other things around. Prevention is always a better option than cur...