About Our Guest: Who Is Gill Pollard?

Gill Pollard is a UK equestrian professional best known for her work as a Level 5 (Advanced) British Showjumping course designer—the highest tier of accreditation. She’s also a Level 2 judge and an accomplished dressage rider with wins and high placings at Advanced Medium and Prix St. Georges. In short: she knows the sport from every angle, and she’s generous with her knowledge.

In Episode 28, Gill and Aaron dig into what goes into building courses that are challenging but fair, why speed classes put smiles on faces, and how riders can better prepare to keep the poles up and the time faults down—without losing the fun.

“You Want Them All to Succeed”: The Heart of Fair Course Design

Gill’s approach is simple and sincere: “You want them all to succeed… you want them to succeed in the fairest possible way.” That philosophy runs through her entire process, from understanding arena size and footing to considering the actual riders expected in each class.

There’s a lot more going on than poles and wings. Gill explains how she balances the rulebook, route options, distances, and time allowed. As she puts it, riders should feel tested—but not tricked. A fair track gives everyone a chance, whether they’re there for education, a rosette, or the jump-off of their dreams.

Course Specs, Time Allowed & Why the “Easy” Class Isn’t Always Easy

British Showjumping classes come with clear specifications for height, spread, and speed. That means an 80 cm class isn’t just one 80 cm fence on its own—there’s a course of them, sometimes followed by a jump-off that’s 10 cm higher. That can be a rude awakening if your only 90 cm practice has been a single fence at home.

Time allowed is skill, not guesswork. Many riders focus on fences and forget pace. Gill points out that maintaining rhythm (say, 300–375 m/min depending on class) is part of the sport. Ride every corner like it’s a tour of the whole county and you’ll collect time faults like fridge magnets.

Walk the Course Like a Pro (and Stop Panicking at Fence 3)

Walking the course isn’t just sightseeing. Gill recommends riders consider where they’ll change legs, how they’ll save time with a shorter line (without riding faster), and which corners might tempt a dramatic trot. Make your plan, then commit.

If a jump looks “spooky”, don’t feed the drama. Riders can calmly walk past the banner or the filler before the bell, look at take-off and landing points, and let their horses clock the scenery. A steady brain produces a steady round.

Speed Classes, Jump-Offs & Bringing the Fun Back

Gill has a soft spot for speed classes and crafty jump-offs. These formats let riders make bold decisions—take the scenic route for a safe clear or swing inside for the win. A good jump-off offers options: two long gallops for the brave, a cheeky inside turn for the brave-and-accurate.

That variety builds skill and smiles. As Gill jokes, the sport can feel too serious in the middle tiers where people chase double clears. Options keep learning alive: the novice rides the measured line; the seasoned rider dares a tighter one. Everybody gets better.

Training at Home: Make “Show Stuff” Normal

Gill’s biggest plea to riders is brilliantly practical: train with fillers, water trays, banners, rustling bags—early and often. If your horse only sees “plain poles” at home, the first fancy filler in public becomes a plot twist.

You don’t need expensive kit. A bit of tarpaulin under a pole, plastic tubs, safe planters, or a DIY “water” look build confidence. The goal is not big fences—it’s variety and calm repetition. The earlier you normalise visuals and noise, the steadier your horse will be on show day.

From Pony Club to Prix St. Georges: A Career Built on Curiosity

Gill’s own path is a love letter to trying things. She rode for dealer yards, zipped around speed classes, and—after initially writing dressage off as “boring”—earned standout scores all the way to PSG. That range now informs how she designs courses that teach, not just test.

Her message is to keep exploring. The more you experience—disciplines, shows, horses—the more tools you bring back to your main ring. It’s cross-training for your brain (and your bravery).

When “Lower” Isn’t Kinder: The False Sense of Progress

Gill is refreshingly honest about height. Building consistently under spec to please a crowd can do riders a disservice. It creates a false sense of readiness that falls apart at qualifiers. Better to face the real thing with supportive lines and fair questions.

A fair 90 cm looks like… 90 cm. If you’ve only been schooling a single 90 cm fence at home, a whole course at that height (and then higher in a jump-off) will feel different. Prepare for the course, not just the number.

Handling Pressure: Complaints, Courage & Keeping Perspective

Course designers get it from all sides. Gill talks about the reality: riders have goals, time is tight, and not everyone can qualify every weekend. That’s why designers need backbone and empathy. As she says, the aim is never to make people fail—it’s to set appropriate, transparent questions for the class.

For riders, the takeaway is balance. Own your preparation, read the specs, and be kind—to yourself, your horse, and the people building your day. A good round is a team effort you’ll repeat next weekend.

Micro-Wins That Reduce Time Faults (Without Riding Faster)

Shorter line, same canter—that’s the magic. Gill suggests choosing smart routes where permitted, trimming unnecessary arena, and keeping rhythm through corners. You’ll often save seconds simply by riding the line you walked (and not sightseeing the banners).

Practice counting in real life. Mark out lines at home. Count a steady rhythm, then ride the same line slightly shorter with the same step. Teach your eye that “saving distance” is not “adding speed.”

What Riders Can Do This Week

1) Build a Better Schooling Environment

Make your arena more “show-like” with safe, colourful fillers, tarpaulin “water,” tubs, and banners. Introduce them in walk and trot until they’re non-events. Consistent, calm repetition wins.

2) Walk with Purpose

Next time you walk a course, set three decisions: where you’ll change legs, where you’ll ride the simple line, and where you’ll save distance (not speed). Then stick to it.

3) Gear That Helps, Not Hinders

Comfort and grip are your quiet superpowers. If your hands, legs, and boots are steady, your brain can do the thinking. Explore: Jodhpurs & Riding Tights, Riding Boots, Gloves, and Riding Socks.

4) Feed for Focus

Little daily habits add up in the ring. Support recovery, hooves, digestion, and calm with Everyday Supplements that fit your horse’s routine.

5) Prep for the Weather

Cold horse, cold start. Keep muscles comfortable and ready with Stable Rugs and Turnout Rugs. When the flies arrive, don’t donate blood—use Fly Protection.

Quotes We Loved from Episode 28

On the Goal of Course Design

“You want them all to succeed.” It’s the line that sums up Gill’s approach: fair questions, logical lines, and options that help riders learn without feeling ambushed.

On Time Allowed & Riding Lines

“It’s not about going fast—it’s about maintaining a speed.” If you’re on the correct rhythm and take the right line, the clock takes care of itself far more often than you think.

On Training with Fillers

“Practice with what you’ll meet at shows.” The aim is normalising novelty. Tarpaulin today means water trays tomorrow feel boring (which is exactly what you want).

On Keeping the Fun

“I always like to give options.” Two long gallops, a clever inside turn, or the sensible simple route—variety brings riders on and keeps the sport joyful.

Why This Episode Matters (Even If You’re Not a Jumper)

Dressage riders, eventers, and happy hackers will still find gold here. The mindset is universal: prepare realistically, ride the line you planned, build confidence in small steps, and choose gear that helps rather than distracts.

And if you’re a parent or new competitor, this chat demystifies rulebooks, jump-off formats, and the logic behind course questions—making pony-club weekends a little calmer for everyone involved.

Watch or Listen to Episode 28

Set aside a cuppa and 100% attention—you’ll want to take notes. Watch now on YouTube or listen now on Spotify. Then come back and tell us your favourite moment (we have a soft spot for the speed-class memories).

Helpful Kit for Confident Rounds

Grip & Feel: Hands, Seat, Lower Leg

Gloves that fit, boots that support, and breeches that move—these are small things with big outcomes. Explore Gloves, Boots, and Jodhpurs & Riding Tights.

Post-Round Rewards

Nothing says “good horse” like a pocket treat. Keep morale high with Horse Treats & Gifts that turn effort into enthusiasm.

Daily Wellness

Consistency beats occasional heroics. Build a routine that supports calm energy and recovery using Everyday Horse Supplements.

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Key Takeaways from Episode 28

Fair ≠ Easy

Fair courses ask clear questions at the right level. They don’t trick riders—but they also don’t pretend the class is smaller than it is.

Time Allowed Is a Riding Skill

Saving distance isn’t the same as riding faster. Learn to hold a rhythm and choose efficient lines. The clock will thank you.

Normalise “Spooky” at Home

Make different visuals part of your weekly plan. The first banner your horse ever sees shouldn’t be at a championship qualifier.

Options Keep Learning Fun

Speed classes and smart jump-offs build riders. Let the brave try the inside turn; let the green horse take the long route and grow.

Before You Go—Set Up Your Next Confident Round

Pick one tiny upgrade today: a filler in your schooling, a smarter course-walk habit, or kit that gives you a better feel. Then re-watch a favourite section of the episode and set a plan for your next outing.

Ready for a deeper dive? Watch Episode 28 now or listen on Spotify, and let us know which tip you’re trying this week.