World-class instruction, classical methodology:
Training the horse

Correct dressage training will increase the performance ability, three dimensional suppleness (longitudinal, vertical, and lateral), collection, strength, suspension and quality of the gaits in your horse. Dressage training also develops a direct line of communication between you and your horse.

The athletic development of the horse is key in schooling dressage. My goal in training horses is to make each one as best as genetically possible. Keeping the horse sound, healthy and happy is an utmost priority.

Like people, most horses favor one side

I use gymnastic work to first develop an ambidextrous, supple horse. The even use of the two hind legs in both height and length of the stride is the first goal. The horse should be developed so that he may always move parallel with his spine to the path that he tracks. This will develop strength in the gaits. All horses can benefit from this training.

Collection develops suspension and flexibility

I then introduce collection—gradually shifting the center of gravity towards the horse’s haunches, allowing the horse to carry himself and the rider forward and upward. Collection creates suspension, a swinging back and increased flexibility in the joints.

Lateral bending
After collection, I introduce lateral bending. Shoulder in/out is a suppling and collection exercise to further strengthen the inside hind leg, stifle and hips, and especially the hock joint. Shoulder in/out also works the lumbar back to increase the swing. Half-pass creates skeletal flexibility, balance and muscular suppleness.

Advanced collection

When the body is strong and able, I begin to highly increase the collection work. Advanced collection work improves Impulsion, suspension, engagement and momentum—all of which are the cornerstones of dressage.

Pirouettes increase collection, shift weight on the haunches and promote lumbar flexibility.

Piaffe is a result of the greatest degree of collection at the trot. The horse is able to lower his croup and flex all of the joints in his limbs.

Passage comes when the horse is able to develop rhythmical diagonal steps through collection, properly bending through the hips and stifle and showing great cadence that comes from the long moment of suspension, each time the horse springs off one diagonal pair to the other.

Single and tempi changes

One of my specialties include single and tempi changes. I have had many client horses come to me unable to do a proper flying change—a natural movement for any horses. Balance, collection, solid transitions, suppleness and straightness are the keys.

See Training the rider