Posted on September 14, 2006
Learning to ride correctly is challenging and can be frustrating at times. The best teacher of all is the well trained schoolmaster who will perform only when you sit correctly. Very few riders have a sophisticated balanced seat, however, it is quite possible to obtain if you are lucky enough to train on a seasoned pro who will teach you how to sit correctly.
It takes years of training to become a top level dressage horse. Therefore you are looking at schoolmasters in their late teens and early 20’s. Do not be put off by age, if managed properly and cross trained, they remain sound well into their 20’s.
Several lessons on a Schoolmaster can teach you the timing and feel of the aids that may otherwise take you years to understand. These horses have an incredible sense of balance which can train your mind and body what to look for when riding your horse.
If you ever have the opportunity to ride one of these equine encyclopedia’s, jump at the chance! Although I have trained with some of the top trainers in the world, I believe the most valuable lessons that have taught me are on the well trained schoolmasters who insist on perfection.
Posted on September 2, 2006
Riders should always walk your course several times before your actual competition. The day before competition is when you will first walk the course and plan your ride. Remember, preperation is the key to a successful event. Try to walk the first round with your trainer so that you can discuss all approaches and options. Sometimes if this is not possible, follow behind another professional and listen to their tips taking into consideration your horses strengths and weaknesses. Find some time to walk the course at least 2 more times on your own to mentally prepare for your ride. If possible, watch several riders on course to see how the horses are handling the obstacles. The more you prepare and focus on your ride, the more successful you will be.
Always consider the footing, the terrain and the light on the fences. Remember, the day of the competition will be much more electric with spectators walking around the course, banners on jumps, and the loudspeaker bellowing while you are galloping around the course.
When the approach to an obstacle is at the bottom of a hill, keep your eyes up while riding down the hill with a balanced canter which will naturally be collected as a result of the terrain. Many riders slow down too much or look down creating problems at the obstacle. When galloping up a hill to approach a fence, maintain your rhythm with your horse in front of your leg. The danger here is to slow down too much and stall before the jump.
Consider the footing, mentally note where the ground is hard, muddy or rocky. Walking the course several times will give you an excellent mental picture of your ride. Also take note of the jump if it is hidden in a treeline creating a darker fence. Some horses are sensitive to jumping from light to dark and may back off the jump as a result. Prepare your approach by over riding just in case your horse wants to duck out.
Most importantly, do not take any fence for granted. It is often the most simple obstacle that creates a problem. Approach every obstacle with confidence and determination to succeed. There is nothing more exciting than galloping around a cross country course clean within the time allotted. Go out and have fun!
Posted on August 29, 2006
One of the most exciting classes to watch is the Dressage Musical Freestyle. The top 15 riders from the Grand Prix qualify to ride their Musical Kurs in front of record breaking crowds. It is thrilling to watch the horses and riders dance to music as one. The atmosphere was electric when the two American team members Guenter Seidel on Aragon and Steffen Peters on Floriano danced for the crowds.
“Tonight I had to ride a little bit more carefully, Peters said, Floriano was on the edge the whole time coming in there, so I took it a little bit easy in the trot extentions. I am very happy with a 78, we came in and tried our very best and had a lot of fun.”
Peters and Floriano, the 16 year old Westphalian gelding, owned by Stephen and Laurelyn Browning, were the last to compete in front of a sold out crowd, performing to a medley including “Don’t stop Believing” by Fleetwood Mac and “Imagine” by John Lennon. They finished in sixth place with a score of 78.60%.
Seidel rode his 14 year old Bavarian Warmblood gelding, owned by Richard and Jane rown, to 13th place. “When we were going in, I thought he was going to explode,” said Seidel of his mount. He could not have been happier with his horse’s performance, “It was very electric. There were a few mistakes. But when do you have the chance to practice in an atmosphere like this?”
Team USA’s Chef D’Equipe, Klaus Balkenhol has taken our horses and riders to a new level in Dressae. We are all proud of our teams success!
Posted on August 25, 2006
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Saratoga Raceway is less than 2 hours from Dutchess County, offering an exciting day at the races at one of the most beautiful tracks in the country. The main course is a mile and an eighth, the turf course is one mile and the Steeplechase course is 7/8 mile long.
This weekend is the Tavers Stakes named after William Travers, the President of the old Saratoga Racing Association. This year is the 137th running of the Grade 1 Stakes race comprising of a field of 3 year olds racing for the one million dollar purse. This race is the highlight of the summer season just as the Belmont Stakes is the highlight of the Spring meeting at Belmont Park.
Elegant attire is a tradition at the Saratoga Race Course. Find your best country hat and go out to cheer on your favorite horse to win. The entry fee is only $5/person, but bring some money to bet on your horse. You will enjoy a fun day in the country!
Posted on August 15, 2006
Congratualtions to Kayla with Beau and Joa with Kestrel for winning the schooling class, equitation and training level test 2 in each of their respective divisions. Both riders had a stellar weekend placing at the top of the leader board in every class entered, with the overall team score coming in second.
The weekend was filled with educational opportunities for the riders to learn from the best riders and trainers. This is an event not to be missed if you are a young rider ages 9-21. The competition was tough, but everyone performed beautifully.
With excellent weather conditions, the weekend was a great success and filled with fun events like the Trail Class and Prix Caprilli. Generous sponsors offered prizes and gifts for every place won.
For more information visit dressage4kids web site at www.dressage4kids.com
Posted on August 5, 2006
The 8th annual Dressage 4 Kids competition is August 11-13 at Hits in Saugerties, NY. This exciting weekend is for riders under 21 to compete in various age groups for wonderful prizes. The competition was conceived of by Lendon Gray to encourage young riders under 21 to become true horseman. The goal of the program is to create riders who understand the correct position, to develop competive skills, to have knowledge of all aspects of horse care and riding, to offer scholarships to enable competitors to continue their education, and most importantly to have fun and develop good sportsmanship.
Competitors must meet the requirement of qualifying with two scores and come from 10 countries and 25 states. They hail from the worlds of eventing, jumping, hunters, pony club and trail riding. Many of them form teams with fun names like the Beau Jesters to compete against each other.
This is a fun learning experience and a great place to meet other young riders. For more information check out the web site www.dressage4kids.com.
Posted on August 1, 2006
Many of you have contacted me regarding the latest news on Barbaro, so I would like to let you know about a link that gives updates each week.
You can find the latest info at www.vet.upenn.edu.
As of the last recording, Barbaro is in good shape with a healthy appetite and he remains in good spirits.
Posted on July 28, 2006
The Hudson Valley hosts many top equestrian events throughout the year and this weekend is one of the hottest events to attend. Fitches Corner, located in Millbrook on Mabbettsville Road and the Shunpike (route 57), begins tomorrow with dressage and ends Sunday with a day of Cross Country and Stadium Jumping.
The host, Fernanda Gilligan, takes care to make it fun and easy for competitors to attend. Saturday evening is the Blue Jean Ball, a party for everyone involved as well as the community to eat, drink and dance into the early hours or the next day.
There are over 30 vendors in the Marketplace for shoppers and for those who may have forgotten something. This year also marks the first time Bit of Britain is represented on the show grounds. Many call this event a Mini Rolex due to the extraordinary attention to detail to every aspect of the weekend.
The cross country course is beautiful and challenging at 3 levels, Novice, Training and Preliminary. You will watch local riders as well as some of the best riders in the country riding their young horses over this challenging course. The water jump is a great place to watch the action, and then walk around the course to watch all the obstacles being ridden by a very talented group of athletes.
Enjoy the day and cheer on your favorite rider!
Posted on July 26, 2006
Many horses develop small bumps or raised areas on the skin called hives, or the technical term Urticria. These are caused by an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. The cause can be topical from an insect bite, fly spray, shampoo, a saddle pad with detergent on it, or systemic from a food or drug that may have caused a reaction. Generally hives are not life threatening, with the exception being if the throat area closes and the horse cannot breathe.
If they do not resolve themselves in a few hours, it is necessary to call the vet who can administer drugs to reduce the swelling and discomfort. Try to identify what could have caused the hives by checking food sources and external causes in his environment.
Posted on July 19, 2006
Horses can suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Take care to know your horses normal temperature, heart rate and pulse. On extremely hot days be sure to keep a close watch over your horses condition. It is a good idea to ride early in the day or at dusk when the air temperature cools down. After your work out you must cool your horse out completely. The length of cool down will depend on the environmental conditons, amount of work and each individual horse.
Signs of a heat stroke include hot dry skin, high pulse and respiratory rates and a high temperature (101 is normal). Use the pinch test to check for dehydration, that is pinch some skin together and let it go, if it returns to normal immediately all is well, if it remains pinched, call your vet immediately.
Some horses have a condition known as anhydrotic, that is when the horses cannot sweat normally. These horses are prime candidates for heat stress and must be monitored closely on hot days.
Of course, make certain to have fresh water available to your horse all the time. Feed an electrolyte supplement in daily feed on hot days to encourage drinking. Horses drink 5-10 gallons of water a day and this is critical to maintaining a healthy horse.