Dressage

The Psychology of Performance Horses

Updated:

August 18, 2014

optimal horse fitness, horse peak performance, equine athletes, Dr. Sebastian McBride, understanding horse temperament, horse temperament testing, horse care, Psychological Factors Affecting Equine Performance, temperament of a young horse, Psychology of Performance Horses, Margaret Evans

It is common knowledge that a horse must achieve optimal physical fitness in order to deliver a peak performance, but what kind of impact does psychological condition have on equine performance? In a competition environment, equine athletes in any discipline may show symptoms of stress, but to what degree does the expression of that stress affect the quality of a jumping round, dressage test, reining pattern, etc.?

Meeting Riding Helmet Safety Head-On

Updated:

August 8, 2014

horse safety, equine safety, horse helmet, equestrian helmet, horse rider safety, horse helmet expiry, horse helmet expiration, horse helmet fit, riding helmet safety, Equine Guelph, horse helmet fitting tips, purchasing equestrian helmet

Experienced riders know that riding is risky business. Falls and other horse-related injuries are a real possibility, and even top riders cannot prevent all riding-related accidents.

How to Ride the Shoulder-In Loop

Updated:

May 12, 2014

How ride shoulder-in loop dressage, horse trainer Andrea Taylor, dressage exercises

Looking for an exercise to help develop your horse's uphill balance, self-carriage, and collected work? Olympic dressage rider and trainer Andrea Taylor suggests an exercise to improve these and other aspects of your horse's movement and training — the Shoulder-in Loop.

How to Prepare for Piaffe and Passage

Updated:

January 27, 2014

How to Prepare for Piaffe and Passage, Bonny Bonnello, dressage training pyramid apex, equine collection, equine lateral work, horse half-halt to decreased stride

With Bonny Bonnello - The apex of the dressage training pyramid, collection is of the utmost importance for a dressage horse when it comes to performing expressive flying changes, half-passes, piaffe, and passage. Collection can be described as the shortening of your horse’s frame – not just his neck, but his complete longitudinal frame – and transferring more weight onto the hindquarters. But this shortening should not affect the forward rhythm.

Out of the Saddle Exercises to Improve Your Riding Skills

Updated:

January 7, 2014

Belinda Trussell, out of the Saddle Exercises to Improve Your Riding Skills, horse riding exercises, correct rider position

In all disciplines, we want to be able to train our horses to move up the levels and perform different maneuvers for us. Without a supple body, a horse isn’t capable of that... and if you haven’t got a supple rider, then it’s not going to be possible to have a supple horse.

Interview with Jaimey Irwin: A Canadian Dressage Star on the Rise

Updated:

August 9, 2013

Jaimey Irwin, dressage rider, Tina Busse-Irwin, Stoney Lake Equestrian, Grand Prix dressage, Lindor’s Finest, horse trainer

Growing up in Lakefield, Ontario, Jaimey Irwin always knew he would ride and train horses professionally, settling on dressage as his discipline of choice at age 16. Today, at 35, he has become one of the most successful Grand Prix dressage riders representing Canada on the international stage. The highlight of Jaimey’s riding career to date occurred this past April at the 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Gothenburg, Sweden. Competing against the best dressage riders from around the world, Jaimey achieved an impressive 16th place finish riding Lindor’s Finest (Lindor), a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

Connect Your Horse with Contact

Updated:

July 31, 2013

Bonny Bonnello, horse contact, horse riding contact, horse connection, horse riding connection, dressage contact, dressage connection, half-halt trot lengthening, Half-pass exercise, Leg-yield exercise, Half-pass exercise

The importance of contact in dressage cannot be overstated. “Without contact, straightness is not possible, nor is good collection. Your aids, which include your upper body, legs, hands, and seat, combine to create the contact, which should be elastic.