About our Clinics
Dressage Clinics with Gerda Warner. 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
We start the session 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.
The next part consists of lunging 2 selected horses, identifying and discussing possible issues and working out the appropriate approach using your newly acquired knowledge.
At the end 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
Three 45 minute instruction sessions in compatible pairs. When not riding, participants are invited to watch the sessions of other riders.
Video footage taken during these sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.
After a break we will have a further intense 60 min session as a group, in the 20x60m outdoor arena, making use of the newly acquired knowledge.
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
Three 45 minute instruction sessions in compatible pairs. When not riding, participants are invited to watch the sessions of other riders.
Video footage taken during the sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.
After a break we will have a further intense 60 min session as a group, in the 20x60m outdoor arena, making use of the newly acquired knowledge.
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
Three 45 minute instruction sessions in pairs exploring Classical Dressage – using the art to enhance your performance. When not riding, participants are invited to watch the sessions of other riders.
Video footage taken during the sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.
Riding classically classroom session/workshop.
Explore the difference between Classical Dressage and Competition Dressage.
After a break 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
Throughout the clinic riders will take part in individually assessed sessions with Jackie Grant and Gerda Warner.
Video footage taken during the morning sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.
After a break 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 clinic will give you a chance to get a little closer to this ideal.
Schedule
Three 45 minute instruction sessions in pairs exploring Classical Dressage – using the art to enhance your performance. When not riding, participants are invited to watch the sessions of other riders.
Video footage taken during the sessions will be shown to the group for discussion and to learn from each other.
After a break 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 – 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.
