Horse Swap | Will Top Showjumper Regret It?

[@DS-ky9dl]

This trainer makes a lot of sense...you did a great job.

[@Nancy-mi3xe]

Richard Howley was able to put things into words so that I finally understood. I had so many lightbulb moments watching this, and listening to him, of things I never fully understood from all my other riding and jumping teachers. It, and watching his horse, helped me understand what my horse and I were missing in our connection all those years ago. Wish he'd been around back then, but it was long ago. His quote about a horse in a field can feel a fly land on him really enlarged my undertanding of a horses sensitivity in a unique way, and I really appreciated when he used the reins to demonstrate the level of contact through the bit. Brilliant. Thanks!!!

[@amazon411]

@@Nancy-mi3xe 100%

[@clogl]

2nd-ing this as well. I actually had a ride with an instructor like this the other day, and while she was much meaner about it than Rich, the lesson was incredibly helpful. We think too much about what the horse is doing and less about ourselves.

[@sullyhildebrand4636]

"You create the distance that you want from the rhythm that you have." Such a great way to phrase it. Really enjoyed this video, Meg! Richard has some great perspective and knowledge to share.

[@alisonhill7423]

The bigger the horse, the better you look. Also the longer stirrup length made a huge improvement. What a lesson.

[@karincartwright8752]

Fabulous trainer! I especially appreciate his saying "in my opinion" so much. It's like believe him if you want, but he doesn't think he's a diety!

[@nora.turner2573]

I’m glad that he really focused on the apologising. It is something we feel we need to do after a terrible accident, but thats all it was an accident. After a mistake is made you need to forget about it really quickly which I noticed is what made badminton so incredibly because it wasn’t perfect but you instantly put it behind you!

[@luizafonseca_]

That grey mare (with the foal) is GORGEOUS! I absolutely love her face, so sweet

[@conorhogan5090]

I know there so pretty

[@janeminwell4395]

Wow, the detail that’s recquired when riding /training these top Showjumpers is amazing. Lovely to see the care and consideration Rich has for his horses. Well done Meg, beautifully ridden, and must have felt fantastic! 👏🏻.

[@jeankilpatrick2438]

What a horse! What a trainer! Top takeaway 'ride the same no matter the size of the fence'.

[@hannesofie6071]

This might be the most educational of all lessons I'v watched you ride?? Sorry to all the other brilliant trainers, but this was really good!!! ❤❤ You really managed to ride this fine-tuned horse really nice in the end! Loved this video!!! ❤❤

[@megc.1091]

BRILLIANT...THANKS SO MUCH...such opportunities are education cornerstones. I treasured every moment & every stride I was able to experience...Thanks to a retired Olympian and Irish Sports horse ❤🤍💙

[@jedsequine1564]

I agree

[@h4rroww]

no stirrup work has helped TREMENDOUSLY for my riding and fitness! it’s so extremely important, my trainer has us do no stirrup jumping (w low jumps) every once in a while as well. flatting without stirrups has become a routine in most lessons, and though it can be difficult (especially on my horses bouncy canter) it really allows us to become stronger riders and SAFER riders!

[@judithmackay7158]

I learned to ride in the late 50s/ early 60s, we spent a lot of time riding without stirrups and without reins to develop balance etc., we were also taught to ride long for flat work and just two holes up for jumping, it is really good to hear someone young talking about these ideas and getting your knees on the saddle that so many see as outdated and laughable these days.

[@h4rroww]

@@judithmackay7158 ahh thank you!! it’s so awesome that you were riding in the late 50s/early 60s and those training techniques still apply! i love riding, and now that i’m going around 1.00 m courses i want to be the best and strongest rider i can be for my horse 🩷 thank you for sharing ☺️

[@ktgequestrian4475]

Great trainer. Finally, someone who understands that twisting the body (normally through bringing the outside shoulder forward) twists the body and sends the horse in the opposite direction. This does not just happen with highly trained horses.

[@KitCat_Eq]

Yes!! If anything I’ll turn my hips slightly to the outside to help the horse turn. Someone explained it to me once and basically said how your shoulders follow your horses shoulders, but your hips follow your horse’s hips. That means your shoulders are more square & straight over your horses body, but your hips stay slightly behind the turn with your horse’s hips.

[@WAMama84]

I love that he was firm and focused but kind. The best kind of instructor! Beautiful lesson with a ton of improvement. Nice work Meg!

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

What he was saying about riding without stirrups is true. My entire first summer of lessons as a beginner was spent without stirrups! Even after getting my own horses, I still road a few times a week without them. I always road with longer stirrups than most people I knew.

[@traceymagee]

I made my daughter ride without stirrups daily, at equine college she earned the nickname Velcro knickers 😂

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

@@traceymagee Can relate. In 50 years of riding, I can still count on one hand the number of times I came off! Having said that, I better not get on any more horses - especially of the sort I used to ride!

[@amazon411]

@@DeborahHamilton-q1w Bahaha me too! I look back like “Please never ask me to do that again!! wtf was I thinking?!? And why was I laughing?? I almost died!!”

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

@@amazon411 Yes. At my age, I don't think getting a large tree branch across the bridge of my nose at a runaway gallop, doing a back flip, and then having the horse step on my ankle as he galloped by would result in no broken bones, anymore! (That one is a long story, but funny as heck, just for the stupidity!) Thankfully on a wide grass verge, not the road itself. I don't think I bounce as well as I used to.

[@amazon411]

@@DeborahHamilton-q1w lmao does gravity suck more as we age?? Cause the ground gets harder and farther away!!

[@MarionFeltham]

Oh well done Meg - "Feel the fear and do it anyway" - you did so well and Charlie is gorgeous and so responsive! Interesting re stirrups and coming from Richard I think are wise words, I love his teaching/training advice - again well done you!!!

[@LindaBell-444]

LOVE this man, what a wonderful teacher ❤ And what an amazing opportunity to ride such a fantastic horse, there was a lot of great advice and learning today !!

[@heebiegeebie1003]

Excellent advice about stirrup length. Makes a lot of sense. Allows you to put more weight in your heels and hug better with your legs.

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Interesting isn’t it, I’m so used to super short stirrups 🙈

[@drewcarterxo9268]

@@elphick.event.poniessuper interesting.. I’m 5ft 3 and have always had short stirrups… this whole videos made me had a light bulb moment 💡

[@alisonhammond4662]

​@@elphick.event.poniesfrom my wayyy back riding years..I always look at your stirrups n think too short Meg, I'd be off over their head in a flash..our whole lesson we had to keep a $1 note between our thigh/knees and saddle ..if you did you kept it..$2 was a small fortune back then😂

[@c_and_l]

Literally did this same thing and had this same realization in my own lesson this week!

[@GemmaSalvestro]

@@elphick.event.ponies my instructor always says shorter stirrups shorter life

[@izzistock6807]

What a great video and a great instructor! Wow that wall was huge - how big was it? Meg, it's so lovely to see you riding this wonderful horse, thanks for sharing with us!

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Not actually sure how big it was, but I remember thinking when I walked in ‘I’m not jumping that’ 😂

[@maryambronson686]

i’ve never seen her ride this well, this trainer is really perfect for her

[@feichannel]

Beautifully done! 😍

[@studentmomz]

I think it was the best day ever; he was incredible in guiding you! Would love to see another session with him! You also looked fabulous on your horse!

[@1dslynch1]

I really appreciated his training style and approach on it being the riders job to be engaged and focused every time. It is a privilege to ride them and we owe them the clarity that makes it easier for them to know what is expected. ❤❤ Great job Meg to take all of your work and get more and more in tune with the horse.

[@emmadm826]

Your confidence is so fun to see as you ride different, way more powerful horses! Well ridden & it was a great lesson to watch. I loved the points he made about the importance of rhythm.

[@sarahcooper3378]

Great job Meg. You look perfect on a bigger horse 😊. That facility is amazing! Richard's comments were extremely well put and totally understandable. Ding, ding......stop saying sorry....😂 . Brilliant watch. Thank you. ❤

[@victoriaskuse118]

It’s humbling, when you know you’re a decent , effective rider to step into the stirrups of a professional. It’s next level sensitivity and discipline. You did good Meg 👍

[@pariahmouse7794]

I REALLY like how this guy teaches, I would cry at the end of it, but I would LOVE a lesson with him! (He actually says lots of things that sound like my instructor, she's a big time Pony Club proponent, she's actually in Kansas City, MO this weekend to do HA/bA certifications!) Beautiful job, your leg looked good a little longer!

[@abbyburns3127]

What an absolute delight of man! He has such a great way of explaining and giving feedback.

[@myabielby9501]

richard is so lovely and supportive isn’t he!

[@PixiesPoniesEvents]

Fantastic job riding a new horse and riding longer than you normally ride. Give yourself some praise 👏👏 you are braver than you think 👍💪💜 well done Meg

[@annejarvis7002]

Fabulous vlog. You did great Meg - one gutsy lady. You rode someone else's horse (belonging to a 5* showjumper no less🫣); in an unknown venue; over significantly high jumps; with expert critique from that 5* showjumper and then plaster it over the internet. That is brave👏👏👏 Furthermore, you did a brilliant job. You took on Richard's advice & applied it. You looked fantastic. Giving that leg support with the longer stirrups allowed Charlie to fly confidently over the jumps. Meg, you underestimate your talent and skills. Well done 🎉 Fab filming Pete. Richard, you are awesome.

[@chelseabartlett5520]

Gosh the longer stirrups have you looking like a pro! Amazing work!

[@gemmajackson7500]

Meg I learn so much from these videos. I'm in awe of you, love your bravery and skill. You rode brilliantly. ❤ More lesson vlogs please. Who knew you start on the opposite rein to where you need to head after the first jump. Every day is a school day.

[@joeypotter6051]

I was always taught to do that in hunter jumpers, works a charm

[@kellyravensbergen1694]

This was so cool! That horse is amazing. You should give yourselve more credit, you rode lovely!

[@ruthwhalley3133]

Huge pat on the back, completely out of your comfort zone and with a really respectable performance. That was a tough question you asked of yourself and you did a fab job 👏👏👏

[@Abi-Grey8]

When you find the instructor for you it’s amazing. Like they teach you in a way you understand. I’ve recently found that instructor and I’m doing so well.

[@marybannister4629]

“A bit more adjustable than a Connemara.” 😂😂😂 Brilliant. And I have a Connemara! Who is my heart horse ❤. Brilliant film . Thanks Meg.

[@SuperAnniedog1]

One of the best videos you've ever made! Learned a great deal. Thank you

[@zdempster1485]

You should be so proud of yourself for this Meg! You did such a lovely job. I felt for you as your nerves were right there, but you swallowed them up and aced it! 🎉👊🏻 Such a great life lesson for us watching. Thank you and well done!

[@judithbeattie5912]

Meg you were amazing!! To ride a horse you don't know is one thing but to ride a top level horse is another. You rode him beautifully. What a super job 👏

[@sallyannefrancis8647]

I was Just like you about the stirrups but after lessons with a different instructor ( Old School) .. My stirrups went longer !! I won every thing.. I went in to after !!! With my Good Horse,,, But on the horse i was having lessons on..... He was a project but I learnt sooo much !!🤔🤔 I Love this Tuition !!!

[@Neptune_EQ]

8:16 wow he is a STUNNER. Super cool to watch :)

[@Ashley-pk9eu]

These are the videos I love to see and make me come back! Really enjoyed this video. ❤

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

Wow! What an incredible opportunity. He is an awesome coach! Very clear and direct instruction. You rode him very well, Meg! ❤❤❤

[@kudapooda9993]

Thank you for sharing your day, that was just an amassing experience for you . Richard is such an great trainer and jump rider . I loved the way he explained the exercises. Thank you for sharing your day. 😊😊😊👍👍👍👍

[@_goblin-_-mode_]

That second mare was so cute! What a lovable sweetie pie.

[@annjohnson8437]

Excellent lesson! Charlie is an amazing horse! ❤

[@april5666]

What an amazing, gorgeous horse -- uber wow; lucky you, Meg. You get to ride the coolest horses and get excellent instruction from amazing trainers/riders. You take it on well too and look really good doing it (even though I know you second guess yourself). You're getting better and better at taking this level of work on. Wonderful video, Meg. I really love how calm and not rushed Charlie ever is -- that eveness really shows his training. I think when you've had a chance to digest this lesson it will really help you with a lot of your pulling and second-guessing. You did that coarse beautifully, really, really good, Meg. You are so much braver than you realize :)

[@rachel3591]

The length looks so much more natural!! You look so amazing, I always feel so much more confident with a longer stirrup since I feel like it keeps me in the saddle for my pony with NO neck 😂

[@jayreed7015]

Rich is a very clever man. A great instructor. What a wonderful experience to ride a top level horse. Well done. 👏👏

[@dawnlawrence3372]

Wow what a great lesson, you look fabulous on Charlie. What a stunning horse!

[@juliebasterfield4147]

Well done Meg ,he made everything so easy to understand, beautiful horse!

[@tamifraser5902]

What a gorgeous trot Charlie has! He was practically floating.

[@laurenbainbridge3459]

Hello from Yorkshire! This trainer certainly knows what he is talking about! He’s very calming and encouraging too.

[@ea56lgx]

i could listen to the trainers voice for ever such a great trainer brilliant instructor and meg you are a great horse rider. the best vlog well done .

[@jessicahigdon3962]

Great video Meg. You did really great. Great shots Pete.

[@biggothepiggo]

You rode that lovely horse really well, Meg. A little intimidation caused a tiny laps in confidence and caused you to fall back into some old habits, but it was otherwise very nice. And man, that wall would have completely done my head in, so well done, you. Rich is an excellent trainer!

[@nickygentle9246]

Super proud of of brave and clever and ballsy you are riding that incredible horse ❤

[@GrannysWanderingSpirit]

You DID that, Meg. Fantastic! What a treat. Loved the vlog 💙💙💚💚🤎🤎

[@SarahKnock]

Wow Amazing lesson… Richard is such a talented instructor and such a beautiful horse xxx

[@Sofiexo]

What an amazing horse and a kind instructor!

[@taniarobinson6429]

OMG it must've been so hard not to have tried to pinch him😄 What an AWESOME horse. Very well done riding that Ferrari😍

[@tracyramos1019]

Wow what an opportunity to have had, he's such a great instructor and what a lovely horse.

[@Krillian1000]

Such a great trainer and a wonderful horse! Thanks for sharing this lesson with us.

[@naniqueoliver412]

What a lovely horse!! You both looked mega round the courses 😍xxx

[@SophiEquest]

Love this vlog already ❤

[@issybrinesj]

I feel soooo inspired after watching this! What amazing advice and I think it’s time to turn to the dark side after this Meg! You look epic 😍😍 …. Love the ‘if you pull too much you just have to push more’ makes so much sense and feel determined to actually be more disciplined with myself after watching this 🥹❤️

[@elphick.event.ponies]

I did see Joe people can get the showjumping bug I won’t lie, just need to buy Charlie now 👀

[@debbiewhite8981]

What a lovely place.The horses are lovely too. The horse you are riding is gorgeous

[@melissax3144]

those slow mo shots are amazing!! ❤

[@margaretlane9629]

He explains it so well. Great clip thanks

[@PamelaLove-mh4ki]

Oh my, well ridden Meg! He seems the perfect size for your leg. What an amazing opportunity to ride such a beautiful, balanced horse.

[@bernster123]

Wow you really went from 0mph to 100mph! And jumped two lovely rounds. 👏. What I took from this was to focus on what you need to do (leg, hand, relax, light seat etc) and not on what you’re thinking or feeling (nervous, anxious etc) - you seem do that really well when you’re riding the course and it shows with the way the horse goes. I’m gonna try to put that into practice!

[@holly.and.ponies]

That horse looks so perfect 😍 you ride him soooooo well ❤❤

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Thank you 🫶🏼

[@ahatfullofhorses1508]

He’s such a good boy!! You guys look mega together 🤎

[@annav3722]

Meg, you looked FANTASTIC on Charlie! Look at you, riding a horse of that caliber, you’ve done an amazing job at improving and developing your network the past years. I’ve been following from the start and I’m so proud of you!! Also, would be super interesting to see if you adjust your own training a bit based on what you learned here (e.g. stirrup length etc.)!

[@lisabadger3399]

What a good instructor! 👍

[@amandaneuherz]

Great to see you riding big ones 😊

[@pupsponies1166]

I love these vlogs! I learn so much watching you and from your questions!

[@lisawatson7696]

Great video, but I kept getting distracted by the guy riding in the background. What was he doing with his hands? They were all over the place 🤷‍♀️ and his sitting trot 😱

[@julieking8017]

I thought it was Mr Bean

[@Dennisthedun]

Exactly!! I was looking for this comment, I have no idea what he’s doing😱

[@luemun]

I was thinking this too. Looked comical!

[@madyson3439]

I agree but I think he could be doing some stretching exercises. I’ve rode a few horses where jiggling the reins lowers their head and lets them bend. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@showjumpingden]

soooo glad i wasnt the only one who noticed. i’m really here thinking wtf🤣

[@trippinggauntlet4520]

That horse is stunning, you rode well Meg

[@theelepeltje6212]

What a lovely horse! You rode him very nicely!

[@jedsequine1564]

Fabulous vlog! I’ve been struggling with my showjumping nerves and watching this and listening to his coaching has been so eye opening

[@sfponies1165]

Stunning horse, fabulous trainer and you did so well 🎉

[@Janissss0433]

oke but can we talk about how we literally see megan her confidence coming back i mean look at her shining in the arena i love it how she’s slowly getting over her fear!

[@lieke9460]

Finally ! Someone addressing the ridiculously short stirrups !!!

[@theelepeltje6212]

Everything okay? You could not have said that a little nicer??

[@lieke9460]

​@@theelepeltje6212fine thank you !

[@evelynjellema9827]

What a fab trainer! Really enjoyed watching and learned loads. You ride beautifully and very sympathetically- huge well done 👍🏻

[@joseroquette917]

Really great feedback/ lesson you got Meg.

[@F_horseyyy]

Wow Meg! You jumpes sooo big! And the confidence to go without a body protector wow, I'm way too scared to do that😂 and what an amazing horse we'll done both of you!❤Xx

[@annelidavid5101]

Excellent Meg ❤ I learned so much from this video and you did absolutely amazing ❤

[@zebraioa]

You ride charlie so nicely!

[@susanvuturo4361]

Oh great job, Meg! But you really do say sorry way too much!😂❤😊

[@Faith_annaaa]

19:05 Formula One mentioned?!?! You did lovely Meg! I really liked the way he explained things

[@christinemartindale8715]

This was so interesting Meg what a beautiful horse and the teaching of this man is amazing. Tfs🤗🏇🤗

[@janbowerman9417]

Wow Meg you're amazing!! Despite not being completely confident you still do it and achieve great things😍

[@dreamerlover88]

i can tell she’s still, almost unsure about stuff after her accident. she looked absolutely amazing during this lesson and i think she really needed this.

[@PenelopeRoberts9212]

Excellent video, thank you so much.

[@holliekubacki8985]

This was epic well done meg 👏

[@LittleMissSomeone]

Great video!! Super educational and I don’t even jump. Well done for going so high on a horse you’ve never sat on before! Side note- what is that other rider in the background doing…?

[@laurarawcliffe951]

I was wondering the same thing! Para rider perhaps?

[@rachaelstowe8543]

@@laurarawcliffe951 haha i was also wondering, his arms/hands....?

[@kpoprobloxedits]

I know I'm two days late but this video was wonderful to watch. Great riding meg x.

[@elizabethrobertson4890]

This size horse suits you! Liked Richard a lot. Great way of teaching.

[@jodiecrowson6768]

I agree on the stirrups , I only noticed the other day how short you ride 😅

[@emmadm826]

I think it might come with riding ponies/smaller horses? Makes sense that you'd want your stirrups a bit shorter if the horse is shorter in height?

[@jodiecrowson6768]

@@emmadm826Maybe, I find I can go shorter if I go up one hole get used to that and feel I need to go up again , then I realise how short I’m riding and try stretch leg out again 😅

[@jodiecrowson6768]

Wow amazing vlog Meg, loved it and learned so much . As an Irish gal too enjoyed it even more 😁

[@emmadm826]

@@jodiecrowson6768 lol I teach kiddo lessons and we do a lot of no stirrups for warm up. They often want me to lengthen their stirrups after picking them back up!

[@jodiecrowson6768]

@@emmadm826 exactly 😆

[@Bajkowski1]

I liked his correction on how early u look for the next fence. Smart!