Robbie began by taking everyone back to basics, regardless of riding ability or the experience of their horse.

When I asked him what was the most common mistake made by riders, his reply was that riders were in too much of a hurry to get over the jump.

I can vouch for this as it was my horse’s first time over obstacles and in my haste to get over the jump, I didn’t set up the approach correctly and the result was poles down.

No great surprise. For a green or inexperienced horse such as mine, straightness is the key and rhythm is the aim. Slow things down and give yourself and your horse time to think was Robbie’s advice.

Another common mistake people make is concentrating on getting over the jump, forgetting about the approach and not riding corners correctly.

Too much importance is placed on the jump and not enough importance on the flat in between.

Over the course of the weekend, the improvement in all horse and rider combinations was remarkable.

Robbie’s best piece of advice was for riders to ask themselves a simple question: “When there are jumps in front of me, why do I ride my horse differently than I do on the flat?”

An even tempo all round will be much faster and more often clear than one that changes speed and tempo constantly. If you are going in a jump-off where time is important, up the tempo from the start and stick to it.

Robbie’s daughter Becky Allen, who he coached to national champion, has joined the Australian squad in training for the 2012 London Olympics riding RSB Jacana.

CLUB ANNIVERSARY

THE South West Adult Riding Club celebrated its 10th anniversary on May 31. The club was formed in May 2000, following a meeting in Timboon to discuss formation of a Horse Riding Club Association of Victoria Club in the region.

It began with 40 members comprised of riders and nonriders, offering adults the opportunity to learn many aspects of horsemanship, including dressage and showjumping. The skills are taught in instructional rallies held on either the third Wednesday or second Saturday of each month.

While the club rallies cover many aspects of riding, dressage features prominently.

In the recent Golden Spurs series held over five competitions, club member Sharon Bissett competed on Ennerdale Onyali in the advanced section to win the series.

Club president Mim Wilson rode in level five to come overall third in the series.

Mim’s achievement comes after returning to competition after 25 years. Her horse, Cazbo Star, came from the racetrack and is being re-educated to enjoy his new life after racing.

The club has quality instructors in Tricia Read, who specialises in dressage, and Karen French who specialises in eventing and is also a keen competitor.

The membership includes official dressage judges and a level assessor.

Rallies are held at the Scotts Creek recreation reserve and potential new members are welcome.

The anniversary will be celebrated with a dinner at the Timboon Hotel on June 5 from 7pm. Call Mim Wilson on 5598 3914, to book.

COMING EVENTS

June 15: Hiform nutrition and information evening at Horseland Warrnambool. Phone 5562 6768.

June 20: Colac Pony Club one day event. Call Jean Cole 5231 5720.

July 4: Colac and District Riding Club combined training and dressage (official) — round 1 SWAG series. Contact Megan 0428 550 808.

July 18: Grampians Riding Club dressage (official). Entries close July 7. Contact Matt 0409 109 073.

July 25: Melton Plains Riding Club showjumping (official). Contact Sally 9747 6201

* If you have an item for Horse Talk, please contact Annette Chisholm on 0437 986 761.