March 28, 2005
© Asiapromote Ventures Sdn. Bhd.
Helena Weinberg, one of the world’s renowned top-ranked riders with a string of successes on the international circuit was in Kuala Lumpur to conduct a riding clinic for riders who wish to improve their showjumping skills and techniques.
The clinic, the first of a series by Asiapromote Ventures Sdn. Bhd., the organiser of the 2003 and 2004 KL Grand Prix CSI 5* - International Horse Show, has the objective of elevating the standards of showjumping in the country and to provide a platform for riders to learn from the world’s best.
Helena Weinberg who hails from Sheffield, England has represented Great Britain in six Nations Cup, and following her marriage to German international rider Peter Weinberg in 1986, she has ridden for the German Nations Cup Team no less than 18 times. She has triumphed nine times in the Nations Cup.
Besides her victories in many grand prix events around the world, Helena has also won the Berlin and London World Cup Qualifier. She became only the second woman to win the World Cup qualifier at the Olympia International Showjumping Championships in its 24-year history. Helena broke the record in July 2003 to be the first German rider to win the Queen Elizabeth II Cup with the only double clear round in the competition.
One of the great grand prix riders, Helena was in Kuala Lumpur to compete in the very first KL Grand Prix CSI 5* - International Horse Show in 2003.
Said Wan Zaleha Radzi, Managing Director, Asiapromote Ventures Sdn. Bhd., “Our riding clinics will be conducted by internationally renowned top league riders who now know Malaysia following the success of the KL Grand Prix CSI 5* - International Horse Show.
“The clinics will focus mainly on the finer points of showjumping, strategies for winning and caring for the performance horse. We hope to be able to hold at least four such clinics in a year, but much depends on the availability of the top-ranked riders, whose schedules are very tight”
She added that as part of Asiapromote’s corporate social responsibility programme the Majlis Sukan Negara young riders based at the Bukit Jalil Sports School were invited to participate in the clinic at no charge.
The clinic was held at the STC Equestrian and Sports Centre from March 25 to 27, 2005 and was fully booked. Amir Zulkefle, a student at the Bukit Jalil Sports School commented that the clinic was excellent in its course structure and that it was an eye opener.
His fellow student, Muhamad Asyraf Esa remarked that they are now inspired to put into practice the new techniques they have learnt to prepare for the upcoming competition season.
At the clinic Weinberg worked on the psychology of the rider as well as the horse. She emphasised on thinking ahead and control. The riders learnt techniques to control their own movements and how to get the horse to do what the rider wants. Tips on building confidence in their horses were also shared.
Weinberg remarked, “Once the riders realise the mistakes they are making, it is easier to correct them with the right exercises. It’s like going to the doctor, he has to first diagnose what’s wrong before he can treat you.”
She advised the riders that, “There is no long-term success with horses by taking shortcuts. It is better to take a little longer, not to miss out anything but get there in the end.”
She also suggested that it is important for local riding instructors to take part in and observe these clinics to upgrade their training techniques.