Dressage Training: Practical Dressage

Say the word ‘dressage’ and many riders think only of the specific requirements of the competitive sport of dressage. Others immediately protest that dressage is ‘difficult’, ‘boring’, or ‘irrelevant’ for what I do with my horse. From a practical standpoint, however, dressage is simply a training system that allows a rider to develop any horse for any possible use. And, perhaps more important, systematic training enables riders to identify and fix those inevitable problems that crop up as training progresses. The Old French word ‘dress’ meaning to prepare or drill is the root of the word ‘dressage. From that perspective, dressage IS relevant for any horse whose rider aspires to train and compete in a systematic way. While the Greeks get credit for penning the first works on classical horse training, the Renaissance French developed horse training as a high art practiced by nobility and royalty. In contemporary times, the Germans systematized dressage training principles which enabled the sport of competitive dressage that we know today.

Meredith Manor teaches a 10-step ‘training tree’ based on the German model. Each basic training skill builds on the previously mastered skills. Gradually, the horse develops a foundation that allows him to specialize successfully in whatever sport his rider chooses. Riders master a six-step ‘riding tree’ on their way to being able to successfully influence and train a horse. In an ideal world, a rider would master the riding tree before attempting to train her horse. In reality, riders and their horses often find themselves learning together.

As I said, one of the real advantages of having a system for learning how to train or ride comes when things are not going particularly well. Start at the bottom of each ‘tree’ and ask yourself whether you and your horse have truly mastered the first levels. If the answer is yes, go to the next level and ask the question again. Each time the horse learns a new skill, the rider must make sure the training tree is being followed for that new skill. As soon as you get to a level, for horse or rider, where the truthful answer is ‘not completely’, you have found the root of your problem. Never mind that you paid good money for a clinic where you ‘learned’ how to perform a specific movement for your next dressage test or improve your time around the barrels. If your horse has not mastered the 10-step horse training program or you have not mastered the six-step rider training program, there is the hole in your skill
set.

If you are not balanced, how can your horse be balanced? If you do not know how to coordinate your aids, how can your horse be on the aids? If you cannot use your aids to influence your horse, how can you clearly communicate with your horse when performing a reining pattern or a dressage test or any other competitive adventure?

For example, horses are born crooked by nature, some more than others. If you never help them develop their bodies equally on both sides (become straight), their natural crookedness will eventually limit their progress. If you attempt a spin in a reining pattern and cannot get your horse to set its inside pivot leg dow in one direction or the other or your horse can not canter down the rail without carrying his haunches to the inside, your horse has a straightness problem. Or, the problem may be that you as the rider do not know
how to apply your aids correctly to help the horse stay straight before you ask for the spin or canter. This can sometimes be ‘chicken and egg’ stuff. A good trainer or ground person can help you sort out which it is by helping you figure out where you and your horse are in mastering your basic skill sets. Now look for straightness in each new skill you introduce to your horse.

As another example, it goes without saying that if you attempt a trail class or dressage test on a tense horse, you will not score well. All the drilling on specific movements will not help you if your horse becomes anxious and you do not know how to reestablish relaxation. You may feel resistant about backing way down the training tree until you have solved the problem (and if your horse is not relaxed yet, it is likely because he has not yet established rhythm, either) but until you do, you and your horse will continue to be frustrated.

But, you protest again, I don’t compete. I just like to trail ride. In some ways, riding outdoors in an unstructured environment demands even more from a horse and rider. If a turkey or a deer jumps out of the brush, does your horse understand and respond to the basic aids? (Are you slopping down the road with loose reins or actually paying attention to your riding?) When you want to cross a log or a stream is your horse straight and does he understand moving forward from your leg? Imagine the feeling of cantering rhythmically through a
meadow without your horse speeding up until he is running away. Imagine you and your horse in complete balance as he rocks back on his hindquarters to tackle a steep downhill stretch. That is practical dressage. If your horse has mastered the training tree, he will be a confident and responsive partner no matter what you encounter on a familiar or unfamiliar trail.

Again, in an ideal world every rider would master the riding tree before attempting to take their horse up the training tree. In the real world, horse and rider are likely to be learning together. Seek out riding instructors and trainers who can clearly articulate the system they teach students on their way to mastery. A systematic progression of skills gives you a set of benchmarks. When things are not doing well, those benchmarks will help you find the ‘hole’, master the skill, and kick start your progress.

Source dressagedaily.com

Tags: Dressage Training, Dressage Training Tips, Practical Dressage

Markus Graf Dressage

Swiss National Championship Dressage Markus Graf is the winner of the Swiss national championship dressage. After two tests Grand Prix and Freestyle to music he became Swiss champion showing KWPN-gelding Ronaldo II (Gribaldi x Pion). Marcela Krinke-Susmelj won the Swiss silver medal showing Corinth while Hans Staub and Warbeau took the bronze. CDI 3* in Raleigh – Luis Reteguiz-Denizard was successful at the Capital Dressage Classic CDI 3* in Raleigh, North Carolina, showing his KWPN gelding Nalando and receiving the start of their FEI minimum eligibility standard (MES) scores that will be considered for the 2012 London Olympics in the FEI Grand Prix. Representing Puerto Rico both Denizard and Nalando earned a 65.3% from Elizabeth McMullen, an FEI 5* judge, and also received an overall average score of 64.3% from a panel of five judges. The pair will look to compete in additional CDI’s that will assist in sending the hopeful pair to the 2012 Olympics in London next summer. “I was really pleased with both tests. Nalando felt terrific. These scores are what the Puerto Rican Equestrian Federation and Olympic Selection Committee base their selections on,” said Denizard. Upcoming goals include the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara,Mexico, the 2012 London Olympics and possibly making a trip to Europewith Nalando to compete next spring.

CDI3* Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach CDI3* suffered from bad footing. Seven of eight rider and horse combinations withdrew from the Grand Prix at the Pebble Beach CDI3* last Friday in a protest by competitors over the quality of the footing. Riders complained before the competition started at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center that the sand ring was too deep, uneven and hard in the corners. A large amount of sand was removed but discussions between competitors, show management and a footing consultant failed to satisfy most of the riders.

Only one competitor showed. Cyndi Jackson on Strauss who scored 61.723 per cent. The Pebble Beach CDI was restored on the calendar this year after a two-year break, in 2009 because of economic problems and in 2010 because the U.S. Open golf tournament was held at PebbleBeach.

Vicci Max-Theurer in Hospital

Austrian Vicci Max-Theurer had to be brought to hospital last week because of an embolism of her lungs. The number five of the 2009 EC in Windsor and number six in de FEI World ranking list had her stallion Augustin in great form for Aachen, but cannot compete there. She hopes to be recovered in time to compete at the EC dressage in Rotterdam.

Werner Passed Away

Werner, the top horse of French dressage rider Stephanie Brieussel-Collier, an eight-year-old Dutch bred (by Krack C) has passed away during a training. The dissection showed an aneurysm (a widening of the vascular system in part) as the cause of death. The combination was in training with Dutch Hans Peter Minderhoud and was on the short list of the
French team. Brieussel said: “We just started the training for about 15 minutes. We know Werner had a small heart defect, but we always were very careful. At the time when it happened, he was in super condition. He was so gentle that he gave me all chances to get off him nicely before he passed away. His death makes me very sad, he was a fantastic stallion…”

Emma Hindle Pregnant

Emma Hindle can be congratulated as she is almost 5 months pregnant with her first child, due in November. “I will continue to compete at this level as long as I am healthy and happy and it feels right — and of course it’s safe for the baby,” said Emma, 36, who has been planning for a baby with her partner Tobias for a long time. “My mother said women used to stop work for just enough time to have the baby! I had more or less given up hope, so it wasn’t scheduled for this moment, but it will work out well,” commented Emma, whose primary aim remains the London 2012 Olympics.

Cesar Parra in Balve

Cesar Parra is one step closer to his goal of competing Grandioso, owned by Michael and Sarah Davis, in the Pan Am Games thanks to his successful show inBalve,Germany. Parra rode the ten-year-old Westphalian gelding in the Prix St. Georges class and the S3 class, winning both classes. Parra will stay in Europe throughout July, competing and training Grandioso as well as Dave and Taunia Reed’s Agastrofos. “I believe our trips to Europe are super for many reasons. I love to keep my eye sharp and think it’s critical to watch the best horses and riders in the world,” Parra said. “I believe that when you surround yourself with the best, you push yourself to be better all the time.” Parra is staying at Arnd Erben’s stable in Iserlohn, Germany.

EC Rotterdam

EC Rotterdam is selling out quickly. All tickets for the closing day including the Freestyle Final were sold out in just a few weeks time. Visitors will be able to witness a new build grand stand at the known venue inRotterdam which will host permanent offices and educational possibilities. The Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS), City ofRotterdam, Rotterdam Topsport and the CHIO Rotterdam are the organizers of the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011, supported by main sponsor Rabobank.

With the Dutch defending their title on their home turf, the local interest for tickets has been enormous. However some tickets are still available online at www.ecdressage2011.com. Last deciders still have the possibility to order passe-partouts, including the Freestyle Final.

Source dressagedaly.com

Tags: CDI3, Cesar Parra, Dressage news, Dressage Werner, EC Rotterdam, Emma Hindle Pregnant, Markus Graf Dressage, Vicci Max-Theurer

mPact Sports Medicine Horse Boots

During show season, horses are worked harder and stalled more often. This can generate a greater amount of stress on the muscles and connective tissue.

Jack Grogan, Certified Nutritionist and Chief Science Officer at Uckele Health & Nutrition, believes that it is vitally important that the strong, yet delicate muscles and connective tissue in the legs be protected and cared for day in and day out, especially during show season, “As a result of the increased work load, it is very common for muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue to be overworked or strained; not necessarily to the point of injury, but as a normal consequence of the extra training and performance.”

Grogan emphasizes that the muscles and connective tissues of the legs require rest and care to recuperate as completely as possible to perform at the highest level of the horse’s physical potential, “One of the first lines of defense to protect the muscles, tendons and ligaments from the stress of training and performing is a high quality poultice. This functions as a drawing substance, which soothes and comforts the tissues. A good poultice reduces tissue heat and swelling caused by the connective tissue stress that occurs from the substantially greater work load and increased demands of high intensity training and performance.”

In addition, Grogan points out that there is also great benefit for all horses, not just performance horses, to support and soothe the legs, muscles and connective tissue. A high quality poultice can reduce pain or discomfort from normal daily exercise and activity, relieve soreness and stiffness in muscles and joints after a hard workout, and provide natural astringent properties.

Grogan, who has developed highly effective liniment and poultice formulas, recommends a clay-based formula to provides a temporary cooling benefit for inflamed tissues and natural astringent properties, which can support a faster recuperation. He points out that when it comes to injury, a good rule of thumb is: cold for fresh trauma and as a preventive after heavy work, “In the early acute phases after injury, cold minimizes the aggressive stress response to the injury, and can reduce pain.” Grogan adds that by reducing the initial stress of the injury, the risk of further, more damaging injury from swelling and inflammation is minimized.

“While ice is the preferred cold therapy, it’s not always a convenient option,” Grogan concludes, “Poultices are an excellent alternative option to cool things down and are frequently used as cold therapy on the lower legs (tendons, ligaments, joints) and hooves (traumatic injury, bruises, abscesses) to reduce swelling and aid healing.”

Jack Grogan has worked extensively in the fields of biology, biochemistry and nutrition, is an expert in tissue mineral balancing, and has demonstrated considerable success in balancing equine mineral chemistry to strengthen the basic metabolism and improve efficiency in horses. He is a consultant to numerous veterinarians, chiropractors, trainers, naturopaths and nutritionists.

Source dressagedaily.com

HorseBoots.com offers a variety of Sports Medicine and Therapy Horse Boots such as the Bar F mPact Horse Boot, to help your Dressage horse perform at its best – View Sports Medicine Horse Boots here

Tags: Dressage Boots, Dressage Health, Dressage Poultices, Dressage Sports Medicine, Dressage Training, Equine Sports Medicine Boots

In this dressage training video, dressage trainer Jane Savoie shows a rider a simple exercise for suppling her horse at the poll.

Dressage Trainer Jane Savoie’s site bio.

ane has coached at three Olympic Games. In 1996, Jane coached the Canadian 3-Day Event Team at the Olympics in Atlanta.

Jane coached several Three Day Event Riders from the United States, Canada and Belgium in preparation for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. While in Sydney, she also coached United States Dressage Team member, Susan Blinks. With Jane’s guidance, Sue and her horse, Flim Flam, were able to help secure the team Bronze medal. This victory was particularly meaningful because Jane has helped Sue with Flim since he
was three years old.

In 2004, Jane once again accompanied the Canadian Three Day Event team to the Olympics. This time the competition was in Athens, Greece. Under her watchful eye, several of the riders achieved their personal best for their dressage scores and finished tenth as a team.

Tags: Dressage Suppling, Dressage Tips, dressage trainer, Dressage Training, Dressage Videos, Jane Savoie

Dressage Tips: Rider Fitness Is Important

It’s pretty clear how important that strong core is, how are we to go about getting it? If you are a professional and ride 5 horses or more a day, I really think that is good enough to get a super strong core. I always feel that when I ride 5 horses I have had a very good workout, any less than that and I need to do more to help me stay fit enough to ride well. I do know some top riders who ride 8 horses a day and then go to the gym – while I think that is great, I figure 5 horses and some stretching and I’m good to go…

I know it’s a often a struggle for many amateurs to ride even one horse a day. Life is a balancing act, and there are often more important things in life than riding dressage. However, whenever and however it can fit in, additional fitness is required if you are interested in really improving your ability as a dressage rider. Additional physical training emphasizing strength, balance and suppleness can only help your riding.

My favorite thing to do is dance, dance, dance. Grab a partner and learn to ballroom dance. Many aspects of dance are similar to dressage – there is tempo, rhythm, balance, frame, contact and suppleness. And it’s really fun too – you don’t even realize the workout you are getting!

One of the best new sports out there for core strength, balance and fitness is paddle boarding – I read somewhere that it burns about 800 calories an hour – and most of those calories are burned maintaining balance with your core. If you live anywhere near the water I highly recommend it!

Other great sports are most of the martial arts (Thai Chi is supposed to be wonderful) and any type of yoga. Pilates is a guaranteed bet to improve your symmetry and muscle control. If you can run, use a treadmill, or elliptical machine for 30 minutes a few times a week it can make a huge difference, and it helps even more if your posture and technique is kept in mind while working out.

For those of you with very limited time, use some of your down time to work out. Watch TV and do the “Plank” (the pilates move where you hold your body straight as an arrow on your elbows and toes). Any other good abdominal exercises, especially those for your oblique abdominals are great. Have small weights near the couch, and use them for arms, shoulders, chest and legs. Lunges and squats can be easily done from in front of the TV.

I’m sure that there are many other great sports you can do that will enhance your riding, I think the most important thing is not so much the sport or what you do, but just that you do it.

Source dressagedaily.com

Tags: dressage exercise, dressage fitness, dressage fitness tips, Dressage Tips, Dressage Training Tips

Show Jumping: 2011 Aachen Nations Cup News

The 2011 Nations Cup Show Jumping competitions in Aachen, Netherlands – has the Netherlands winning Leg 5 of 8 of the FEI Nations Cup.

FEI NATIONS CUP
The FEI Nations Cup is a five-star competition in which official teams representing nations compare their merit. At each event the teams gain points according to their placing. At the end of the 2011 season the team with the highest points wins the FEI Nations Cup and the two teams with the lowest points will be relegated to the FEI Nations Cup Promotional League. The highest placed team from the 2011 FEI Nations Cup Promotional League Final and the highest placed Team on the FEI European Nations Cup Promotional League standings immediately prior to the 2011 FEI Nations Cup Promotional League Final will join the FEI Nations Cup Top League for 2012.

Tags: dressage, dressage competition, FEI Nations Cup, FEI Show Jumping, Nations Cup Dressage, Show Jumping Comeptition, Show Jumping Video

In July and August, Rotterdam will be the Equestrian Capital of Europe hosting two top equestrian events: the FEI European Dressage Championships and CHIO Rotterdam. To create a more equestrian feel, 25 life-sized models of real horses will be located around the city centre of Rotterdam. The horses will be painted and decorated by local artists and students and will be used for several activities this summer. The organizing committee for the EC and the Rotterdam City Government strongly believe this initiative connects equestrian sports, art and culture.

“At least for a short period Rotterdam will be the Equestrian Capital of Europe,” says Frans Lavooij, president of the Organizing Committee. “The FEI EC Dressage directly followed by the 63rd edition of the CHIO Rotterdam will bring the whole equestrian world to Rotterdam. This is a nice way to profile these major events in our City linking sports, art and culture.”

About FEI European Dressage Championships 2011

From August 17th until 21st 2011, the FEI European Dressage Championships take place. It will be an important competition as this is a Pre-Olympic year and the championships qualify for London 2012. The Dutch have lead the international dressage for many years now and will strongly defend their European title on their home turf. Competition will be intense as 21 countries have applied.

On Wednesday and Thursday there are the Grand Prix Team Championships, Saturday the Grand Prix Special and on Sunday the Grand Prix Freestyle. Saturday night the Equestrian Gala programme is going to be spectacular, a ‘must’ for everybody who likes dressage.

The event will be the perfect opportunity for exposing equestrian sports, particularly dressage. The Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS), City of Rotterdam, Rotterdam Topsport and the CHIO Rotterdam are the organizers of the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 supported by the main sponsor Rabobank.

Source dressagedaily.com

Tags: dressage, dressage competitions, European Dressage Championships, FEI European Dressage Championships, Rotterdam Dressage

Dressage Star Guenter Seidel of Germany has contributed significantly to the Dressage world, winning three consecutive Olympic Dressage events on three different horses.

Recently posted by usef .org, this is what the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Facebook fans want to know about this dressage superstar:

Cynthia D. Alexander Garrett: What exercises helped you the most in your recovery? I had to do most of my therapy in the pool at the beginning, and that helped the most. After that, it wasn’t a specific exercise but just being disciplined to exercise every day.

Maura Forese of Kennett Square, PA: What advice or encouragement can you give to young riders who are trying to make it in the dressage world? Dressage is not just a sport, but art as well. You will never stop learning no matter how good you become. Always treat your horse fair and enjoy the daily training.

Kirsten Drew of Dalton, OH: What do you do to prepare yourself, both mentally and physically, before you ride? Mentally, I have quiet time for about an hour before I get on. Physically, I try to stay fit in general, nothing in specific before a ride.

Katy Wormwood of Wormwood Wells, ME: Tell us about your average ride? Helpful tips for warming up, what you focus on and your cool down. I always try to walk for at least 10 minutes at the beginning and the end of the workout. I think the most impotent thing is to be flexible and really listen to your horse because every day your warm-up and ride can change, depending how the horse feels that day.

Annie Carlson Emery of Minneapolis, MN: How do you deal with a horse that holds a lot of tension, especially in the back? This is not really something anyone can answer without seeing horse and rider. In general, supplying exercises like stretching, leg yields and transitions.

Erin Geier Cumbee of Portage, IN: What is the hardest part for the rider in performing upper-level moves? It’s not hard anymore to perform an upper-level movement if you prepared well and have the experience to do it. The hard part is to have the patience to wait to get there until you and your horse are ready.

Megan Holly Manning of Arizona: What was the hardest movement to teach your favorite horse? One tempi changes to Aragon.

Lauren Walters of Oviedo, FL: What are the top three things you look for in evaluating a prospective dressage horse? Gaits, temperament, and then my gut feeling when I watch and ride the horse.

Clare Walker of Kansas: Who was most influential in your dressage career? A woman named Hertha Beck who I learned with when I was young. For the last 15 years, Klaus Balkenhol.

Camille Broussard of Seattle, WA: When you were a child, did you ever think you would be an Olympic athlete, and how did you push yourself to do your best in the hardest times growing up? I always was fascinated with all the Olympic riders and wanted to be as good as them. I never felt like I had to push myself. If you love what you’re doing you have to be prepared to have ups and downs and keep going. Being patient.

Tags: Aragon, Dressage Tips, Dressage Training, Guenter Seidel, Guenter Seidel Aragon

The first major test of a 2012 Olympics venue – the equestrian events taking place in Greenwich Park until Wednesday – has so far been a low-key affair.

Temporary stables have been erected where sunbathers normally loll, and newly recruited volunteers still seem a little hazy on local geography.

But outside the gates, a small gaggle of protesters gathered in the sun to continue their campaign against holding Olympic equestrian events in the park.

The doggedly polite group held banners reading: “Stop horsing around in Greenwich Park,” and “Get thee to Windsor forthwith ye dunderheads” while the cream of the equestrian world took part in the Greenwich Park eventing international on the other side of the fence.

Inside, scores of children from nearby schools watched bemused as the British three-day eventer Piggy French put her horse through its dressage paces to the sound of the Black Eyed Peas.

To help convince residents of the merits of holding the equestrian events in the royal park, 2,000 tickets have been made available for the arena each day, with 5,000 for the cross country on Tuesday.

But not everyone was happy. Four women who had travelled from Hertfordshire after hearing on the radio what they thought was an appeal for the public to test the venue were turned away disappointed because they did not have tickets.

And Rachel Mawhood of the Nogoe (No to Greenwich Olympic Equestrian Events) pressure group said the inconvenience caused by the test event had alerted residents to the upheaval they would suffer during the Games, when the park will be closed for about six weeks.

“We think we still hold the moral high ground,” she said of their increasingly forlorn battle to get the Olympics organisers, Locog, to move the events to Windsor or another venue.

“This has never been built on before. It is a public park surrounded by areas of high deprivation. It’s the backyard for thousands of people living in cramped estates. People have said it looks unrecognisable and like an open prison.”

Campaigners’ concerns span the contravention of ancient bylaws, the erosion of acid grassland, whether or not organisers are holding to the terms of their planning permission and fears that the transport infrastructure will not cope.

The London 2012 chairman, Lord Coe, looked at home as he walked the cross country course in wraparound shades. He said he believed long-running consultations with residents had quelled most of their concerns. Coe has long-standing links to the sport and said holding the events in Greenwich would deliver on a promise he made to competitors.

“The competitors, some of whom are very good friends of mine, all sat down and said we had the ability to do something no one had ever done before. That is, to not let the sport be disembodied and to give them the full Olympic experience,” he said.

“There’s no country that puts on an equestrian event as well as we do. The commitment was to make it close, showcase the sport and to get new audiences into equestrian events. You could not have guaranteed to put one more person into the sport had you taken it back to its heartland again.”

The competitors praised the venue, which involved closing a large area of the park next to the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House to construct the 2,000-seat grandstand. The arena, constructed on a raised platform to avoid damaging the grass, will house 22,000 spectators at Games time while the cross-country course takes in much of the Park.

“Turning to the right during the dressage test, seeing the view of the skyline is surreal. You think you could be in a movie but it’s actually happening,” said French.

Organisers say for the first time equestrian competitors will feel at the heart of the action.

They believe a TV backdrop that combines historic 17th-century Inigo Jones architecture and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf will give the sport added appeal and introduce a new generation of fans. Meanwhile, its proximity to Stratford will enable athletes to stay in the village.

“The venue looks great. It’s novel for us to be in the middle of a big city for an event, and so far everything seems to have gone very smoothly,” said the double Olympic gold medallist Mark Todd, a New Zealander. “Normally, we are stuck out on a limb miles away at an Olympics, so it’s nice to be part of it.”

The British multiple Olympic eventing gold medalist William Fox-Pitt was also enthusiastic. “Wow, it has an Olympic feel already and this is just a test event,” he said.

Not everyone in the equestrian world has been so positive. Mark Phillips wrote in Horse & Hound recently: “We are all excited about going to Greenwich for the test event, but for the Brits it will be a little poignant as the post-Olympics legacy will be nothing like the facilities we are seeing elsewhere.”

Others believe the £42m being spent to stage the events in Greenwich Park, in common with a temporary venue strategy that will see beach volleyball take place in Horse Guards Parade and shooting at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, would be better spent leaving a legacy of permanent facilities.

But Richard Davison, captain of the Team GB dressage team, said the pluses would far outweigh the minuses.

“It’s great to see it come alive. It’s going to be a beautiful venue,” said Davison.

“Normally, the horse parks are 40 minutes out of town. They are way out in the sticks. This is phenomenal. So far, every international observer or rider has said it’s amazing.”

Source guardian.co.uk

Tags: 2012 Olympic Dressage, dressage competitions, Greenwich Park Dressage, London Olympic Dressage, Olympic Dressage

Dressage Rider Mandy Schofield

Blind Dressage Rider Making Waves In UK

A BLIND dressage rider is hoping to canter to victory – with a little help from her friends.

Mandy Schofield started riding in 2002 after a friend recommended her to try out horse riding.

Now, nine years later, she wants to compete in her latest three-day national competition in Gloucester.

Mandy, who has never had her sight, also struggles to hear and has hearing aids in both ears.

Without her sight she relies on her instructor Anna Taylor.

The pair practise three times a week at Middleton Park Equestrian Centre.

Mandy has to visualise the routine in her mind, while Anna stands in the middle, directing her towards different points.

She guides her round the arena telling her through a loop the letters she is approaching.

At each letter Mandy guides her horse Ben through certain moves including 20m circles and 10m circles.

But for Mandy, 38, it’s more than a hobby.

“It’s like having my sight when I’m riding,” said Mandy, “It’s great. I love it.”

This is her ninth year competing, and she has titles in both disabled and able-bodied competitions.

“Ben and I have worked closely together and we have got a bond with each other. He’s a bit silly sometimes but I know what he’s like,” she said.

To get to her latest competition, Mandy needed help to raise the £200 to cover stabling and accommodation costs. Her friends at the Queensbury Singers group dug deep and organised a baking sale during their Friday night rehearsal.

“They’re a fantastic group,” said Mandy, who has been a member since they started in April 2010 years ago.

“They’re really supportive and they have done everything they can to help me.” She hopes to defend her title with two routines.

Her four-minute freestyle routine will take place to a medley of the Can Can, Pink Panther theme, The Entertainer and Singin’ in the Rain.

Inspirational Mandy is hopeful for victory. “I’m going to try to win,” she said.

Source halifaxcourier.co.uk

Tags: Blind Dressage Rider, Dressage Rider, english dressage, UK Dressage