Great Funnell Factor 2 DVD Review

Funnell Says Relax! By Abbey Wass The release of Funnell Factor 2 on DVD sees Pippa and William Funnell on tour with their renowned Billy Stud horses in a lecture demonstration full of superb riding displays, top advice, and laughter. Funnell Factor 2 was filmed at Hartpury College's magnificent indoor arena during William and Pippa Funnell's lecture tour of the country at the end of 2010. In this show, William and Pippa ride a number of the infamous 'Billy bred' horses. The lecture demonstration starts with some work on the flat and Pippa rode 9 year old 'Billy Congo' - despite him being a show jumper William advises that cross country discipline work can help bring any horse on. Pippa's attention to detail in her position and the way the horse is going is apparent and she explained that each little mistake the horse made was mainly due to her riding and changes of balance, which in turn made the horse lose balance, which was humbling. She finished the flatwork section by donning her top hat and tails and riding a four star dressage test on William's exciting young show jumping stallion. This was informative to watch as Pippa talked the whole way through the test explaining her train of thought as she rides a test in competition, and she kept the horse relaxed and quiet throughout by repeating 'stay relaxed' over and over again! William plans to take him to the European Championships this year so it was great to see this star of the future in training. "Don't ever under-estimate how excercises can help your horse, whatever their age. Always push yourself, next time you ride imagine that you are three inches taller - I bet you will instantly find a difference." - Pippa William then joined Pippa on five year old 'Billy Mexico' as they perform a series of gymnastic jumping exercises - great to try yourself with your own horse after watching the DVD. Again, staying relaxed is the Funnell's key behind their training. Thus preventing the horse becoming tight or hollowing when poles and fences are introduced. Next up was the section I had most been looking forward to - the cross country schooling. The pair ride two six year olds, with Pippa revealing countless cross country riding secrets as well as recounting anecdotes from her illustrious eventing career. In this section Pippa rode one of her compelling young horses 'Billy Beware' and gives William some instruction, as he had stated his intention to join the eventing ranks with his rather portly eighteen hand horse 'Billy Go Lightly'! Something amock with this, but all is revealed later! William is even kitted out in Pippa's cross-country attire - you really do have to watch the film just to see William squeezed into a ladies body protector! The cross country section is jam packed with advice on riding every type of cross country obstacle, from fences on angles to drop fences, and from arrowheads to brush fences. To finish, the main show jumping section rounds off the DVD, with advice from William on practicing the fundamentals of jumping - such as straightness and momentum - with some useful exercises to help improve these, as well as advice for when you are riding at a competition. William rode 'Billy Grand' and Pippa rode 'Billy Angelo' as they then vied for victory in a head to head contest. All in all, two hours well spent, the film is full of valuable content mixed with a lot of fun. I guarantee you will learn lots whilst being entertained by the friendly banter and competitive streak between the husband and wife combination. If nothing else, you will be impressed by the supreme quality of the 'Billy' bred horses, and the world-class quality of training that these horses have received from the Funnells. Funnell Factor 2 is available from the Equestrian Vision online shop: http://www.equestrianvision.co.uk/