Lucas Deryckere ENG
Lucas Deryckere
is a rider and trainer specialized in jumping, with dressage training playing an important role in his daily work. The holder of the golden riding badge is successful in show jumping and has already won the Bundeschampionat for 6-year-old show jumpers and placed among the top 10 in the World Championships for young show jumpers. As a "Pferdewirtschaftsmeister" he emphasizes the individual strengths and weaknesses of the different types of horses. In his opinion, the perfect relationship between horse and rider depends on the right chemistry.
Assessment of young horses:
When I see a young horse for the first time, I pay attention to the type first of all. I prefer a modern and light type horse, which has a correct building and stands straight on its legs. This allows imperfections to be detected immediately. Then I look at the movement and ask myself the question: Are the basic gaits good enough? Does the horse have a natural balance? How are the jumping process and the ability? Does the horse offer a good technique on its own and is there the essential will to overcome the jump without mistakes? Finally, the character of a horse is relevant to its potential suitability. A better horse has a clear eye, is attentive without being anxious and awake without appearing nervous.
Evaluation of trained horses:
When judging a trained horse, the criteria of the young horse remain the same. With older horses, however, one should ask oneself whether they are suitable for the amateur sector or rather for professional sport.
A good amateur horse can handle critical situations. Amateurs make mistakes, that is quite normal. A suitable horse can make a decision and, in case of doubt, looks for the distance to the jump himself. A requirement for this is a flexible gallop, a relaxed attitude and the will to take the rider with you. The horses should not be too complex in the process, let go at the jump and stay in balance. The rideability between the obstacles is important as well.A professional horse impresses with the highest quality at the jump, the necessary caution and a lot of ability. Everything else is a nice addition.
Training philosophy - horse:
There is a big advantage in the area of jumping horse training. The path is much clearer than in other disciplines. The scaling of the training serves as a basis, I attach great importance to the dressage training. Nevertheless, there are horses that are different. Horses that have a different physique. Horses that want to be ridden differently. These must also be encouraged individually and according to their type. Horses cannot be pressed into a form. If something does not work, you should always ask yourself the question: What can I do to make it easier for the horse? How can I promote the strengths of the horse in such a way that its supposed weaknesses can be compensated? In my experience, you always have to let the horses be horses.
Training philosophy - Rider:
Riding lessons must also be fun. Of course, horse-compliant behaviour is the basis for every lesson, but fun should not be neglected. As a good trainer one should not always stick to a concept. Students are just as individual as horses. That has to be taken into account. There is also no template for a jumping lesson.
Moreover, show jumping is not a science. First of all, a good basic canter and good lines must form the basis. The refinement is added step by step. This promotes the trust between horse and rider and the trust of the rider in his abilities.