Joe Fernyhough, a promising 24-year-old international showjumper, highlights significant differences in course design between competitions abroad, such as in Spain, and those in the UK. He notes that foreign courses encourage forward riding with longer, more technical distances that allow horses to develop balance and self-adjust, contrasting with many UK local shows where backward distances and disjointed lines often force riders to intervene unnaturally. Fernyhough argues that this discrepancy hampers the preparation of young horses and riders aiming for higher-level competitions.

He calls for a reassessment of British course design, especially at local and national levels, to better prepare riders for international two- and three-star grand prix events. Fernyhough suggests that course designers should gain exposure to top international shows to raise standards and that national classes should incorporate more technical elements rather than relying on fence height alone. Ultimately, he advocates for shows to focus on educating horses and riders through challenging, realistic courses that mirror the demands of top-tier international competition.