This private event, hosted by Jacksons Fencing sponsor of Guy Williams and in association with Horsemart magazine was held at Eaglesfield Equestrian Centre

Monday 28 September 2009

Kent based international Show Jumping star shares essential tips and delights the crowd with a Master Class

This private event, hosted by Jacksons Fencing sponsor of Guy Williams and in association with Horsemart magazine was held at Eaglesfield Equestrian Centre, near Sevenoaks on Monday 14th September provided fans of Guy with a unique opportunity to benefit from the valuable experience and expertise of one of the true masters of the show jumping circuit. Guy is currently ranked no.8 in the BSJA show jumping league and has represented Britain three times in the Nations Cup.

This exceptional rider from Kent is tipped to be one of our star performers of the year, and has his sights set on representing Britain in the 2012 Olympics having swept the board at a number of major international equestrian events this season.

Guy visited Eaglesfield with four of his rides, to offer an exclusive insight into the professional's approach to producing a top performance horse. The master class was designed to provide practical guidance and expert advice on how to get the best out of your horse, as well as delivering essential tips on how to hone your skills as a rider.

The evening was compèred by the very able Jo Metcalfe, editor of Horsemart, who talked through the history of the horses that Guy was riding and asked him to explain, as he rode them; what he was doing to correct errors, to lengthen strides and what qualities to look out for in a top quality show jumping prospect etc.

Guy on Torinto Van De Middelstede (aka Eric) one of his most successful horses, he has won over £105 000 in one year “He is the smallest horse we have on the yard, but he has the biggest jump!” Guy said of Eric

Guy on Depardieu Van’t Kiezelhof (aka Zach) This young horse came over from Belgium, he is a really exciting prospect for the future, recently finishing 7th in the Six year old final at Valkenwaard CSI 5*.

Later on the audience were invited to ask Guy for advice on specific problems and a lively questions and answers session ensued with a very approachable, relaxed Guy delighting the audience by standing in front of them responding with his own brand of no nonsense “horse sense” and witty wisdom stemming from his many years of experience.

Richard Jacksons CEO of Jacksons Fencing explained what the aim of master class was from Jacksons perspective, “Jacksons Fencing enjoys an established association with the equestrian sector and perhaps some of the audience are familiar with our extensive range of quality timber fencing and access control products. Naturally providing products for horse owners requires a deep understanding of the specific requirements of this niche market. Working with a renowned professional horseman such as Guy can only strengthen our appreciation of the discerning needs of these customers. Our relationship with Guy predates any formal sponsorship and we are absolutely delighted that he has gone on to achieve such fantastic success on the international show jumping circuit. The master class is not simply an exclusive demonstration of show jumping prowess, we wanted to involve the audience and make this an interactive session - and an opportunity for them to speak directly with, and pick up new skills and techniques from, one of the country’s leading riders. It’s a pleasure to be able to do this for our existing and potential customers.”

Guy delights the audience during the Q & As facilitated by Jo Metcalfe - who did a fantastic job as compere for the evening

Guy responds to questions from the audience with practical demonstration on Richi Rich (aka Annie) She’s got a massive jump but still has some learning to do.

People attending the event were offered the chance to enter a prize draw on the evening to win a ‘money can’t buy’ chance for a one to one lesson with the master himself, at Guy’s private show jumping yard near Canterbury – the winner was Patrick Murphy and also a chance to win one of Jacksons new horse gate latches was won by Anneliese Prag.

Horsemart readers were offered a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets – lucky winner Grace Tattersall was delighted with an opportunity for her and a friend to meet Guy, they also had special “goody” bags from Horsemart, a free three month subscription to the magazine and a fantastic horse rug.

Winner of the VIP tickets Grace Tattersall (right) meets Guy with her friend Gill Miller for a chat in the Eagle Bar at Eaglesfield

Patrick Murphy - lucky winner of the one to one lesson with Guy being congratulated by the man himself

The magnificent Eaglesfield indoor arena made a fantastic setting for the first, of what is hoped to be many similar equestrian events hosted by Jacksons Fencing, who have just become sponsors of world class dressage rider Emile Faurie.

 Watch this space in future months for news of upcoming events. http://www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/pages/common/Jacksons.aspx?pg=481

for more info on: Eaglesfield: www.eaglesfield.net/ Horsemart: www.horsemart.co.uk Watch the video of the event taken by Horsemart Photos: www.neatresources.co.uk