Wilmington, OH – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on international show jumping rider, Sean Jobin of Ontario, Canada. Jobin is currently based at Foxridge Farm in Ocala, Florida and Galena, Ohio. Jobin has a unique training approach integrating technology and biomechanical systems. We caught up with Jobin to learn more about him and his training practices.
WEC: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am from Ontario, Canada and have been riding ever since I was a kid. In 2014, I left Canada to ride for Foxridge Farm and I have been there ever since.
I base out of Galena, Ohio in the summers, but we travel a lot during the spring and summer months. We head down to our Ocala, Florida location in the winter.
WEC: Tell us about your string of horses.
Cocquelicot VH Huevelland Z is my main Major League Jumping Tour horse. He was imported from France, and we liked the way that he was carefully and slowly produced. Ever since we’ve had him, he has steadily stepped up. He’s reliable, consistent and tries his heart out for you each time he steps in the ring. He just competed in his first five-star and was fantastic.
Darius is my other five-star horse. A few years ago, I competed him here at WEC – Wilmington and won a few welcome stakes. He’s also does the Major League Jumping Tour. Just this year, we competed in our first five-star together. It was a first for both of us and he was incredible.
The horses that we have here at the show are either young or new. WEC is fantastic and it’s only an hour away. The footing is great, the jumps are pristine, and the courses are well built. It’s the perfect venue for the horses to gain experience.
WEC: What is your strategy for picking new talent?
We try to find the best horses available. Dr. Tim Worden is a great friend of mine who helps recruit the talent. Together, we have been working together on an athletic scientific approach, trying to find horses through unique measurements.
We look into horses that may not be very high profile. There are about 60 consistent five-star horses in the world and it’s impossible to buy that type of horse. So, Dr. Tim Worden and I look at other avenues for potential prospects.
WEC: Tell us about the technology that you use.
I have used a variety of equipment, but it’s important to not treat it like a magical potion. Originally, we started to measure heart rates and respiratory rates. Recently, we started to integrate more biomechanical systems. We use a software called Alogo™ Move Pro. It tracks, trajectory, speed, arch, strength, balance and height of the horse’s jump. It’s an incredible software and we’ve already learned so much.
We have been able to address certain issues with speed or dexterity. It allows us to make an appropriate training plan for each horse. After a few months, it’s very interesting to go back and see how the horse has developed.
After using the software for six months, we found that Cuba Libre V would flatten out three steps before each fence on the bigger tracks. When she had a good, elevated canter regardless of where she would jump from, her arch was much better over the wide oxers.
Eric De La Chennee is a 2014 Selle Francais stallion that also came from France. He’s a bit too quick and will have the occasional rail. Using the software, we were able to determine how much deceleration was needed for the bigger heights.
It’s fascinating to go back and look at the statistics, but at the end of the day, you can’t look at a horse on a spreadsheet.
WEC: What are some of your goals?
Our overall goal is to continue to produce this string of horses and add to it. I would love to take home a major championship for Foxridge Farms and my country.
Foxridge Farms has been so supportive and trusting. I can’t thank them enough for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.
Thank you, Sean, for taking the time to chat with us! We wish you all the best on the Major League Jumping Tour. We loo forward to seeing you this winter!