Michael Owen is a well respected 4* event rider & trainer, with numerous results across the levels. His string of horses encompasses 5 year old’s beginning their careers, through to the established Bradley Law & The Highland Prince.
After the concentration of the Dressage & the focus of the Show Jumping, the Cross Country is often seen by event riders as the more enjoyable phase, but an effective warm up is crucial to ensure you & your horse are prepared for the questions ahead.
Michael’s Top Tips for a good warm up
- Give yourself plenty of time to warm up
- Have a good walk round to get the horse relaxed
- Have a good forward trot round to get the muscles working
- Start cantering on both reins with plenty of adjustability in the stride length
- Start jumping the easiest practice jump then progress to the most difficult
- Jump from both reins on different lines
- Give yourself a little breather before you go
- Check studs are still in
- Go through the Xc course in your head
- Go and enjoy!
