Professional rider and trainer Johanne Dykes has created a web blog to give insight into the journey and competition environment at the 2011 Sunshine Tour CDI in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain. Jo left the UK with her two dressage horses
to start the four day long journey to Jerez in Spain.She is hoping to encourage and give inspiration to other riders who may be considering the tour in the future.
This is Jo’s second Sunshine Tour having attended the 2008 show with her mare Florestamber, where they finished 9th overall in the owners class. Jo trains with Sarah Millis and credits her for her success in the 2008 show. Only 12 months before the show Jo suffered a horrific broken ankle in a riding accident and was told she wouldn’t walk properly for 18 months let alone ride.
Sarah and Jo have trained together for four years and have developed a strong relationship. Sarah’s training technique focus on encouraging the horse to be light to the aids and responsive. Sarah has been an inspiration and huge support to hr and will be visiting her in Spain to help out with last minute training of both the horses Zaino M and Brennus B.
Both of Jo’s horses were purchased from the Equine Elite Auction in Weert, organised by Craig Rawlins and Kebie vad der Heijden. Jo says of 7-year old Zaino M, purchased in 2009, that he is quite simply one of the most talented horses she’s worked with, but he lacks confidence and tends to get a bit star-struck at shows. She is hoping the consistent training environment and competitions on the Sunshine Tour will allow him to feel more comfortable and get a few more miles on the clock. Zaino has had his fair share of physical problems over the last year but Jo’s patience and understanding has started to pay off and the purchase of his Activo Med Rug, to aid muscle relaxation and lactic acid dispersion, has almost transformed him. He is a very special horse and Jo’s unique relationship with him means he trusts her totally.
Jo’s 5-year old stallion Brennus B, purchased in last year's auction, is a lovely, easy little horse, less stallion like than his stable companion by far! Brennus wants to please and is very quick to learn. The Sunshine Tour is a big experience for him at such young age but his attitude and outlook on life is sure to mean he takes it in his stride.
Jo is hoping that the Sunshine Tour will be a great experience for her and the horses and will give everyone loads of confidence. Jo trains mainly women dressage riders in Britain and has developed a unique training approach that works well in building physical strength and suppleness for her clients and horses alike.
Jo’s first competition is Tuesday 1 March 2011. You can follow her progress on her blog www.JLDEquine.co.uk.
Eurodressage will be on the scene at the Sunshine Tour the first weekend of competition
Related Links
Equite Elite Auction on Eurodressage
Photo Report: 2009 Sunshine Tour CDI
British Dominate 2007 Sunshine Tour CDI
2006 Sunshine Tour Big Tour Winners
Eurodressage on the Scene at the 2005 Sunshine Tour
