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 is far more than this. Lunging is riding from the ground  The Spanish Riding School is teaching their horses parts of their amazing work from the ground first.

• The purpose of lunging is to prepare the horse physically and mentally to carry the rider.
• What you do there sets the tone for your work together.
•  Lunging can effect the attitude of a young horse towards work for the rest of his working life.

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

The session starts with a lunging demonstration.  Then we see how your horse is doing on the lunge followed by  individual instruction in how to effectively lunge your horse. Further learning will then take place by watching the others.

The next part consists of hands on lunging 2 selected horses, identifying possible issues and working out the best approach and/or tool using your newly acquired insight.

Finally you lunge your own horse and we assess together if  your approach is now improving the quality of your groundwork.

Training Scales Part I – Intermediate

This clinic is intended 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 achieve some of it

We start by working  on specific exercises interspersed with theory and explanations for horse and rider and also watch  other members of the group. Video footage taken during the sessions will be shown during a break for discussion and to learn from each other.

After the break we will have a group session  in the 20 x 60 m outdoor arena, putting the newly acquired knowledge into practise by riding a test chosen for your ability which will be judged

Afterwards you have the opportunity to discuss  your performance and ask questions.

Training Scales Part II – Advanced

Following on Part II 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

The format of this clinic is much the same as Part I. We will work this time with the help of some aids including music, poles, cones  ……… .

Video footage taken will be shown again during the break to learn from each other.

After the break we will ride a test  in the 20 x 60 m outdoor arena, looking for improvement.

This time you will be judged by a BD listed judge and  have the opportunity to discuss with him/her your performance and ask questions.

Keep it Classical

Riding classically classroom session/workshop.

We discuss and explore the difference between so called ‘Classical Dressage’ , ‘Classical Horsemanship’ and Competition Dressage over a cup of coffee before involving on the horses

Thereafter  in the arena we  attempt to put some Classical Horsemanship and  Classical Dressage into practise  and observe the reaction and  performance of your horse.

Video footage taken during the session will be shown to the group for discussion.

The 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 an 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.

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

You will receive individual feedback from both professionals on how best to improve your posture and physical state as well as a step by step plan how to put it all together with your horse with the help of lessons if necessary.

Ring Craft & Competition

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

The Kür – 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

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.

In the Arena

• Watch an elementary Kür performed.

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 – Part II

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

Schedule

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.

After a break

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