What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Shannon Nelson: To make sure you stay calm and relaxed during dressage. If something goes wrong you can’t let it get to you because you will just get marked down for being tense on top of what has already happened and every mark counts.

Zara Nelson: To respect fences with a false ground line. Sometimes there isn’t a ground line and other times it is in under the fence. This can make it difficult for the horse to judge the fence so a rider really needs to be switched on and well prepared.

What are some of the things riders should consider when walking the cross country course?

SN: It is important to check the distance of the course and the time allowed before you start walking the track for eventing. With this in mind you can highlight key areas of the course where you need to spend time getting it right and where you will be able to make up time.

ZN: Memorise the parts of the track where you can push on and make up time. Big spreads and chase fences are easier for a horse to read. If you have two or three of these fences in a row or you have a big long gallop you can push on to make up time.

What is your warm-up routine for cross country?

SN: If I am competing at a one day event I wouldn’t make my warm-up too long because the horse will be tired. I would just start with a walk, trot and canter in light-seat. Remember your canter for cross country is quicker than the canter you will have for show jumping so you need to establish that pace in your warm-up. I think it is very important to incorporate what you have seen when out walking the course into your warm-up where possible. If there is a particularly difficult angle or combination I would try to practice something similar in my warm-up. I would finish up with a little gallop before heading down to the start just to open the horse up.

If you were to lose your reins after jumping a fence but had another fence coming up very quickly what would you do?

SN: I think when this happens instinct just kicks in. I would try not to worry too much about the reins. Concentrate on the fence ahead of you, horses are thought to ride from the leg and not the hand so if you have good dressage and have trained the horse in this way you will be able to direct the horse to the next fence from your legs.

How would you know if your horse was struggling out on course and that it might be time to pull up?

ZN: The horse’s breathing tells you a lot. If it has changed throughout the course and doesn’t sound normal I think that’s a clear sign that something is wrong. If the horse has become less responsive to my leg and isn’t going forward as I would expect this would be another indication for me. You have to ride what is underneath you on the day and if your horse is tired it is better to pull up and prevent an accident.

What advice would you give to riders doing hunter trial pairs or teams of three?

ZN: If you have a particularly strong horse or pony in the group start with him in front. If the lead horse is afraid of any particular element on the course plan for another rider to take the lead. Communication is key. Keep in a close group. Remember you are only as fast as the last rider to cross the line.