LAST Saturday, Steven and Trevor Smith, of Smith Brothers Eventing, welcomed riders from Pony Club to international level to their Ballymac Stables, Gilford, for a flatwork and show jumping clinic. Those in Steven’s morning groups were pleased to avoid the worst of the weather, as they tacked up inside before training in the indoor arena.

Nadia Scanlon, a regular competitor on the national show jumping scene, said: “Steven helped me create a more quality canter for jumping, which helped all my distances come up easily. He also provided me with some easy but effective exercises to help me in my warm-up at shows and while schooling at home to improve the canter. He explained everything really clearly and I found the whole lesson really helpful.”

Trevor’s afternoon sessions were focused on Grassroots riders working towards EI80, EI90 and EI100 level, as well as Pony Club combinations working towards the Spring Barrier Festival qualifiers and the final at Castle Irvine, Necarne, in March (22nd to 25th).

Trevor said he was confident the future of the sport was in good hands with lots of talented young riders using the Christmas clinic as an opportunity to hone their skills.

Event riders Sharon and Lauren Madine were unanimous in their comments: “Trevor was very thorough about positions and made sure we had a good quality walk, trot and canter before jumping. The lesson was productive and progressive with both ponies improving by the end of the session. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and came away with some useful tips.”

Steven said he was looking forward to welcoming riders to Ballymac Stables to train throughout the year, following the success of those based there in the recent past, such as Yu Xuan Su, Alex O’Hare and Sarah O’Shea.