Welcome to the Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training Series, a unique scheme designed to help and support event riders facing the significant challenges of moving into the higher ranks of eventing. Here at Keyflow we are delighted to give our backing to esteemed coaches, Gill Watson and Lizzel Winter, who have devised and run the series working tirelessly to help riders achieve their goals.
The series has been designed for riders aiming at Advanced or 3* events, or working towards a more established 4*. The 2022 season has come to a close and a full programme is being planned for 2023, with training and additional support in the pipeline for those competing at this level.
Lizzel Winter, Fellow of the BHS, has worked with the British Eventing Junior Championship Team from 2005-2010, helping the team win 10 medals 5 of which were gold. In 2011 Lizzel became the Training and Education Coordinator for British Eventing working to develop coaches and training across the sport. Lizzel also helped set up the Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training Series alongside Gill Watson. From 2011 to 2019 she took over as coach and manager for the Portuguese youth squads at European Championship Level. In 2018 Lizzel was appointed as Chef d'Equipe and National Coach for the senior Finnish Eventing squad building towards the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games and works privately with many riders from 2 - 5*. Lizzel also has had her own successful competition career eventing up to 5*, producing and competing up to Grand Prix level dressage and showjumping on the national county circuit to 1.50 level. She is an international dressage judge and eventing ground jury member.
Gill trains horses and riders for eventing levels, from Pony Club to 5*. Throughout the years she has trained Juniors and Young Riders for European Eventing Championships, winning over 100 medals, and continues training riders at the highest level. She is passionate about the correct way of going, and laying foundations so moving on from one level to another becomes an easier transition. The Bridging The Gap training days are a stepping stone for those who want to raise their game to be prepared for 3* and 4* competitions.
The Keyflow Bridging the Gap series has been instrumental in helping me achieve an International win at 4 long level this year in Kronenberg, Holland. Since I have been involved in the programme, Gill and Lizzel have both been on hand to not only coach on Bridging the Gap training days but also to offer advice outside of training days. The program makes you feel incredibly supported, not just by Keyflow and the trainers but by the other participants as well. I am very much looking forward to the series in 2023 especially now we have gained our 5* qualification and hope to compete at our first 5* next season!
I have been very fortunate to of been able to take part and attend a couple of the Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training sessions early last season. Everyone was so welcoming and after each session I came away having learnt a lot. It was not only a chance to gain more valuable training with our horses but also an opportunity to learn from each other. This year with Sonny our results has not been all sunshine and roses. However, coming back from injury, I feel we have learnt and develop much more as a partnership and therefore very excited about next season and what is to come. Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training sessions are ran over a day, sometimes 2 days and for someone without facilities it gives me a lot to focus on and can train, and gives the opportunity to train with world class coaches like Gill Watson. There’s a real community within Bridging the Gap and having the ability to seek support is fundamental in developing in this sport.
27th January
Wellington Equestrian Centre, RG27 0LJ
12 riders with Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter
Flat work, working towards level required for forthcoming competition season (Individual sessions)
Gymnastic jumping for early season training (Small groups)
Cost £110 per horse.
16/17th February
Wellington Equestrian Centre, RG27 0LJ
12 riders with Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter
2 day training clinic including preparation for dressage test riding, opportunity to ride a test if required and Show jumping involving course riding.
Cost £110 per horse per day.
18th February
Tweseldown Cross Country schooling with Lizzel Winter
Riders to pay own XC course fee + a training fee of £40 per horse
23rd March
Attington Stud, OX9 7BY
Morning preparation for dressage test riding, opportunity to ride test if required. Afternoon show jumping involving course riding
17th April
Rosamund Green Farm, BA4 4JG (Access only from A37)
Riders to pay their own XC hire fee prior to the session + a training fee of £40 per horse
Small groups suitable for Intermediate and upwards.
To book please see banner below.
On the above days we are also including sessions for any eligible BTG riders attending with 3/4/5 star horses to also bring a young horse for a group flat work or jumping session, or both. Cost is £40 per session.
Dates from March onwards will be posted soon.
There will be a Badminton course walk for invited riders only, not available to anyone closely connected to an entry there.
How to get involved
To book onto one of our training dates please follow the link below:
Make sure to keep an eye on the Keyflow and Bridging the Gap Facebook pages and the Keyflow website for upcoming dates!
11th February
Attington Stud, Tetsworth, Oxon, OX9 7BY
With Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter
Dressage training in groups of two, working on 2* movements. Group show jumping sessions with athletic exercises working towards course riding.
£110 per horse
3rd March
Attington Stud, Tetsworth, Oxon, OX9 7BY
With Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter
Dressage test riding, warm up training in pairs followed by individual test riding. Tests videoed by helper and judged by trainer followed by a discussion. Show jumping course riding.
£110 per horse
30th March
Oakingham Stud, Uplands Stables, Downs Road, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6RE
With Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter
Dressage test riding in the morning followed by show jumping and course riding in the afternoon.
£110 per horse
CLICK HERE to book
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