World-class instruction, classical methodology:
Training the rider

I rarely take absolute beginner riders. Occasionally I will accept a promising student new to dressage, but that has ridden in the past. Most of my students come to me with an established base and a desire to further their dressage endeavors. That being said, with everyone, I still start with the basics.

Body Positioning

The first step with all students is body positioning. Teaching a rider to have a quite, steady, independent seat, leg and hand comes with repitition, practice and various exercises. The rider must be in control of his body at all times. This is taught on and off the lunge line.

The seat
A balanced seat is so vital to the growth of a dressage rider. The position of the torso and use of the back and abdominal muscle communicate to the horse through the seat.

The leg

Not used for griping or staying on but for creating impulsion, determining the gait and bending the horse. The thigh, knee, lower leg and foot positioning is very important.

The hand

The rider’s hands must be quiet and independent at all times. The rider’s hands should never make any involuntary motion. The hands are an extension of the seat. They resist, yield, drive, direct, balance, and assist in collection and bending.
All must work together yet independently.

Developing proper aids

Step two is learning how to properly aid the horse for a desired response is necessary for any rider.

Half-halts

You cannot ride dressage without half-halts. The half-halt is a rebalancing aid without pulling. It is subtly driving and restraining. Propelling the haunches under and forward while restraining the forehand.

Transitions

Asking for the walk, trot or canter is not simply kicking or pushing the horse to go faster. Every transition should be a gymnastic exercise. A horse naturally carries his weight on the forehand. You must feel what the hindquarters are doing and make the necessary adjustments. Each transition should be direct, and precisely delivered with small aids.

Riding movements

Step three, learning how to ride each movement precisely and accurately, is a skill all in its own. It is very important for the rider to know how to position himself and the horse accurately to execute each movement. It is also very important to understand what each movement is used for and how it develops the horse.

Training the horse and rider combination

It brings me great joy to coach my students in the training of their own horses. From starting a young horse under saddle to schooling the Grand Prix, helping a rider develop his own horse to his utmost potential is why I put so much effort into teaching the basics.

See Training the horse