Complementary skills
THE veritable goldmine of knowledge that runs deep across the equestrian world means valuable nuggets of information and learning can be panned from all kinds of streams.
A number of trainers are known for using aspects of dressage with their racehorses, while it’s not uncommon to spot eventing stars among the pure showjumpers, particularly during the winter tours. Top US showjumper Lillie Keenan was spotted in a tailcoat at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in February, and the likes of Holly Smith and the Skeltons are also among the leading riders to be found in a different saddle to their typical “day job”.
So what benefits can cross-discipline training bring?
“EVERY discipline can complement another one,” says Hayden Hankey, one of horse sport’s most versatile top riders competing across multiple disciplines.
“Soundness, straightness and having them in good balance is only going to make horses better at whatever job they do, whether it’s showing, eventing or racing.”
Hayden, the son of successful showing producer, dealer and horsewoman Jane Beswick, grew up in the showing world before
