Day Long Dressage Clinics

 

by German trainer Gerda Warner using German training methods

 

The Series

See our Upcoming Events page for dates of scheduled clinics.

 

Maximum of 6 riders per clinic (except The Kür - Part II, which is for 2 riders.) Contact Gerda for more information.

 

 

Lunging - The Basics

 

It is a commonly held belief that lunging is a means of tiring out your horse in order to be able to ‘handle’ it. The fact is that lunging can achieve far more than this.

  • The purpose of lunging is to prepare the horse physically and mentally to carry the rider.
  • What you do now sets the tone for your work together.
  • In a youngster lunging can effect the attitude to work for the rest of his working life.
  • Lunging is riding from the ground.

Learn how correct lunging can enhance your and your horse's performance.

Schedule

 

9:30 - 12:30 Instruction

 

We start the day with a lunging demonstration, followed by individual instruction in the skill of effective lunging your horse. Further learning will then take place through participant observation.

 

12:45 Working Lunch

 

Sandwiches, salads and drinks (tea, coffee and soft drinks) are provided.

 

Video footage taken during the morning sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.

 

14:00 Back in the arena

 

This session consists of lunging 2 selected horses, identifying and discussing possible issues and working out the appropriate approach using your newly acquired knowledge.

 

15:30 Lunging Assesment

 

At the end of the session you will have the opportunity to individually lunge your horse and discuss your approach to extend your newly found skills.

 

 

 

Training Scales Part I - Intermediate

 

Losgelassenheit            (Looseness)

Takt                                   (Rhythm)

Anlehung                           (Contact)

 

The above are cornerstones of effective riding. These terms are often used but frequently not fully understood and not easily achieved.

 

This day is designed to unlock the secrets of these terms

  • what they mean
  • how they work
  • why they are important
  • what happens, or rather does not happen, in their absence
  • how to get closer to these aims

    Schedule

     

    9:30 - 12:30 Instruction

     

    Three 45 minute instruction sessions in compatible pairs, starting at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30. When not riding, participants are invited to watch the sessions of other riders.

     

    12:45 Working Lunch

     

    Sandwiches, salads and drinks (tea, coffee and soft drinks) are provided.

     

    Video footage taken during the morning sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.

     

    14:00 Back on horses

     

    After a 15 min warm up we will have a further intense 60 min session as a group, in the 20x60m outdoor arena, making use of the newly acquired knowledge.

     

    15:30 Ride Test

     

    At the end of the session you will ride an appropriate test chosen for your ability which will be judged by a BD listed judge. Afterwards you have the opportunity to discuss with him/her your performance and ask questions.

     

     

     

    Training Scales Part II - Advanced

     

    Geraderichten                    (Straightening)

    Schwung                       (Impulsion/Swing)

    Versammlung                         (Collection)

     

     

    Following on from the Part I clinic and with a similar format, this day is designed to unlock the secrets of the above terms

    • what they mean
    • how they work
    • why they are important
    • what happens, or rather does not happen, in their absence
    • how to get closer to these aims

    Schedule

     

    9:30 - 12:30 Instruction

     

    Three 45 minute instruction sessions in compatible pairs, starting at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30. When not riding, participants are invited to watch the sessions of other riders.

     

    12:45 Working Lunch

     

    Sandwiches, salads and drinks (tea, coffee and soft drinks) are provided.

     

    Video footage taken during the morning sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.

     

    14:00 Back on horses

     

    After a 15 min warm up we will have a further intense 60 min session as a group, in the 20x60m outdoor arena, making use of the newly acquired knowledge.

     

    15:30 Ride Test

     

    At the end of the session you will ride an appropriate test chosen for your ability which will be judged by a BD listed judge. Afterwards you have the opportunity to discuss with him/her your performance and ask questions.

       

     

    Keep it Classical

     

    • Classical Riding is correct riding.
    • It is Horsemanship - not just knowing how to ride.
    • Classical Riding works without fear or force and most definitely without gadgets.
    • It's working with - never against - the horse.

     

     

     

    Schedule

     

    9:30 - 12:30 Instruction

     

    Three 45 minute instruction sessions in pairs exploring Classical Dressage - using the art to enhance your performance - starting at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30. When not riding, participants are invited to watch the sessions of other riders.

     

    12:45 Working Lunch

     

    Sandwiches, salads and drinks (tea, coffee and soft drinks) are provided.

     

    Video footage taken during the morning sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.

     

    13:30 Understanding the Art

     

    Riding classically classroom session/workshop.

    Explore the difference between Classical Dressage and Competition Dressage.

     

    15:00 Back on horses

     

    After a 15 min warm up we will have a further intense 60 min session as a group, in the 20x60m outdoor arena, making use of the newly acquired insight and awareness.

     

     

    The Rider

     

    There is much more for the rider to deal with because "a horse knows how to be a horse - you however have to learn how to become a rider."

     

    The old masters say:

    • It takes ten years learning how to sit on a horse without getting in his way.
    • It takes a further ten years learning how to influence him without getting in his way.
    This is a unique opportunity to be assessed both in and out of the saddle by a German Trainer and a Physiotherapist. The aim is to improve your balance and riding position by refining your core strength and postural awareness.

    This clinic is jointly run by Gerda Warner and Jacqueline Grant MSc (Vet. Phys.), MCSP Chartered Human and Veterinary Physiotherapist.

     

    Schedule

     

    9:30 - 12:30 Instruction

     

    Throughout the morning riders will take part in individually assessed sessions with Jackie Grant and Gerda Warner.

     

    12:45 Working Lunch

     

    Sandwiches, salads and drinks (tea, coffee and soft drinks) are provided.

     

    Video footage taken during the morning sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.

     

    14:00 Back on horses

     

    After a 15 min warm up we will have a further intense 60 min session as a group, in the 20x60m outdoor arena, making use of the newly acquired posture and body awareness.

     

     

    Ring Craft & Competition

     

    'If you can ride down the centre line, halt at X, proceed to C, turn left or right, ride the corner and receive 10 marks for the movement, then your horse is ready for Grand Prix and you will certainly win ...'

     

    - Reiner Klimke

     

     

    This day will give you a chance to get a little closer to this ideal.

     

     

    Schedule

     

    9:30 - 12:30 Instruction

     

    Three 45 minute instruction sessions in pairs exploring Classical Dressage - using the art to enhance your performance - starting at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30. When not riding, participants are invited to watch the sessions of other riders.

     

    12:45 Working Lunch

     

    Sandwiches, salads and drinks (tea, coffee and soft drinks) are provided.

     

    Video footage taken during the morning sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.

     

    14:00 Back on horses

     

    After a 15 min warm up we will have a further intense 60 min session as a group, in the 20x60m outdoor arena, making use of the newly acquired posture and body awareness.

     

     

    The Kür - Riding to Music - Part I

    • It is a fun way to compete in dressage competitions, having put together the test yourself.
    • It can therefore show off the movements you like and your horse is good at.
    • It is Dressage to Music - not Dressage with Music.

    Schedule

     

    9:30 - 12:30 In the Classroom

    • Introduction: What is a Kür?
    • Rules of freestyle to music.
    • Compulsory contents of Kür at different levels.
    • Design the floor-plan.
    • How to make your own CD at Water Farm.

    12:45 Working Lunch

     

    Sandwiches, salads and drinks (tea, coffee and soft drinks) are provided.

     

    13:30 In the Arena

     

    Watch an elementary Kür performed.

     

    14.00 Back in the Classroom

    • Listen to the music you brought along and would like to ride too.
    • Assess its suitability.
    • Listen to lots of different music.
    • Talk about the beat.
    • Identify the right kind of music
    • Find out how to do your homework in preparation for the second part of the clinic.
     

     

    The Kür - Riding to Music - Part II

     

    Carries on from Part I and puts the theory into practice. Limited to 2 riders per clinic. 

     

    Schedule

     

    9:30 In the Arena

    • Establish your horse's beat.
    • Ride your floor plan and establish exact timings.
    • Adjust walk, trot and canter sections as necessary.
    • Cut music to timed sections.
    Break for lunch at convenient time

     

     

    Sandwiches, salads and drinks (tea, coffee and soft drinks) are provided.

     

    After Lunch

    • Time to practice your Kür under instruction of Gerda Warner.
    • Coffee with Q&A session.
    • Take your finished CD home.