Adding Strides and Changing Tracks for Hunter Success | Geoffrey Hesslink

Top hunter rider Geoffrey Hesslink demonstrates an exercise involving three small cavalletti set up on a slight curve that he has his students drill to help them better understand how their track, pace and momentum affect distances and carry over to the show ring. As he rides the curve, Geoffrey varies his track and pace to adjust the number of strides he gets between the cavalletti and explains how to practice the exercise in a forward, collected and normal or “ring” canter to improve your eye and make your horse more adjustable. Geoffrey owns and operates Hesslink Williams LLC in Wellington, Florida, with his partner Brendan Williams. He is one of the leading hunter riders in the country and is a top trainer for juniors and amateurs in hunters, jumpers and equitation. Some of his most recent accolades include being named 2023 Pennsylvania National Horse Show Leading Hunter Rider, winning the 2023 $100,000 WCHR Central Hunter Spectacular at Traverse City Spring and placing second at the 2023 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, both aboard Drumroll. And in 2022, he piloted Mon Tresor to the win in the prestigious $100,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular.