How old are you and where are you from?
My name is Helen Hughes I am 36 years old and live in Gloucestershire
Tell us about your current horses - what are there names and what have they done?
Ruxton Contessa (Tess) Germany Warmblood 15yrs old competing British Showjumping up to 1.10/1.20
Lotus Z (Lenny) Irish Sports Horse 5yr old will be aimed at shows summer this year.
Knockaderry Rose For Joy (Rosie) Irish Sports Horse 10yrs old riding for owner competing British Showjumping
How long have you been showjumping ? What made you get into this ?
I have been competing British Showjumping for 24 yrs. I have competed in many other disciplines but my heart lies with Showjumping something I am very passionate about and love doing.
What has been your biggest achievement to date with your horses ?
Qualifying for HOYS 2017 for Bronze League Final with Tess and finishing 5th.
We know you are a mum to some lovely boys, how do you juggle family life and horses ?
Very hard work I am lucky I have supportive parents who help with my boys but they love coming to shows and helping at yard.
What tips do you have for other people to help them ‘see a stride’?
Seeing a stride comes quite easy for myself but I do use a lot of ground poles on floor approaching fences to help. Get the pole right you will have correct stride to fence. I also work alot on collecting and lengthening canter in case you have to use it to a fence if striding is wrong.
What advice would you have for other people with young or spooky horses to help them get their horse used to fillers ?
I first start with lunging over fillers then once jumping under saddle I tend to introduce filled slowly from the side until the are happy to come round and jump with filler underneath fence. Also I do put fillers around the arena so the horse is used to seeing them whilst out in arena being worked.
We all know grid work is helpful - what do you find most useful about this in your training ?
I use gridwork with young horses and also ones that I would like to teach to slow down to a fence. Bounce work helps with getting the horse to use themselves by picking up front end and pushing off behind. Also in competitions you have doubles, trebles and related distances so it gets the horses use to seeing a number of fences in front of them as some horse a can get scared from this.
Which show jumper do you most admire and why ?
Nick Skelton always determined rider and wanted to be the best. Loved spending time watching his videos and taking in what he does with his horses.
How do you keep your horses fit & competition ready?
I do lots of road work and flatwork with mine getting them to come of my leg doing lots of upwards and downwards transitions, shoulder in, leg yielding, circles and trotting poles.
How often do you jump your horses at home ? What is the reason for this ?
Tess never jumps at home if she does it will only be once if she has had time off. The younger horses once a week or once a fortnight depending when I can fit a lesson in with working and children. This will be to work on anything we think needs improving after being out at a show or to get ones ready for their first training show.
If someone is currently jumping unaffiliated and is considering taking the next step to affiliate what messages would you give them?
Start off small with amateur classes and British novice until you are happy and confident to step up bigger. Aim at gaining double clears which will qualify for second rounds. But if you unsure on anything there are always plenty of people who are willing to help.
What are your Horsey aims for 2018?
To qualifying for HOYS for Bronze League with Tess and to win a final at Blue Chip.
