A dressage test is very much a complete lesson for both horse and rider. The movements are designed to flow from one to another and present the horse and rider with a test of balance, attention, acceptance of aids, suppleness etc As such, practicing towards a particular dressage test can nicely channel the work needed…
By Wiola Grabowska There was once a brilliant young girl who could do what others wouldn’t dream of trying. She had a coach and an ambitious management team and was going to the Olympics. Do take 6 minutes to get to know her if you haven’t heard of her before, meet Elena… I’ve heard of…
By Wiola Grabowska We’ve been meaning to incorporate online dressage tests into Academy programmes on regular basis for quite a while now and have done an odd test with clients here and there. It’s still my aim to make it into a more regular “event” as not only that it brings a nice motivational factor…
If you ever heard that you are leaning into your turns, collapsing in your waist or a hip, leaning forward in transitions to name just a few symptoms of balance issues, you might find this quick tip helpful. This is not a quick fix mind you 😉 Just a quick tip on how to start…
As many of my riders will know, I personally like training for the sake of training and I am not particularly competitive. I much rather see my riders go out and do well, it’s great to see them try their best, look after their horses in a stressful environment and develop their horsemanship that way.…
I came across these two videos this morning and thought they were really worth sharing. Especially the first one speaks volumes…
Ok, maybe some say it but if there is such a magic, quick and easy secret, I don’t know it. Solution might be quick but execution is rarely easy! If you would like to read about not-so-secret steps to achieve a deep seat Aspire training style, check back here soon 🙂 The long post is…
A week ago, a rider watched a lesson I was giving to her fellow livery and asked me afterwards if it was dressage that was my main/preferred coaching area. The content of my lesson was a very basic flatwork encouraging a more correct, relaxed body in the horse and more balanced and effective seat in…
You might have spotted the beautiful leatherwork by Kate Negus in our Gift Guide Part 3 – if you loved it, you might want to check out this limited edition sparkles designed with an International Dressage rider – Sam Rahmatalla. I am not usually into sparkly tack but do quite like this browband! :-0 Kate Negus…
