03/27/2020
True words
Training the horse and training the rider.
For me, these 2 things go hand in hand. How can I teach a rider how to train the horse to do , well dressage, if I dont teach the rider how to be clear, concise and correct in their aids ?
Beginner riders are against the horse ( the rider doesnt move in sync with the horses motion )
Intermediate riders learn how to follow the horses motion
Advanced riders : the horse follows the rider !
As an instructor, it is my job to advance you through these milestones. Therefore I have to teach you how to use your body /position to influence the horse. I start introducing the concepts right away with beginners. First lesson they learn to halt with their seat, not their hands. And the light bulb goes off. Having the body control to influence your horse every stride is a whole different ballgame.
Call me a romantic...but dressage needs to be light, soft, a partnership, and clear communication. This can only be achieved through position that is steady, organized and controlled. Then the horse can hear a whisper.
When I hear of riders having bad rides...makes me wonder 1. If the rider was clear 2. If the rider was not flexible in their training plan ( trying to do things that the horse wasn't able to do that day ) 3. How consistent the rider is with the application of their aids. 4. If the training plan isnt working ( I posted on this recently).
Equitation goes hand in hand with training. Some good plans are :1. if you get to ride multiple horses each day, take one entire ride daily to focus on your position and clarity 2. If you only ride 1 horse per day either make 1 ride per week focus on equitation or the first 10 minutes of every ride. 3. Do things off the horse to help your riding ( I loved hearing a friend of mine talk about riding as her motivator for quitting smoking ! )
Your horse will appreciate your new found balance and ability to apply lighter aids. Dressage is ultimately good posture in the horse , much like a ballerina...how can we expect the horse to carry its self if we don't carry ourselves ?
