|
|
|
|
|
If you have never been to the Dressage Center of Oro Valley, I highly recommend you find some way to get to the next session of Dressage University on July 21st! Plain and simple, the Dressage Center of Oro Valley is Horse Heaven!! I arrived for Session IV a few minutes fore 8:00 a.m., sadly without my horse Noah who was having a brief stall rest due to a splint. As Cathy and Shelley warmly greeted me, I couldn't help but notice the incredible Pusch Ridge Mountains that were lit so beautifully by the morning sun. Soft white clouds floated above in a bright blue sky that offered a cool, welcoming breeze. I felt like I might break into song, but fortunately for everyone I refrained. While we waited for the riders to tack up, Cathy and Shelley gave me a quick tour.
We started with the barn where happy horses were munching their breakfast. The stalls with runs were spacious and immaculate. The grooming area/wash rack was laid out to be user-friendly and the tack room was organized with a professional's touch towards functionality and a horsy touch of charm. It was there where I lingered among the many photos on the wall. There were several photos of Shelley that especially caught my eye. Cathy spoke up when she saw me focused on one in particular that showed Shelley in top hat and tails on an upper-level mount. "That's one of Shelley's old Grand Prix horses," she explained. "She's ridden several. In fact, many people don't know that she's only one score away from her USDF Gold Medal." I was impressed to say the least!
We went on to the foaling stalls and then to the artificial insemination lab. Shelley gave me a little briefing on their breeding program. All very interesting, but perhaps I'll leave the details for another article.
The tour ended at the arena where the riders were now warming up. The entire grounds were groomed to perfection and trees in pots that doubled as the wa
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
tering system landscaped the arena. I inquired about the footing and was told it was a mixture of sand and wood fiber. "We've worked really hard to make this the best footing possible. Dressage requires a secure place for a horse to work, so that he knows he can safely give his best effort." I also found out that Cathy and Shelley do almost all the care and feeding and cleaning and maintenance of their fabulous dressage center. "We've tried to hire people, but we're really picky about the horses getting the best care possible, so we end up being very hands-on."
Shelley started the lesson by explaining that her plan was to work on transitions between the canter and trot, both upward and downward. As the riders and horses were all training level, she let them know that she would focus on their particular needs and was very open to the riders stopping to ask questions. "I would love to explain in detail just what I'm trying to get across," she offered. "We all as instructors explain thing just a little differently, but our goal is the same. Harmony between horse and rider is what we are all after." She went on to say that her approach to training is: "Ask often, demand nothing, and reward generously. Ask often means many, many transitions. Demand nothing means without force or fighting. Reward generously means let them relax when they have done it correctly. Now let's get to work!"and maintenance of their fabulous dressage center. "We've tried to hire people, but we're really picky about the horses getting the best care possible, so we end up being very hands-on."
Shelley started the lesson by explaining that her plan was to work on transitions between the canter and trot, both upward and downward. As the riders and horses were all training level, she let them know that she would focus on their particular needs and was very open to the riders stopping to ask questions. "I would love to explain in detail just what I'm trying to get across," she offered. "We all as instructors explain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
thing just a little differently, but our goal is the same. Harmony between horse and rider is what we are all after." She went on to say that her approach to training is: "Ask often, demand nothing, and reward generously.
Ask often means many, many transitions. Demand nothing means without force or fighting. Reward generously means let them relax when they have done it correctly. Now let's get to work!"
Shelley had the riders all proceed at the walk on a loose rein, stretching down, and soft over the back. She wanted to spend a few minutes developing a relaxed walk. She looked for a basic, marching walk with over-reaching strides. As the riders began to pick up the reins, Shelley emphasized the need to apply legs before hands. "Squeeze with the legs as you vibrate the reins and feel the mouth. Encourage the horse to reach for the bit."
As the students progressed to the rising trot, Shelley talked about the subject of transitions in general. "Transitions are frequently where problems show up and where test scores are made or lost. When you are schooling, it's better to abort the transition if you lose roundness or forward movement." The attendees were referred to the handout Shelley had passed out as they arrived. There she quoted the AHSA Rulebook, article 1907, regarding transitions:
1. The changes of pace and speed should be clearly shown at the prescribed marker; they should be quickly made yet must be smooth and not abrupt. The cadence of pace should be maintained up tot he moment when the pace is changed or the horse halts. The horse should remain light in hand, calm and maintain a correct position.
2. The same applies to transitions from one movement to another for instance from the passage to the piaffe and vice verse.
At this point in the session, Shelley kept the students at rising trot to set the (Continued on page 10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
