With a family background in eventing that would be the envy of most riders - Lissa Green's mother Lucinda Green was a six-times Badminton winner and her Australian father David Green a dual gold medallist, but until fairly recently, riding was more of a hobby and not a full time occupation, as Lissa herself explains......
"I only turned to riding and competing full time in the last couple of years but I always had one horse to event in the summer holidays between term time at school and university. My biggest highlight would be as first reserve for Team GB in the 2007 Junior European Championships; I remember being more than ecstatic when I got that phone call!There are always low points with horses, sadly it comes with the territory, most notably when a horse is injured. When they hurt themselves it is truly horrible.
Lissa Green and Malin Head Clover |
Five weeks later an X-ray revealed it hadn't and needed to be operated on, but I wanted to finish the season and although I was sore, it was worth it. The horse I fell on did two Intermediates and was 7th with a double clear on our last run.
I then had my operation and straight away my collarbone was so much more comfortable – with the bonus that I didn’t have to spend a winter perhaps worrying about how my nerves would be when I got back on Malin Head Clover. To top it off we managed three top 10 placings out of those last five competitions, so maybe I should fall off more often….
I have to say my parents have been a huge influence; they both treat me as an individual and always help when I need it, but don’t interfere too much. I have taken inspiration from so many amazing horsemen, it is such a privilege to be constantly around the calibre of rider that is competing today.
When it comes to fitness, I have a very strict schedule and I think plenty of road work is very important to keep hardening up the tendons on their legs. I also think feed is hugely important, as what you put into your horse has a massive impact on helping them perform at their best.
In addition, I rely on a brilliant little microcurrent unit called - an ArcEquine - for both my horses and myself. It is ideal to have around if any horses acquire an injury as it helps to heal more efficiently and in a fraction of the time; I love it. I used it on myself when recovering from my operations and when I went back to the physio's, they couldn't believe how good my shoulder was and how far ahead my recovery was. Definitely thanks to this super machine!
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