Movers We Love

This week we chat to Accomplished Dressage Rider and Incredible Dru Yoga Teacher, Kirsty Elliott.

Kirsty has had a fascinating riding career, and I loved hearing about how she is able to connect with her body and move it in a way that serves it each day; even if that is just in 5 minute snippets as sometimes that is all we get.  Kirsty embodies the mind/body connection, which is so powerful for riders. By really connecting with how your body is feeling, you are able to create an awareness that is essential to how you move through the day, and how your body is functioning on the horse. As a true fan of Kirsty’s Yoga, I am so grateful to her for bringing a new level of awareness to my own body.

I hope you enjoy reading her story, she is one of life’s true treasures and if you live in the Dorset region, you really must sign up for her Yoga Class! 

If you would like to find out more, drop Kirsty a line at kirsty@vhadevelopments.co.uk

 

 Can you tell us a little bit about your riding career?

I started riding as soon as I could! I begged my Mum for a horse and had to wait until I was thirteen until I got my first horse, Moss, a flighty headstrong thoroughbred.He was well worth the wait! Moss and I caught a major Dressage bug together and that’s where it all started. I read countless books, rode every minute I could and was lucky enough to be asked to train under the then trainer of the New Zealand Olympic team, Bill Nobel, by the time I was sixteen Moss and I had made the journey from a very wobbly relim partnership to confident Prix St Georges competitors. From there horses where firmly part of my life, I gained a Degree in Equine Science and subsequently ran a yard and trained with Georges Dewez who trained under Nuno Olivera, I learnt the classical method for training and after time bought a beautiful warmblood from Germany, Othello. Othello guided my path to Talland, where I trained under a number of fantastic teachers and of course the most influential being Pammy Hutton. Moss became a school master at Talland and Othello and I competed very successfully up to Medium level. After time a new venture began and Moss, Othello and I headed to the New Forest to train under Jacky Stolper. Six years of being Jackys head girl brought a huge variety of experience, I broke in numerous horses, rode and successfully competed a variety of horses and learnt how dedicated, disciplined and determined you had to be to stay top of your game. Eventually Othello reached his full potential and was sold on making way for one of the most beautiful horse I have had the privileged to own, Jambo. Jambo made the same journey Moss and I did up to Prix St Georges, however Jambos natural athleticism enabled us to move further on to successfully compete at Intermediate 1. After time my path with professional riding came to a close and I took a new path teaching at a centre that used horses as a therapy for young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, I saw horses in a whole new light and fell in love with them all over again!

Where are you from?

Scotland originally but horses have taken me from Wales to Cotswolds to The New Forest and finally Shaftesbury!

This platform, Equestrian Movement Journey is all about riders living a movement based lifestyle, however that looks for each individual.

Can you give us an insight into what movement in your day looks like for you?

Now I have two young children (not to mention the dog and of course husband!) so I am moving every minute of the day!! I also train two horses a week and I must say my body tells me when I have ridden, whereas when riding was my life my body won’t mind at all riding seven horses a day, six days a week!! I have a huge amount of respect for my body now and as a yoga teacher I am fully aware of the importance of moving in the correct way for my body and acknowledging and respecting everybody’s body is different!! I have a daily yoga practice that is very adaptable for my chaotic life, it sometimes has to come into practice in the five minutes peace I have when making a cup of tea!

How important is it for you to keep your body moving as much as possible? Do you have any daily movement routines?

The importance of movement is beyond words, not only from a physical perspective but from an emotional and mental perspective as well. I have a range of daily movement routines, most importantly I become fully aware of how my body is moving within the here and now.

What are some of the lessons you have learnt about what movement your body needs?

I am aware of how my body needs to move to make me calm, centered and still, if I don’t listen to my body my mind runs riot and I lose myself in a whirlwind of thoughts.

Do you think a daily movement practice impacts your riding?

Hugely!!!!

What are 3 things you really believe in?

• Everybody has the ability to find peace, calmness and stillness within themselves through moving their body.
• If you truly belief in your potential, your dreams will come true
• Everybody is unique and truly amazing

What would you tell your teenage self?

You are in for an amazing journey, believe in yourself!!

If we could get a sneak peek into your future, what would you like it to look like?

As it is now but even better!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week we chat to Rebecca Ashton; Dressage Rider, Coach, Pilates Instructor, Journalist and Photographer. This lady is a force of nature, always involved with impactful work whether it is on a horse, helping people move better or bringing stories and photos to us that entertain and educate. She is an absolute delight, and I remember cooling our horses down (about 8 years ago) and chatting about how we wanted to bring more of a movement conversation to riders.

She is doing that and so much more, so please check her out at equestelite.com

 

Tell us a little bit about your riding journey, and how you’ve come to arrive here?

I have been in love with horses for as long as I can remember. My first one was actually a wooden saw horse called Rupert! That’s how desperate I was for a pony. My dream came true when I was 11 and my parents bought me an Arabian gelding called Karim for Christmas. I was shell shocked. Although it had always been a dream, I never really though that it would come true. Karim taught me so much and accompanied me to Pony Club but unfortunately our time together was short with him running into another horse and breaking his neck about 18 months after he came into our family. The vet put it down to a brain tumour.

 

My next horse was Karinya Doc’s Dillon who was just four when we got him. He remained with us until we had to put him down at the age of 27. He truly was my “horse of a lifetime”. We had such a bond and we learnt the dressage ropes together. Although a second cross quarter horse, he had a big heart and a character to match and we made it up to Inter 2.

 

Pharoah was my first warmblood and was a bit of a “problem child”. “Oskar” was like a puppy dog on the ground but very tricky under saddle. Being stubborn, I persisted with him and we eventually got to Prix St Georges/Inter 1 until injury forced him into retirement but he spent the rest of his years happy in our paddocks with Dillon as his mate.

 

In the meantime I did a couple of training stints in Europe. Originally with Christopher Bartle, who I had spent a fair bit of time with previously training with on his visits to Australia. Chris is such a gifted communicator and is able to simplify and explain difficult situations beautifully.

I was also fortunate to spend time with Chris’s trainer Baron Von Blixen-Finecke when he was in his 80s. Another great teacher and with such vast experience dating back to the old cavalry days. That knowledge is seldom found today.

The discipline that is the German dressage scene was introduced to me by Rudolph Zeilinger and later Wolfram Wittig. Herr Zeilinger was the protege of Willi Schultheis and to receive instruction from him was truly a privilege.

Herr Wittig loves his horses so much and it shows in his training. Such a knowledgeable man and wise breeder of horses……with a great sense of humour!

I was also lucky to spend time at the private stables of Johan Riegler who was a head trainer at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Some of the Lippizaner stallions were kept there and the riders from the school would come up everyday to train. To be surrounded by that method and tradition was very special. Herr Riegler even invited me behind the scenes at the School’s performance at the Schonbrunn Palace. I’ve never seen so much sugar given to horses! The riders were always sneaking them treats.

My biggest influence in Australia has been Alan King. Hailing from England and having been based in Holland and Germany for quite some time, he was in contact with all the greats from whom he built his knowledge and his eye for detai. Alan is a strict and correct trainer which, in a world of “yes men”, is a rarity and a gift.

I lived in the UK for five years at which time I trained mainly with Vicki Thompson-Winfield. Her classical training by Franz “Rocky” Rochowansky was a real drawcard for me and Vicki is a generous trainer who makes you really reach for your goals. She also always went out of her way to find me lovely horses to train and share my journey with, my favourite being Romantik.

Since being back in Australia, most of my time has been spent in the company of Vicki Newham’s chestnut gelding, Imaren. Immy is super cheeky on the ground but I love his character and he always gives 110% under saddle. We are currently competing Advanced but hope to make the jump to Prix St Georges next year.

Where are you from?

From: Australia

This platform, Equestrian Movement Journey is all about riders living a movement based lifestyle, however that looks for each individual.

Can you give us an insight into what movement in your day looks like for you?

Most days I ride two horses and do an hour of pilates. I do equipment pilates about three times a week and the rest on the mat. I also jump on my Oov everyday to check in with my body and to switch deep muscles on in a task based learning environment. I also incorporate the Oov into my pilates workouts. Every once in a while I might do a little bit of yoga and I don’t mind the odd boxing session. I also love hiking but usually save this for holidays just because of time restraints.

How important is it for you to keep your body moving as much as possible? Do you have any daily movement routines?

I feel I can’t operate unless I move everyday! Taking my body through a full range of movement and exploring the edges is very important. The journalist side of my career involves the inevitable desk time as well as carting around heavy cameras so then it’s even more important, especially as my body is used to moving and I never thought I’d ever say it, but as you get older, regular exercise becomes even more important for good health and just a sense of wellbeing. I think it also decreases the risk of injury for you and your horse. I even find if you do have an injury, recovery tends to be much quicker if pilates is part of your life.

What are some of the lessons you have learnt about what movement your body needs?

For me it’s not just important for the body but for the mind as well. It also refocuses and recentres which is necessary with a busy schedule and helps keep me sane.

I love pilates so much for the aforementioned reasons. Range of motion, deep core work, working muscles evenly, suppleness, spine health…..and good breathing, which is possibly the most important thing. It’s also why I’m totally obsessed with the Oov. This aperatice gives the body so much information so that it can self correct, rid itself of rigidity strategies and help with good, diaphragmatic breathing and the core work you can do on it is amazing. I believe it’s one of the best things horse riders can use and it’s why I’ve become an Oov practitioner.

I think being a rider, keeping yourself supple, physically in shape and mentally balanced as well as mindful is of paramount importance. We owe it to the horses.

Do you think a daily movement practice impacts your riding?

Absolutely it impacts my riding. The routines I choose rebalance the body and I hope make me an easier load for my horse to carry and also a better and more consistent and reliable communicator so no aids are given “by accident”.

What are 3 things you really believe in?

Self discipline

Honesty to yourself and others

Kindness

What would you tell your teenage self?

Keep going. You’re doing ok….and don’t forget to enjoy it all! There will be ups and downs in life, things don’t always work out as planned, but trust yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you but will also be honest with you. Sometimes you need to hear the bad stuff as well as the good!  Work hard, but remember to take time out sometimes as well (Actually…I still need to tell myself that! I’m not very good at relaxing!)

If we could get a sneak peek into your future, what would you like it to look like?

Hopefully more of the same. I love everything I do, I’m very lucky. I get to help people move better, work and play with horses and through my writing and photography meet the most wonderful and generous people and go to the most fascinating places. I just wish there were about two more of me so I could fit more in!

New Zealand Equestrian Para-Olympian Anthea Dixon

To kick off our new series, we chat to Inspirational Mover, Anthea Dixon. Anthea has represented NZ at the London Olympics 2012 and WEG 2014 as a Para-Equestrian. Her story is as remarkable and as inspirational as the woman herself. We met a couple of years before she competed in London, and having her in my life has been one of my greatest joys. She has an inextinguishable light and I do hope you enjoy reading a bit of her story !

To find out more about Anthea you can find her at:

www.antheagunner.com

Tell us a little bit about your riding journey, and how you’ve come to arrive here?

I have been mad on horses since I was very small, started at riding school (which my parents thought was a “phase”) when I was 6. 29 years later I’m still going strong! I got my first horse when I was 14 after having ridden some ponies for other people which allowed me to get involved in pony club. Eventing was my main love – nothing better than the exhilaration of honing around the cross country!

In 2006 I had an accident leading one of my horses which left me a paraplegic. Not one to give up on what I loved, I was back on a horse 9 weeks later at RDA while still in hospital at the Burwood Spinal Unit. I soon developed a love for Dressage and discovered Para Equestrian as a sport.

In 2008 I found myself a nice horse to continue competing on and in 2012 we represented NZ at the London Paralympics which was a dream that happened far earlier than I had anticipated. I also had the opportunity to ride a super horse based in Germany afterwards and we competed at WEG in 2014.

After WEG I bought a project horse and have been pottering away at home since.

Can you Introduce us to the horses who have been part of your journey?

Frankie (Appaloosa x TB, 16hh) was the one who started it all – he was the one I was leading when I had my accident, he was the one I relearned to ride on post-accident after RDA. It was really interesting to see his usual bulshy self change once he saw me in my wheelchair – he was so careful with me and would get worried if l got out of balance. He still resides at home in retirement and has been part of the family for 21 years.

 

 

Anthea and Frankie before the accident

 

 

Mask – Huntingdale Incognito (App/QH x Crossbred, 15.1hh) I bought when I wanted to get back to competing as Frank was a bit unreliable to float! He was 6yrs old at the time but was such a gentleman and learnt really quickly. His inner showman blossomed slowly, he loved to show off and compete, and loved a crowd. We won lots of wide ribbons, highlight was London Paralympics of course, and our final event at ESNZ Dressage & Para Equestrian Nationals were we were National Champion in our grade.

 

 

Anthea and Mask at London 2012

 

Don “Doncartier” (Oldenberg – Donnerhall x Hitchcock, 16hh) I was very lucky to have the opportunity to learn from Don. Based in Germany at Hayley Beresford’s stables, and owned by the lovely Bella Robson, Don was the best schoolmaster you could find for me. He thought his new job as a para horse was most fun and important and I learnt so much and was well pushed outside of my comfort zone plenty of times and this gave me so much confidence. Learning what extended trot actually should be like (and my first proper flying change and piaffe!!) and having someone on the ground helping every day was a massive bonus and also exposure to training of dressage horses from babies to Grand Prix, and the opportunity to compete in Europe was the experience of a life time and I am forever in debt to Hayley, Bella and Don for their support and generosity.

 

 

Anthea and Don competing in Germany

 

 

Brian “On Twilight” (NZ Sport Horse Littorio x TB, 16.1hh) Brian was bought as a project after WEG and he has definitely been the most challenging horse I have ever trained, but probably also the most satisfying as he has improved so much in the 3 years that I have had him. He is the nicest bloke I’ve ever had the good fortune to own, like a big dog that follows you around. He has taught me patience and perserverence, and how important good basic training and awareness of his and my own posture is to being able to move correctly.

Where are you from?

Born and still live in North Canterbury NZ.

This platform, Equestrian Movement Journey is all about riders living a movement based lifestyle, however that looks for each individual.

Can you give us an insight into what movement in your day looks like for you?

Movement for me each day is spent sitting down in my self propelled wheelchair. I’m a busy person, work full time as a Personal Assistant, but this means I am sitting at a desk and getting out of my chair is a challenge.

Riding helps this and I try to keep riding all year round to help keep my body moving.

I am trying to get into the habit of stretching at the end of every day instead of sitting on the couch!

How important is it for you to keep your body moving as much as possible? Do you have any daily movement routines?

If I don’t move much I have problems with swelling in my ankles and feet this build up of fluid also affects my bladder which is something I need to carefully manage! If I don’t stretch out my hips and get straight regularly I suffer from spasms in my hips which cause back pain and tight muscles.

I try to make an effort to move away from my desk regularly, even wheeling down the office to the printer helps! I always spend time sleeping on my front, and try to stretch out regularly although I should do this more often admittedly!

I also stretch out my shoulders regularly – I often find myself hunched over my desk so have bought a posture bra to help remind me to sit up straight and keep my shoulders in the correct posture!

What are some of the lessons you have learnt about what movement your body needs?

Take care of your body ” it’s not just about the horse’s body! Because I am often busy it’s critical that I keep myself feeling as supple as possible” and it’s a real challenge!

I have monthly chiropractic treatment and acupuncture, and fortnightly massage to help me keep myself in good alignment and muscle health. Without this I would seize up and be in a lot of pain!

Its also important to react quickly when you are sore  “don’t leave it and hope it gets better on its own” rest, stretch, get the wheat bag or anti flamme cream out!

And keep moving (carefully!) as if you don’t you end up worse off!

Do you think a daily movement practice impacts your riding?

Because how the rider sits in the saddle has such an impact on how the horse is able to move it is absolutely critical that I am as balanced as possible and using my body evenly. This has been so important for Brian as we work on improving his posture I have to be sure that I am not causing more of a problem!

I have to be very aware especially of my right hip as it is always tighter than the left, so I find riding on the left rein more difficult, and have to be careful to not be skewing my body awkwardly and making it harder for him! This is why it is so important to stretch and manage pain so that I am not doing weird things with my body to compensate.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

How to choose??!! London was and always will be the most incredible experience of my lifetime, but being in Germany with Hayley and Bella was also an incredible opportunity and experience and exposure to Dressage at the highest level is something I will never forget.

What are 3 things you really believe in?

Hard work will get you everywhere

Be positive and have fun because horses are bloody expensive misery!

Have a plan ‘however basic’ for every ride

What would you tell your teenage self?

Don’t drink cheap bubbly wine straight from the bottle!

If we could get a sneak peek into your future, what would you like it to look like?

I’d love to be back competing at the top international level at some point in the future so a lotto win would be great to help that! But it will definitely have me riding and training horses and hopefully dragging my lovely husband around the world travelling.