Amateur Dressage

The horse and rider pairs ranged in experience from just beginning Training Level to schooling Grand Prix. So, there was a lot to watch and learn. I forgot my notebook and so wasn’t able to take notes during the clinic but several themes stood out for me. Jennifer emphasized the importance of controlling and managing the horse’s shoulders through precise riding. She explained that controlling the shoulders should be done with the rider’s core and seat and leg aids and not primarily the reins. Several of the horse and rider teams worked on exercises to help the rider control the shoulder more effectively. Another theme that emerged over the day was the reminder for the riders to sit with the horse during half-halts and other times when it is often easy to sit a little against the motion. Jennifer commented on how skilled the riders were and explained that she was not suggesting huge changes in the riders’ position but only very small ones. Another tip she gave riders throughout the day was to use the rein in a way that did not inhibit the horse, i.e. to use the rein in a forward-thinking manner and without pulling back.