Fiona's diary

Dressage Training Clinic Dates July to October

2011-06-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

JULY

Fri 1 and 22 Fortune Centre, Bransgore, Hants, BH23 8EE

Sat 2 and 23 Manor Farm, Teffont Magna, SP3 5QY

Sun 3 Stourport Riding Centre, Worcs, DY13 9JD

Mon 4, 11, 18 Wokingham EC, Berks, RG40 3ER

Sun 17 Southey Farm, Wellington, Devon, TA21 9QG

AUG

Mon 1,8,22 Wokingham EC, Berks, RG40 3ER

Wed 24 Fortune Centre, Bransgore, Hants, BH23 8EE

Sat 27 Manor Farm, Teffont Magna, SP3 5QY

SEPT

Thurs 1, Mon 12 Wokingham EC, Berks, RG40 3ER

Fri 2, 16 Fortune Centre, Bransgore, Hants, BH23 8EE

Sun 4 Southey Farm, Wellington, Devon TA21 9QG

Sat 24 Manor Farm, Teffont Magna, SP3 5QY

Sun 25 Stourport Riding Centre, Worcs, DY13 9JD

OCT

Tues 4 Wokingham, EC, Berks, RG40 3ER

Fri 7 Fortune centre, Bransgore, Hants, BH23 8EE

Sun 9 Southey Farm, Wellington, Devon, TA21 9QG

All enquiries to fionafoy@blueyonder.co.uk or telephone 07968 059434. All sessions are individual and last 45 minutes.

Addington Premier League

2011-05-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

I took Toro to Addington Premier League, it was a first for both of us. It was quite an experience! First of all the opportunity to watch all the top riders in action and to learn from them, but also to see how they work in their horses. I made one big discovery, and that is that I tend to warm my horses up before a test, not work them in. So often they are just not in front of my leg enough in the test. So my homework is to make sure that I really have full control of the horse's body and his full cooperation before I go down that centre line.

The other interesting discovery is that a big competition is quite a fashion show! Everyone seemed to be in the latest must-have items, a camel coloured Pikeur jacket is most definitely "in" this season.

We did not disgrace ourselves, and I did agree with all the judges' comments, so am now looking forward to the next one at Wellington, my entries have gone off already!

We did this show to gain experience and we certainly did that, the judges are tough and the competition fierce, but the standard is so high that it really makes you think about your riding.

The facilities at Addington are superb, the surfaces divine to ride on, there is acres of space in the warmup, and they even have showers and loos in the stable blocks so only a short hop from the lorry. But if you go there, avoid stable 47, its right by the taps and it leaks!

Beautiful Spanish Stallion for sale

2011-04-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Sadly, a very good friend of mine has to sell her lovely black Spanish stallion, he is 10 years old and working at PSG. I have ridden him, he is divine, does fantastic piaffe and passage, changes etc, is an easy ride and an absolute gentleman. Light and responsive to ride, easy to handle, he hacks out, turns out and is in every way perfect. If he is your dream horse, call me for more details. I have a video of him working if you wish to see him in action.

Latest Competiton Results

2011-04-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Both Anthony and Toro have been doing very well in competition recently. Anthony went to Crofton Manor in February, won both Advanced Mediums on good scores, so his qualification to the Summer Regionals is secure. He has done a second PSG, gaining just under 64%, so as it was a qualifier, he now has 2 qualifying points! Toro has also qualified for the Summer regionals at Advanced Medium, we had a rather hairy time at Sparsholt when he was spooked by some ponies, it is the nearest I have felt to coming off for a long time! In PSG he is also consistent and now has 4 qualifying points, only 2 more to go! Both went to Kingston Maurward to try their freestyles at Advanced Medium and PSG. Each beat the other, Toro was ahead in the Advanced Medium and Anthony just beat him in the PSG, so each has qualified at those levels. So next time they go out to do music, it will only be one test each - phew! remembering four individual freestyles and not getting the music mixed up was a tall order! I am delighted with them both, after such a long layoff last year, they have both come out and done well every outing. Just as well with the price of diesel. Also, congratulations on competition success to Jade Rose, Hannah Shepherd, Lucy Wareham, Millie Tonks, Laura Sage and anyone else I have left out!

Well Done Anthony!!

2011-02-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

Anthony went to West Wilts on Thursday and in the Advanced Medium qualifier he got 66.9% and won it, so I think that means that he has qualified for the Summer Regionals in just 2 outings. He then went on to do his first ever PSG, and won that too! It was a PYO class and I was thrilled that he managed everything in the test. Judged by Trish Gardiner, she said he looked very enthusiastic!

So a very successful return to competition, and much more to come.

Boys are Back In Town!

2011-02-16T11:09:00.001-08:00

After a long gap, both Anthony and Toro are very much back in business!! Toro went out for the first time in over a year, to Hartpury where he was placed 2nd and 3rd in 2 Advanced Mediums. He then followed this up with a trip to Burrows Court where he had a very convincing win in the Advanced Medium qualifier on 69% and then he was placed 2nd in the PYO Prix St Georges on 66.5%. He felt really soft and willing throughout, I was delighted with him and he was not as tense as expected.

Anthony went to Abbey and won one Advanced Medium on 66.5%, then was placed 4th in the qualifier on 63%. Again I was delighted, the weather conditions were dreadful, he was listening and trying all the time. Tomorrow (Thurs 17th Feb) he goes to West wilts to try his very first PSG. Having had him since he was 4 years old, this is a BIG DAY!!

Anthony can be seen at two stallion shows this year : at the South west Equine and Game Fair at the Royal Bath and West Showground on Sat 12 March and again at West Wilts EC on Sat 19 March at the Willesley Equine Stallion Parade.

Hickstead, here we come again!

2010-06-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we travelled to Kingston Maurward to contest the semi finals of the Hickstead Dressage Masters League. Fulminante-Cen qualified for the finals in both the Medium and the Advanced Medium, so we will be off to Hickstead again this year. The dates are Mon 26 and Tues 27 July, at the start of the International meeting. With the Dutch using Hickstead as their final selection trials before the World Equestrian Games, it will be very exciting to be there at the same time.
Come along and support us!

Introduction to the Spanish Horse Day

2010-06-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

I am increasingly being approached by people who are interested in the Spanish horse, even considering buying one. I seem to spend a lot of time answering emails and phone calls, and so I have decided there is a need and a demand for an educational day. I plan to run these days on demand, for small groups, to educate, inform and inspire. The day will include a presentation on the history, the breeding, training and management of the Spanish horse, suitable for a new or prospective owner. There will be a chance to watch advanced horses in training, and the opportunity to sit on a schoolmaster. The programme can be altered to suit, and I am hoping it will help those who are new to the breed to understand them better. If anyone is interested, email me fionafoy@blueyonder.co.uk

Recent Trip to Spain

2010-06-18T07:04:00.001-07:00

Had a great time last week in Spain, apart from the weather which was rubbish. Went to visit the stud where Fulminante was bred, they were very interested to see how he has developed. Got to ride several horses, some brothers of Fulminante, and their very exciting young stallion Jordan, which is doing very well in the young horse classes in Spain. he was so powerful, yet soft and light - absolute bliss! It was a very short visit, just a couple of days, but I was able to try lots of horses, some of which may be suitable for clients in this country. Can't wait to go back!

Life seems so much simpler in Spain, and there is no rush to do anything. I love the culture there, the food, the people, as well as the horses. It was a good job the sun was shining when I got home or I might just have got on the first flight back.

Raymond Arrives!

2010-04-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

Raymond (Reyezuelo IV) , the new arrival to Fairview Farm! Raymond is Anthony's first foal, born last year and now a strapping yearling. I have bought him from the breeder and he will stay here at Fairview Farm and hopefully be as successful as his Dad. He has the sweetest temperament, not coltish at all, and is out enjoying the spring grass and sunshine with a semi retired TB, who is just grumpy enough to keep him in line.

He leads nicely in the halter, but we need to do a little work with him over the summer to teach him to tie up, stand for the farrier and generally teach him good manners in and out of the stable. He is very trusting and good to handle so I expect he will learn very quickly.

Fulminante-Cen Double Win!!

2010-04-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

Anthony (Fulminante-Cen) scored a double win at Kingston Maurward on 11 March, winning the Medium qualifier and then, in his debut at the level, winning the Advanced Medium qualifier as well! He is now fully qualified for the Medium Open at the summer Regionals and also part qualified Advanced Medium. He merited an entry in Horse and Hound, with a picture, see April 22 issue.

He will do a few more Advanced Mediums this season to see if we can qualify, and we have stepped up the work a gear to prepare him for PSG this winter. I am working on the tempi changes, his changes are good and clean, but we struggle a bit with the timing at the moment. Collection and towards the pirouettes is pleasing, he does "sit" well so it is a case of developing the strength and balance.

Stud work will take up a little time this spring, he has a few nice mares to cover, so I am keeping his competing light so as not to overwork him.

Nice picture of him at the PSHP Expo, see above

Sad News about Chico

2010-03-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

All his many fans will be very sad to hear that Chico (Orfebre) went acutely lame in his right fore a few weeks ago during a training session. A subsequent scan at Willesley shows a massive tear to the sesamoid ligament. He will be on box rest for a long time, and the prognosis is not that good. I know that you will all be hoping, as I am, that he will make sufficient recovery to come back to some sort of work, but I fear that my dream of coming down the centre line in a Grand prix with him is shattered. Ten years of training, and he did manage to learn all of the requirements, so he has been a great servant and I will do everything possible to make him comfortable.

He is not the best patient, so lets hope the time passes quickly!

Fulminante-Cen Success!

2010-03-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Fulminante-Cen (Anthony) gave a fantastic display at the PSHP Stallion Event, showing that he has a fabulous trot, it was noticed by several serious breeders and judges, well done Anthony! He has also been winning again, gaining just under 70% in the Medium Open at Kingston Maurward. He is now part qualified for the Regionals, he just missed completing it last Sunday when he was placed second in the qualifier. However, he did gain his qualification to the Freestyle Medium Semi Finals.

He will now start at Advanced Medium, he has one outing in April, I feel he is ready. The changes are so much stronger and secure, his half passes are more flowing and his balance is improving all the time.

He has a few potential mare owners visiting in the next few weeks, so he will be on his best behaviour!

Centauro Back in Action!

2010-03-09T08:35:00.001-08:00

At long last, Centauro is back in work, and so far so good. We are just about ready to start proper training again, he is getting fitter and now gets a little turnout each day as well. Not sure when he will be ready to compete, but will look around for some advanced mediums for him towards the end of April/beginning of May. As we did not clip him after October when he had his op, the winter coat is now falling out everywhere, can't wait till the summer coat is through! But it is just great to have him back in work.

PHSP Stallion Parade, Hartpury College 21 March

2010-03-09T08:33:00.001-08:00

Fulminante-Cen has been accepted onto the PHSP Stallion Parade at Hartpury College on Sunday 21 March, 2010. More details can be found on the BEF website or by following the link

http://www.bef.co.uk/British_Breeding/PSHP_-_Performance_Sport_Horses_&_Ponies.html

Come and see him in action!! I don't have his appearance time yet, but the day starts at 2pm. He will be performing a Kur (dressage to music).

Pictures and Video from UK Stallion Expo

2010-02-25T01:21:00.000-08:00

At last the pictures and video are available from the UK Stallion Expo, follow the links below

For Kevin Sparrow's amazing pictures of the Gala Evening performance:
http://www.kevinsparrow.co.uk/UKSTEX10_FULMINANTE-.aspx

For Facebook page of Horse and Country Tv, follow link, then go to their page on the UK Stallion Expo and click on Fulminante-Cen
http://www.horseandcountry.tv/expo

Fulminante-Cen is attracting some interest, so he may have a busy summer ahead!

Fulminante-Cen stars at UK Stallion Expo!

2010-02-16T02:33:00.001-08:00

We had a great weekend at the inaugural UK Stallion Expo at Keysoe on the weekend of 13-14 Feb. After a dreadful journey up on the Friday night, we settled in and Fulminante had a comfortable night. There were about 70 or so stallions there, but he was chilled as ever.

On the Saturday, we did the trot up, Pippa led him for it and had him beautifully presented, he looked stunning and moved superbly.

The ridden presentation went very well, he felt very forward, loose and elastic. He was not fazed at all by the atmosphere, or the decoration and ignored the crowd, giving me a great ride.
In the evening, we had been asked to do a display in Spanish dress, he looked stunning in the full Spanish tack, and we took a risk and put Connie "a la gruppa" (on his haunches) hehind me, she was dressed in a flamenco dress and it was awesome! My two friends Rose and Sarh came also in flamenco costume and we did a colourful and energetic display which was very well received.

On the Sunday another trot up and ridden presentation, he was tired but pulled out all the stops for me again and showed off superbly. I am delighted with him, his behaviour throughout the entire weekend was impeccable, he really showed the best of the Pura Raza Espanola, we are all very proud of him. Best of all, he carried me and found his own energy, which is a huge improvement from this time last year when I felt I had to carry him.

Hopefully I will soon have some photos to post of the weekend.

Fulminante-Cen wins Medium at WWEC

2010-02-16T02:31:00.000-08:00

Fulminante-Cen had an outing to West Wilts EC on 4 Feb as a warmup for the Regionals. Contesting both Mediums, he won the Medium 61 on 64.8% which counts as a part qualification to the Summer Regionals. I was really pleased with his work and the judge made positive comments about our harmonious partnership, the only weak point was mine, in the setting up, and my excuse is that we are a bit ring rusty! He seems to have found his forward button and the half passes had more exprexxion and bend than they did at Christmas at Sparsholt. He has now done only 5 medium tests and has won three of them, so it looks like he is finding his comfort zone at last.
His next competition will be the Regionals, but he goes to the UK Stallion Expo on the weekend of 13th-14th Feb before that.

NEW WEBSITE!!

2010-01-17T23:57:00.000-08:00

I have launched a new website, www.fairviewfarmandalusians.co.uk please visit it!

There you can find up to date news on clinics, competitions etc, and Anthony has his own page to attract some girlfriends!!

I would love your views on the site, so please go, have a look, and let me know. I aim to update it regularly, so some of the pages may change.

In the meantime www.fionafoy.co.uk is still the main website, and all clinic dates and this blog will still be here.

Winter Highs and Lows

2010-01-08T01:40:00.000-08:00

This winter has been quiet and a bit of an anti climax after such a fantastic year. First of all, Hugo went back home to his owner, we all miss him so much, he was such a great character and a real trier. But these things happen, and he left here a much happier and easier horse than when he arrived, so nice to know that I did a good job.

Toro went to Willesley for a scan as he was a little unlevel after the win at Pencoed, and we found a small tendon tear in his left fore. He has had a tenoscopy and the annular ligament cut, and has been on box rest since the end of October. We are now able to walk him, although the recent weather (snow and ice) has curtailed the programme to bring him back into work. Sadly, there is no way I will get him fit for the Winter Regionals, but there is always another day!

Chico has adopted my daughter and she has been hacking him, and went to do her first Walk and Trot competition at the beginning of December, she got 63% and he was angelic with her. He has now realised there is any easier life out there and makes it quite plain which he prefers when I ask him to work properly! However, although I no longer plan to compete him seriously, he is still working towards Grand Prix, he can do all the movements after a fashion, and even those dratted one time changes!!

Anthony has been training hard and we have been concentrating on his suppleness in the half passes and also his changes which are now pretty secure. I plan to get him out at Advanced Medium by the summer. He is going to the Stallion Expo at Keysoe in February, I am really excited about this as we have never done a stallion show before, it is very new to us. I have decided to stand him at stud this year, he will be available A.I from West Kington Stud, and I will need to get him out and about to market his services. He went to Sparsholt between Christmas and New Year and won the Medium Qualifier, that is two Mediums he has won out of three starts, so I am really pleased with his progress. But it still needs polish so we keep at it.

Of course the recent heavy snow and freezing weather has put just about everything on hold, the boys (apart from Toro) have been out playing in the snow, so at the top are a few pictures of Anthony having fun.

Area Festival Success!

2009-10-10T02:41:00.000-07:00

Centauro II was successful at the Pencoed Area Festival, winning the Prix St Georges, which was fantastic as this is only his first season at PSG and he has only done a few. He looked great in his sash and rosette. Huge thankyou to Pippa for turning him out so beautifully, she always does such a great job and all this year at every show, my horses have always been immaculate. It helps so much to know that you look good before you even enter the arena.

Now that I have horses qualified for the winter regionals at Medium, Advanced Medium and PSG freestyle, the winter will be spent in training and teaching. I am doing clinics now in various places, and will be working hard at home with all my pupils. Already many are part qualified for the regionals, so lets hope we can complete those.

I am also writing a few articles for magazines, I had one on the half halt published by Just Dressage in August, and have a few more in the pipeline. I enjoy writing especially in the winter, I can stay in the warm and have a legitimate excuse!

Team Foy out in force!

2009-09-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday 6 September was a great day for Team Foy! I took Anthony to the Grange, in Devon to do the Medium qualifier and the Medium freestyle, to try to make up for the mistakes at Sparsholt in July. Considering he has only done a couple of Medium tests, I was not expecting much, just some match practice, but was thrilled to win the Open qualifier on a mark of 64.7%, which now means a part qualification for the Winter Regionals. I did feel he was a bit behind my leg, so worked on his impulsion for the freestyle, which he won by miles on 73.59%!!! He felt fantastic and I was so pleased with his effort, he really is a reformed character thes days.

Back in the lorry, I picked up my messages to find that pupil Jade Rose had won the Novice 38 Restricted Qualifier at Equisense on her own Hauptstutbuch Wandall (Wanda) and pupil Kate Palmer had won the Novice 35 non qualifier on her own Lavane (Blaze). Well done to both!! Kate and Blaze are enjoying a late start in dressage after a successful eventing career, and we had practised the tests the day before. Kate has a novel way of remembering the letters, naming them after popular drinks, V is for Vodka, P for Pernod, B for Beer etc. She then just has to go on a bar crawl around the arena, no wonder she looks so happy!!

Toro went to Wellington Area Festival on Wednesday 9th Sept, where he was 2nd in the Advanced Medium Qualifier, and placed 9th in the Pet Plan Prix St Georges. I was particularly pleased to get a 9 for entry, was worth practising all those centre lines!

Finally enjoying a bit of sunshine in this Indian summer weather, but coats are sneakily getting woolier and so clipping, rugs, mud and cold feet beckon. I have had a fantastic season with the boys, all have done so well and now with some very concentrated winter training I am feeling positive about next year.

A Busy July

2009-08-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

A Busy July

The horses worked hard at shows in July, we started by taking Toro, Anthony and Hugo to Sparsholt Festival of Dressage to compete in the Freestyles. Hugo was second in the Elementary music, his first attempt at that level, on over 70%. The judge was very taken with him, and liked the music which was a compilation from Herb Alpert. He qualified for the Winter Regionals at this competition.
Toro went very well in the Advanced Medium freestyle, winning on over 70%, and was third in the PSG freestyle. This has qualified him at both levels for the Winter Regionals.
Anthony, quite uncharacteristically, exploded in the Medium freestyle, and we had to make several improvisations. It resulted in a very disappointing mark, so we will have another go as there are still a few qualifiers before the year end.
Armed with these good results, we went on to Hickstead, to the DressageMasters Championships. We had to travel in two lorries, so my friend Sue, whose filly we have just backed, came along as co-driver and cook. After the four days, she could add driving a lorry and finally being able to make a decent cup of tea to her list of skills. Toro’s test was rather underpowered, my fault as I was a little phased by the occasion and the surroundings. By the time I got round to Hugo, I had given myself a good kick in the backside and we did a great test, to be placed third!!! The next day, Anthony went really well, but had a few tense moments, which cost valuable marks, but I was delighted how he coped with the big International arena, the tents and flags and grandstand.
With only a few days to rest and do our washing, we were off again to the Summer BD South West Summer Regionals. Here all the horses went well, although none were placed. We had a lovely time as each horse was competing on separate days, so it felt a bit like a holiday really, and apart from the last day, the weather was good. On the last day the heavens opened and it really was torrential, however fortunately the warmup was in the indoor school and for my Advanced Medium test it let up for a short while so we did not get as wet as some of the other competitors.
Following such a hectic schedule, the horses have had a bit of a break but are now, mid August, getting into their work patterns again. Sadly for me, Hugo has gone home for his owner to ride, we will miss him and his huge character! Anthony will work this winter on establishing his flying changes and developing the lift and cadence in his half passes by improving the collection and engagement. Toro will work on the PSG work, he is green at the moment but by improving the engagement and thoroughness, he will be ready next year I hope to compete at Premier Leagues.

Article 3 : The Canter

2009-08-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Paces

NO 3 : THE CANTER

Half a pound of tuppenny rice,
Half a pound of treacle,
Thats the way the money goes,
POP goes the weasel.

Concluding my series of articles on the paces, this time we are going to look at the CANTER. In this series of articles, I have concentrated on the individual paces of the horse, the correct sequence and the basic requirements from a judge’s and a rider/trainer’s point of view. Dressage training is about the athletic development of the horse and the freedom and regularity of the paces is a fundamental necessity.

So what’s with the nursery rhyme, I hear you ask? The canter is a pace with a three beat rhythm, within one stride three clear beats can be heard with a moment of suspension between. A well known showing judge used to recite the nursery rhyme as a horse cantered in front of him as it matches the required rhythm exactly with each emphasis on a word in time with the leading leg.

The sequence of footfalls is such that the feet touch the ground in the following pattern, outside hind, followed by inside hind and outside fore together, followed by inside (leading) fore, then a period of suspension, then the sequence begins again.

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A GOOD CANTER?

The correct three beat rhythm is vital, and any loss or weakness of rhythm would be severely penalised at any level. The canter must be light, cadenced and regular. The moment of suspension is important to the regularity and the cadence. The horse must be well balanced with hocks placed correctly to support and elevate the forehand. The canter is often the best pace in a young Iberian, as they have such natural balance, and an uphill tendency from the start. Sometimes, the suspension is too great for the young horse’s balance, a far cry from the usual problems in other breeds of the canter being too downhill. However, this exuberance brings its own problems, not least that many riders find it difficult to ride, and may lack the experience or confidence to ride it forward.

THE FOUR TYPES OF CANTER

In competition, there are four distinct types of canter required, depending on the level.

Working Canter
The basic canter required at prelim and novice levels. Must be three time, balanced and active. The energy must come from the hindquarters, the horse using his back and accepting the contact. At the lower levels, one expects the horse to maintain a horizontal equilibrium.

Collected Canter
In this canter, the horse moves shorter(ie covers less ground) but also quicker (ie lighter and more mobile). The hindquarters are more engaged, and the forehand is considerably lighter. The hindlegs move quicker as the frontlegs move slower and more elevated.

Medium Canter
A pace between working and extended, the horse covers more ground with free, balanced strides, without falling onto the forehand.

Extended Canter
The horse covers the maximum ground possible, but without losing balance or rhythm, and remains on the correct contact, reaching for the bit.

COMMON PROBLEMS IN THE CANTER

The Strike Off: A persistent problem with canter strike off can be due to a physical weakness, so the first question to ask is whether there is any pain, discomfort or weakness in the back, or the hindlegs, or perhaps even in the contact. So the usual checks apply - teeth and the fit of the bit/noseband etc, back and the fit of the saddle, legs fore and hind, any stiffness or unlevelness etc. Once you have eliminated any physical reason, the next stage is the training.
Young horses frequently favour a particular strike off, this is due to lack of training/suppleness and general lack of strength. This improves with correct training and exercises.
It is important that the rider is correctly balanced and aligned, so check your own position and weight distribution - do you sit to one side, or are you weaker in one leg? Observe yourself and your horse on a video and see if the reason is to do with posture, balance or alignment.
In the moment of strike off, all the horse's weight, and the rider, is taken on the outside hind. If that hindleg is weak, or lazy, the horse will favour the other hindleg and the result is an incorrect strike off.
It is therefore important to ensure that the horse has the correct balance, and the rider aids correctly to get the desired strike off. It comes down to how you ask and where you ask.
First of all, make sure that you have a good trot rhythm, and that the horse is straight, not crooked. He should be nicely forward, not rushing and feel even in both reins. He should have the correct flexion at the poll, and have no more bend in the neck than in the body. To prepare for the transition, you must sit and then place your inside leg on the girth, your outside leg behind the girth, and you ask by using both legs lightly combined with an upward swing from your inside hip. It may help to raise the inside hand slightly, if necessary a tap with your schooling whip behind your outside leg may encourage him to step down with the outside hind.
Asking in a corner is helpful, especially the corner before a long side, or on a circle as then the horse has the correct bend and flexion. Other useful exercises are to turn off the centre line and ask for the transition, alternatively leg yield in trot from centre line to the track, and on reaching the track ask for canter or riding a small circle in trot before asking for canter. All of these exercises help to establish correct bend and flexion. It may also help to place a pole in a corner, pointing in to the school, and ask for the canter as you reach the pole or to practice canter from walk, these exercises help the horse to focus on where he is placing his legs and make the transition more precise.

Crookedness: All horses are born crooked, and it is our job as trainer to straighten them to make them stronger and remain sounder. In canter, the young horse often “hugs” the wall or fence in canter with his shoulders for security and balance. As the haunches are wider than the shoulders this results in him carrying the haunches in, so the hindfeet do not follow in the tracks of the forefeet. The older horse will have learnt that to carry the haunches in results in a loss of engagement and will do so as an evasion. Either way, it is the rider’s job to straighten his body. It is a mistake to try to move the haunches, you must always put the shoulders in front of the haunches. So ride a shoulder-fore position on the fenceline, ie move the shoulders over one hoof to the inside, the outside fore placing down between the track of the hindfeet in order to bring the shoulders in alignment with the haunches and thus straighten the horse. When you have successfully straightened him, the canter will feel stronger and more powerful, but also more controllable.
If this is too difficult, riding counter canter on the long sides is also a valuable straightening tool. As the inside hind is now on the outside, so to speak, next to the fence, he cannot carry his haunches to the inside, so the fence straightens him for you. However in the young unbalanced horse it is often only possible to do this on the long sides, as he is too unbalanced to manage the short sides and the turns. However a useful exercise is to ride counter canter one long side, true canter the other to establish the idea of straightness in his mind.

Loss of Rhythm: This usually is connected with a flat canter, at its worst the rhythm becomes four time. The loss of rhythm is really the loss of the moment of suspension. In both cases the reason is a lack of impulsion, the canter is not forward enough. In order to put back the cadence, spring, suspension and rhythm, the horse needs to be ridden forwards, but not fast (which will flatten it even more). The hindlegs need to be more active, the inside hind being driven further under the horse’s body, nearer to the centre of gravity under your seat. This will enable him to take more weight behind, support his shoulders better and improve the suspension.

Lack of balance/on forehand: The young horse often finds the balance in canter a challenge until he has learnt to bring his hindlegs far enough under his body to support the rider and his shoulders. Not enough impulsion and engagement will mean that he falls onto the shoulders because the hindlegs are not taking enough weight. However, too much impulsion will also drive the horse onto the forehand. The skill is in coordinating the driving and containing aids, ie riding the horse forward and combining that with effective half halts to enable him to find the self carriage and balance.

Disunited: This occurs when the sequence of legs fails to follow the correct pattern, often occurring when schooling the flying changes, but also common with young horses who are still weak in the hindlegs and try to evade engagement of the inside hindleg by changing behind. The solution with the young horse is not to try and change back again, but to come back to trot, rebalance and then proceed to canter again. If he is losing straightness as a result, you will need to straighten him as well. With the problem in the changes, this is because the horse has changed in front and not behind, and this is usually because the canter does not have enough jump in order for the hindlegs to change in the air.

Problems in the Contact (above bit, behind bit, against the hand etc): the first thing to check with any problems in the contact are whether this is the result of pain or discomfort. As with the strike off, first check the bit, mouth, teeth, back etc and look for any unlevelness or stiffness. If there is no physical reason, look at yourself next – do you ride with a quiet still hand offering the horse a steady contact? Do you have an independent seat, or do you rely on the reins for balance? If the problem truly is a training issue for the horse then if he is above the bit, ride him forwards with a soft asking hand to encourage him to work in a rounder outline. A horse that is above the bit will also be hollow in the back, so encourage him to work over the back rather than ride the front end in. A more common problem with Spanish horses is the tendency to drop behind the vertical, be overbent, behind the bit etc. In this case, keep a steady and light contact and ride him more forward into the rein. Encourage him to fill the rein. If he drops his poll, use light soft upward half halts to raise the head and then ride forward into the new frame. If he comes against the hand, use a series of half halts to put him into better self carriage. If the half halt is not successful, make transitions from canter to trot and back again.

Bucking/kicking out at the leg: Again a common problem with young horses, often caused by tightness in the back, anticipation, high spirits, or evasion to the leg. All forms of nappiness – bucking, rearing, napping, and sometimes spooking, are the result of not going forward. The answer must always be to ride strongly forward, use a neckstrap if necessary. Make sure that you are not making the situation worse by gripping or tipping forwards. The worst kind of bucking is where the horse bucks from a standstill or by getting his head down low at zero impulsion, this method of intimidating the rider is often embellished with the corkscrew of the back, twisting as he pushes up behind. The type of bucking associated with going forward is much easier to sit to, as he catches you on the way down. If he kicks out at the leg, again do not be intimidated, provided your aid was polite, ie you did not catch him with the spur or overuse the whip, then repeat the aid and CONTINUE TO DO SO until he stops kicking out.

EXERCISES TO IMPROVE THE CANTER

To improve the rhythm: On a circle ride transitions from working canter to medium canter and back again. As the training progresses, ride collected canter to medium or extended canter and back again. Riding the transitions on a circle helps to engage the inside hindleg, but then continue to ride these transitions with in the pace on the long sides to check for straightness.

Use correctly spaced canter poles to help the horse to add spring or jump to the strides, these can be slightly raised at one end for even more gymnastic effect.

To improve the suppleness: Ride a circle of 20m diameter in working canter. Gradually reduce the size of the circle, depending on the level of training of your horse. A novice horse will cope with a circle of about 12m, an advanced horse will spiral down to 6m in preparation for pirouettes. As the size of the circle reduces, the canter needs to become more collected. It is imperative for the horse’s confidence, balance and joints that you do not decrease the circle to a size beyond which he is capable for his age, training and fitness.

To improve the balance, contact and suppleness of the back: Ride transitions from one pace to another, and within the paces. Ride canter – trot – canter on a circle, also canter – walk – canter, and for the more advanced horse, canter – halt – canter. Ride from the track in canter, onto a 10m circle and on returning to the track ride transitions to trot or walk. The fence helps to engage the horse and assists in bringing him back, so this is a very useful exercise with the horse who goes against the hand in the transitions. Walk to canter is always helpful for the horse who is on the forehand, helping to raise the shoulders and encourage him to step more under and take more weight behind.

To improve the straightness: As suggested before the best exercises are to ride in shoulder fore , and to work on the counter canter. Start counter canter by riding shallow loops off the long side, gradually progressing to 10m loops that go to the centre line. To ride a long side in counter canter, start at the quarter marker in trot, turning as if you were about to go across the long diagonal. As soon as you have left the track, turn back towards the track and immediately ask for a canter transition, so the horse has the correct bend and flexion for the counter canter, the leading leg will be the one closest to the fence.
Once the counter canter is better established, you can start to ride a turn onto the centre line, returning to the track in counter canter and when the horse accepts this, you can progress around the short side. Always keep the bend and flexion to the leading leg, keep your weight down through the inside leg (which will be on the outside of the school), and look to the outside. If you allow your eyes to stray to the inside, your balance and weight will shift and the horse will break or change, often only in front which would be a serious training error.

As training progresses up the levels, the canter becomes more important, the movements more complex. The ultimate canter exercise, showing the greatest collection, is the canter pirouette and in order to achieve this, the canter needs to have all the elements in place, the rhythm, the jump or spring, the elevation of the forehand, the strength in the haunches to support it, the suppleness to turn in balance, the acceptance of the contact, and the total submission to the aids in order to execute a perfectly balanced and poised pirouette without tension. All the hard work through the training scale will be worth it to enable the horse to have the strength and confidence to master this exercise, and any faults or gaps in the training will be all too obvious.

Article 2 : The Trot

2009-08-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Paces

No 2 The Trot

In this series of articles, I have decided to concentrate on the individual paces of the horse, the correct sequence and the basic requirements from a judge’s and a rider/trainer’s point of view. Dressage training is about the athletic development of the horse and the freedom and regularity of the paces is a fundamental necessity.
In this second part of the three part series on paces, we take a look at the TROT.

The trot is a pace with a two beat rhythm, that means that within one stride, two clear hoofbeats can be heard at regularly spaced intervals, with a moment of suspension in between. The sequence of footfalls is such that the feet touch the ground in diagonal pairs, ie left hind and right fore together, followed by right hind and left fore together, separated by a period where no feet are on the ground, known as the moment of suspension.

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A GOOD TROT?

Clearly, the correct two beat rhythm is the first and most important element. The trot should be free, active and regular. Because of the element of suspension, the ability to maintain regularity is important, a hovering trot with disengaged hindlegs and a variable rhythm is not good. There needs to be an impression of elasticity and this requires the horse to move from behind over a supple back.
Many Iberians struggle with rhythm and this can result in choppy trots, or false elevation through tight backs rather than a supple back and good engagement. The high knee action may also result in a trot where the hindlegs and front legs do not match, this needs to be addressed through correct training.

THE FOUR TYPES OF TROT

In competition, there are four types of trot required, at the various levels.

WORKING TROT
At the basic levels, prelim and novice this is the main required trot. It should reflect the natural trot, it should be free, balanced, the horse should work from behind with active engaged hindquarters, through a supple back and into a steady contact. It should look natural, rhythmic, energetic without being hurried, and the back should swing.

COLLECTED TROT
This is first required at elementary level, although at that point only sufficient collection to carry out the movement is required. In a collected trot, the hindquarters become more active, there is increased engagement and impulsion. The ground cover of the steps is less, resulting in shorter steps, but not slower or less activity. The single, biggest mistake in the trot that we see at elementary level is the rider slowing the trot, mistaking this for collection. This results in a loss of impulsion and engagement. More collection means more activity/energy in the same rhythm, with a shorter ground cover. The French word for collection is rassembler , it means to gather together, and I prefer to think of collection as a gathering together of the horse, his energy and power, this implies that one keeps what one has, but in a more concentrated manner.

MEDIUM TROT
At novice level, you are required to show a few steps of medium trot, at elementary and above it should be established sufficiently to show from a given marker to another marker. This pace is between the working and extended trot (see below) and we see a clear lengthening of the steps, there is more ground cover, the hindquarters are engaged and the horse shows the ability to push from behind, as well as the strength to carry more weight on the hindlegs in the preparation for that push. There is still the same rhythm and balance.
When teaching this I like to explain to my pupils that whilst the horse may go from, say, M to K faster than in the working trot, that is because he covers more ground with every stride, NOT that he actually trots faster. Each stride covers more ground, so in a given time, the horse in medium trot will reach his destination sooner. This is the single, biggest mistake we see in the medium trot – the rider hurries the horse in an attempt to achieve the medium trot, when the emphasis should be on maintaining the rhythm, and increasing the stride length.

EXTENDED TROT
First required at Medium level, extended trot requires the horse to cover as much ground as possible. He must still maintain the rhythm, and the cadence, but due to the maximum thrust and weight carrying action of the hocks, he works through his whole body to appear to fly from one diagonal pair of legs to the other. It should look powerful and the whole frame of the horse lengthens. The biggest mistake that riders make is to hurry as in the medium trot, or to attempt to create a trot which looks big but isn’t, by artificially raising the forelegs, but if the movement is not matched by the hindlegs, it will result in a stiff back and a loss of connection to the contact.

COMMON PROBLEMS IN THE TROT

As usual, faulty rhythm is the culprit for so many of the problems we encounter. This is why it is the first stage in the scales of training. Failure to address faults in the rhythm in the early stages of training will haunt you throughout all future work. It is vital to maintain rhythm in changes of pace within a pace, eg from collected to medium trot, and in moving from one movement to another, eg from collected trot into shoulder-in. In a test, it is in these two areas that a judge can clearly see whether you have trained your horse along the correct lines, or just trained movements.

Stiffness in the back will prevent a good connection being made from the hindlegs to the bit. Horses who have not developed the ability to swing over the back are difficult to sit to once you begin to try to develop impulsion which is why suppleness is the second phase on the training scales. Conversely though, a stiff back is quite easy to sit on if there is no impulsion, and that is why riders who fail to understand the concepts of correct training end up with shuffling sewing machines !

Problems in the contact will often be the result of poor rhythm, and a steady contact can only be achieved if the horse is working in a correct rhythm, with energy from the hindlegs working over a supple back.

Impulsion is often misunderstood for speed, which is in fact the enemy of impulsion. Correct impulsion is developed over a period of time as the horse through systematic training gains strength in the hindlegs, and develops the ability to carry more weight behind. Smooth transitions from working paces into medium and extended paces show good development of impulsion. A clear indication in trot that there is insufficient impulsion is when the feet do not track up, ie the hind feet do not step in the prints of the forefeet. This is commonly seen at elementary level when riders shorten the steps and lose impulsion in an attempt to show collected trot.

All young horses are basically crooked, and it is our job as trainers to straighten them. Only a straight horse can correctly develop impulsion and collection. There are three types of straightness- when the horse is on a straight line, on a curve, and on more than one track, ie in lateral work. In each case, the hindfeet must follow the track of the forefeet and his body must be correctly aligned, straight on a straight line, showing the same bend as the circle, or maintaining the bend on a straight line, as in shoulder-in.

Readers who follow my articles will have spotted that I have listed the faults in the order of the scales of training – rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and I have not yet added the final stage, which is collection. The scales are the basis for my systematic training, and whenever I encounter a problem I look to the scales for the solution. Collection is then achievable, and we see this in correctly executed piaffe and passage.

EXERCISES TO IMPROVE THE TROT

Starting with the rhythm, the exercises that help develop and maintain rhythm, are work on circles, figures of eight, serpentines, shallow loops, frequent changes of rein, increasing and decreasing circle size, lateral work, leg yielding, shoulder in etc.

I advocate using rising trot, especially with young horses until the back is strong enough to carry the rider. Many riders of Iberian horses seem to think that it is “de rigeur” to sit, but I do not allow pupils to sit until I can see that the horse is ready, and that the rider has the suppleness and core strength necessary to sit well enough to benefit the horse.

Exercises that develop the suppleness and straightness include those for rhythm, also the lateral work, the leg yield, shoulder-in, travers, renvers, half pass.

Exercises that help to develop connection/contact are transitions, eg trot- walk- trot, trot-halt-trot, trot-canter-trot etc. Work on lengthening and shortening the stride length are also helpful. The principles established in the work on suppleness/straightness/rhythm are required in order to develop the connection.

Exercises that help develop impulsion are transitions between the paces, trot-walk-trot, trot-canter-trot, and also within the paces, moving smoothly from working trot to medium and extended trot. Working the horse on and back will help develop the smoothness and the power. On and back means alternating between a more forward trot and a more collected trot. As long as the horse maintains his balance he will develop his strength, as soon as he drops the poll, loses rhythm or cadence etc, he needs to be brought back with a half halt, rebalanced and sent forward again.

As well as the conventional patterns in the school, it is beneficial to any horse in training to incorporate hill work, to develop the haunches, encourage him to work through the back and stay forward. Equally, work on the lunge is invaluable to establish bend, suppleness, straightness. Polework/gridwork helps to develop rhythm, suppleness, impulsion, straightness etc.

Of all the paces, the trot is the easiest to improve. Working on the trot following the principles of the scales of training will systematically improve the way of going. Ultimately we are looking for a trot that is adjustable, from the greatest and most elastic extensions, to the ultimate collection, the piaffe.

Next time we will look at the canter, the exercises and movements, what the judges want to see and how to improve it.

Article : The Walk

2009-08-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

I regularly publish articles on training in various publications, and have decided to reproduce them in my blog for all to read and enjoy. I hope you find them helpful.

THE PACES

No 1 The Walk

In this series of articles, I have decided to concentrate on the individual paces of the horse, the correct sequence and the basic requirements of each from a judge’s and a rider/trainer’s point of view. Dressage training is about the athletic development of the horse and the freedom and regularity of the paces is a fundamental necessity.

The walk is a pace with a four beat rhythm, that means that within one stride, four clear hoofbeats can be heard at regularly spaced intervals. The sequence of the steps is left hind(LH), left fore(LF), right hind(RH), right fore(RF).

When the hindleg is just about to step down, the corresponding foreleg on the same side is about to pick up. In a good walk, a clear “V” shape can be seen.

Because there are always at least two legs on the ground in walk, the pace is not considered to have impulsion, this is only present where there is an element of suspension , however it must have activity. The FEI rules define it as a “marching pace”, so a lazy or inactive walk, even if it is regular, will be marked down. So if on your dressage sheets you get the comment “lacking purpose” or “needs to march more” that would mean that the steps are correct but that the walk itself needs to be more active.
More commonly with Iberian horses however is the over active walk, or the short steps associated with a tight back or shoulder. Many Iberians tend to hurry and this, paradoxically, makes the steps shorter and quicker, covering less ground and leads to incorrect sequencing, pacing(see below) or jogging.

First of all, let us understand what is required in a good walk, then we will look at some of the possible problems and in finding the solutions we shall add to our repertoire of exercises those that specifically improve the walk.

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A GOOD WALK?
There are four important requirements, the degree of which depends on the type of walk.
Rhythm
As already stated, the walk is a four beat pace, the rhythm must be regular , clear and maintained throughout.

Purpose
The walk is a marching pace, it must show a positive forward inclination.

Overtrack
The amount that the hindfeet touch the ground in front of the imprint of the forefeet is called the overtrack. The degree of overtrack depends on the type of walk. One observation however is that a horse with a large overtrack ( many warmbloods) may be difficult to collect, and may find work such as piaffe rather taxing. Horses with naturally shorter walks (many Iberians) find the collection easier, but may not ever be able to show the degree of overtrack of a technically “good” walk. The degree of overtrack depends on the horse and his natural reach.
In collected walk, there may be no overprinting, or there may be some, or in big warmbloods with huge walks, even in collected walk there is some overtrack. In collected walk it is more important that the steps remain active, and higher than in medium walk because of the greater degree of activity.

Overtrack in free or extended walk is expected to be clearly seen. Again it depends on the type of horse, a long backed horse will have a bigger overtrack than a short backed horse, which works against the Iberian. A "good" walk would show an overtrack of 12 to 18 inches, possibly more.

Stretch
This relates to the extended and free walks and demonstrates the relaxation and lengthening of the frame.

THE FOUR TYPES OF WALK

For the purposes of this article, I have concentrated my attention on the four recognised walks within the FEI definitions. In addition there is of course the suspended or Spanish walk, and I have included reference to this later in the article.

MEDIUM WALK
There should be the clear 4 beat rhythm, and the steps are free, regular and unconstrained. On the bit, purposeful steps, with a moderate overtrack.

COLLECTED WALK
In the collected walk, the horse stays in the correct rhythm, he remains active and forward, the neck will be more raised and arched, the poll the highest point, on the bit. The frame of the horse is shorter than in the medium walk and the steps are a little higher, the joints bend more, and there is normally no overtrack. It is important to remember that it is a collected walk, not a slow walk, the activity is greater than that of the other walks. This is the walk where the most irregularities are seen, and so it is vital to maintain the rhythm at all times.

EXTENDED WALK
The horse stretches his frame to its fullest, but retains a contact with the hand. Clear overtrack, head and neck lowers. The lengthening of the neck and freedom of the shoulder allows the opening of the frame and the stretch. It is a mistake to hurry the horse in order to show more purpose as this always results in a shortening of the frame and steps.

FREE WALK
This is where full relaxation is shown, the horse is allowed complete freedom to lower and stretch the head and neck forward. Clear rhythm, good purpose, definite overtrack and maximum stretch. There is little difference between the free and extended walk except that the extended walk remains on the contact.

In the standard dressage tests, at prelim and novice level, only the medium and free walks are required to be shown. Collected and extended walk are shown at the higher levels because they require a greater degree of training to achieve without destroying the walk.

COMMON PROBLEMS IN THE WALK

Number one on the list has to be faults in the rhythm. This is almost always caused by the rider. I wish I had a penny for the number of times I have seen a faulty walk in a test, then as the horse exits the arena he demonstrates the loveliest of walks. As a judge, believe me, it is heartbreaking as the rider will have lost marks in the test and in the collectives under the paces mark. Or how many times have you had issues in the walk, only to watch your horse stride across the field after work in perfect rhythm and balance? Infuriating? Maybe, but more importantly a major training fault.

Faults in the rhythm range from the odd irregular step, to jogging, or worst of all pacing or ambling. This is where the fore and hind limb on the same side move forward at the same time. There is no “V” and the walk becomes almost two time in the rhythm, in extreme cases it IS two time. Almost always caused by tension in the back, or the rider pushing the horse out of his rhythm or using too much rein contact.

Other problems are usually to do with the contact, the horse doesn’t stay on the bit, he nods his head too much, comes against the rider’s hand, or is resistant, curls down in the free walk instead of stretching forward to the contact, snatching at the rein are all examples of contact issues.

Finally even if the rhythm and contact are acceptable, he may still lack purpose, take too short or hurried steps, show no overtrack in all the walks, appear stiff in the shoulders, fail to stretch down in free walk.

EXERCISES TO IMPROVE THE RHYTHM

With a young or very green horse, working on small circles will help, or stepping over correctly spaced ground poles, working to classical music etc.

Walk-halt-walk transitions will help the idle horse to step under a little quicker, and will encourage lightness.

With the horse that takes short hurried steps, slow your body down to encourage him to follow your rhythm. Lengthen the rein and push hands forward to give more freedom in the neck.

With the older horse, lateral work is the most effective way to re establish rhythm. The best advice I was ever given with regard to a poor walk was “never walk in a straight line”.
Shoulder-in, travers, renvers, half pass, walk pirouettes all require the horse to concentrate and place the feet more carefully.
Walk slowly, focus on the correct walk sequence and think of slowing the front legs down.
Start with shoulder-in.
The horse should be on three tracks, with the bend around the inside leg.

Go from a shoulder-in to a half pass to encourage the shoulder to open.
In the half pass the horse retains the bend around the inside leg and looking in the direction he is going, the outside legs cross over in front of the inside legs.

Go from a shoulder-in to a walk pirouette to encourage more activity.

Alternate shoulder-in with travers or renvers to encourage more suppleness in the shoulders and hips.

Alternate the half pass with the leg yield to encourage more suppleness through the shoulders and hips.

Ride a half pass zigzag (counter change of hand) to encourage more suppleness through the ribcage.

EXERCISES TO IMPROVE THE CONTACT

Be sure that you are keeping the bit STILL in the mouth, and allow where appropriate with the hands forward. Always have a “forward thinking” hand, allow the horse to draw your hand forward and down.
In walk, there is always a degree of nodding of the head, the hand must allow for this and not try to restrict it. I try to think of it as the same feeling as when a child takes your hand and leads you to something, you follow and go with the leading hand, not pulling back, but also not losing the connection.
Keep your back swinging and do not restrict the neck.
Make sure the horse has accepted the contact before asking for stretching. When you allow the horse to stretch , as in free walk, or when you give with the rein, it is always a forward movement. You “give” forward, then “take” back to where you were in the first place, not take back and then give to where you were in the first place, which is a common mistake and results in the often seen fiddling or see sawing action of the less sensitive or educated rider’s hand.
Allow the horse to move naturally under you and do not lock your hips or lower back.
Walk – turn on forehand- walk will help to lighten the contact. Alternatively, walk-turn on the haunches- walk for the more advanced horse will not only lighten the contact but also elevate the forehand.

EXERCISES TO IMPROVE THE PURPOSE/STRETCH

Work the horse a little deeper than usual.
Go hacking and encourage him to stretch forward up hills and through muddy tracks.
Follow another horse with a good purposeful walk.
Use your leg aids alternately, to encourage a swing in the back and more forward thrust from hind leg.
Ride on the diagonal across the school, at each wall ride a half walk pirouette, then encourage him to extend the walk to the opposite wall.

The walk is the hardest pace to improve, and the easiest to ruin. A poor walk can always be improved, but a naturally good walk is a gift from God and must be carefully nurtured.

Spanish Walk

I cannot leave this subject without saying a few words about the Spanish walk. It is of course a gait that is very natural to the Iberian horse and has many advantages in training – it frees the shoulders and elevates the forehand – even though it is not a movement required in modern day competitive dressage.

There are many ways to teach it, but most find it easier to start on the ground, encouraging the horse to lift one leg, then the other to a touch with a schooling whip, and progressing to work under the rider.

It is important that the sequence of the walk is maintained whist the foreleg on alternate sides is extended towards the horizontal. The hindleg must not become lazy or grounded, it must remain active and forward. Straightness is paramount, there should be no swaying of the haunches, and the rider must remain still, not showing over exaggerated aids. The horse must use his back, not become hollow, otherwise the exercise loses its benefit as a suppling and strengthening aid.

I have found it most beneficial to use with those horses that do not have a naturally good walk especially where this is due to tension and restriction through the shoulder.

Training diary April to June

2009-08-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

The last three months have been busy. The aim was to qualify the horses if possible for the BD Summer Regionals. Also, Kingston Maurward was one of the regional qualifying venues for the Hickstead Dressage Masters, qualification was on a points league with a semi final to decide the horses to go to Hickstead. The opportunity to try for a place to ride in that hallowed International Arena was very tempting so I thought we ought to have a try for it.
I attended several of the Kingston Maurward qualifiers, with the result that we were well up on the points table, at one point we topped the leaderboard with three horses! All PREs. As a result, we went to Kingston Maurward on 20 and 21 June to contest the semi finals. It was a great weekend, we stabled at the venue, the weather was perfect, and we stayed in the lorry. The top four in each semi final got to go through. Hugo (Jugador XVIII) was second in his Novice class, on a score of over 71%. Anthony (Fulminante-Cen) won his Elementary class. Toro (Centauro II)was 4th in the Advanced Medium, but sadly just pipped into 5th in the Medium. So that meant that all three were qualified for Hickstead at three levels! It was just the most wonderful feeling to have got them all through, I only hoped to get one, possible two if I was lucky, so great celebrations all round.
Toro has come on in his work so much that we pulled forward our plans to try an Advanced by a month. His scores were so promising that we pulled forward his PSG debut as well, and he did his first PSG at the end of May, fittingly on Delia’s birthday. He scored 63% which was perfectly reasonable. He has done another two since, with the same score so is showing consistency. Each time we make little errors, nothing major and the foundation is sound.
All three have also secured their qualifications to the BD Summer Regionals, at four different levels – Novice, Elementary, Medium and Advanced Medium.
As a result we are now out of points for both Anthony and Hugo, but that is fine as both are well ready to move up a level. Hugo will do elementaries this autumn, and is working on the medium work. He is starting to work on his half passes in trot and canter, and this winter will start to learn his flying changes. With such a secure counter canter and simple change, it may take a while for him to realise what I want, but he has the advantage of a particularly good uphill canter to start with, with great suspension, so he will not find them hard. I have recently put him in a double bridle, he looks so grown up!
Anthony is now competing at Medium, and he is working towards secure Advanced Medium work this winter. His changes are good, very smooth and in the rhythm of the canter. However he does have a little issue with straightness, and this really has to be addressed this winter, particularly in the canter. I want to improve his suppleness especially in the half passes, and also his medium trot, which is now looking like a medium trot, but he is still more expressive in front than behind. More work from the ground I think is in store for him!
Anthony is the proud father of a gorgeous colt foal, Rey di Mundo, quite a name to live up to! He is just like his dad, black with a little white star, and quite adorable.
Toro, now competing at PSG will work towards the upper levels, he can already do the two time changes (seems like only yesterday he couldn’t even do a change! Less than a year ago!) and has a really good ability to sit for the pirouettes. He will do an Inter1 in the spring I hope. He already can do a few steps of piaffe, but is a little lazy for the passage. This means more strengthening work this winter, he is still nowhere near strong enough to sustain the collection.
And Chico (Orfebre) will reline his brakes! He has a few displays to do this summer/autumn, which will be fun as there is not the pressure of a competition, and he just loves his adoring public! This winter he will do some more Inter 1s, and hopefully will try an InterII, he is working hard on his piaffe and hope to be ready to attempt a Grand Prix maybe next year.
So, a busy July ahead of me, we start by going to Sparsholt Festival of Dressage (18 July)to contest the freestyles, all at their respective new levels, then straight on to Hickstead(20/21 July). We are there for three days, then home, time to clean the lorry and reload to travel again down to the Regionals for four days(27-29 July). Do come and cheer us on, or visit us in the stables, I think we are finally showing the dressage fraternity that the PRE is here to stay and is to be treated with respect!!
This year has really seen a sea change in my success with the horses, and that is due to many reasons, but the most important is FOCUS. I have concentrated on the horses and their training, and although the money ran out ages ago, the headstart I got with the training bursary from BAPSH really enabled me to set up a better structured training plan, with more visits to my trainer. I go three or four times a month, each time with two horses, the trip takes two hours there and two hours back and I reckon I ought to have my own pump at Severn View Services. But its worth it.
Competition success is not to everyone’s taste, but I need to have that buzz, I love it when the horses do well. But the horses have to be trained well and enjoy their work and I have to be happy that they are willing partners in the journey. This winter will be less competing and more training and I love to feel them develop under me, to experience those moments when they finally “get”something, like the first change or achieving the bend in a half pass. I never push them beyond their capabilities, but every now and then they offer that little bit more, and that makes all the hard work worthwhile. For all of you out there competing at whatever level, Good Luck and keep the flag flying for the PRE!!

SW Winter Regionals and Feb/March Training

2009-04-01T15:11:00.001-07:00

Time has just flown by this Spring and my feet have hardly touched the ground. At the beginning of February, I was all set to get the horses back in competition mode after 2 months of pure training, leading up to the Regionals at the end of February. Having made all the plans and sent off all the entries, we were hit, like everyone else, by the worst snowfall for 30 years. It seemed like the whole country came to a standstill. So the planned competition build up never happened, but worse than that, the poor boys were stuck in their hutches for six days. I didn’t dare turn them out for fear of injury, and the school was unrideable. Most frustrating of all was that there is an indoor school belonging to my neighbour about 300 yards away, but the ice was so bad it would have been lethal to attempt to get the horses round there.
After six days, my patience snapped and I started to dig. It took me 5 hours to dig a path from the stables to my school, and a metre wide track round the perimeter. Block by block I piled the ice up, and finally it was done. I was exhausted, but after all that I was determined to get on those horses!! I just started slowly the first few days, they were fresh but glad to be out and after two or three days the thaw had set in and we were back to normal.
By this time we were only a week away from the Regionals, so I got them all out for one competition that weekend, and all were placed so that helped the confidence.

BD South West Winter Regionals
Getting all four horses to the competition was a slight logistical problem, as my lorry only takes three horses and with all the kit for four days away, we would have been overweight. So my friend Marie, who has just bought a really swish new lorry and was dying to take it out, offered to help. The plan was that she would take two horses and half the kit, and I would take the other two and the rest of the stuff. Then disaster struck. Thieves broke into her yard and took the entire front off her lorry, all the lights, bumper, everything. It was recovered to the repairer, and we were on tenterhooks waiting for its return. It came back just in time the night before we left. So we had to load up everything at the last minute. I had worked out I needed 10 bales of hay and had made up all the individual feeds in plastic bags, I didn’t realise how much room that would all take up! And there was still everything else to squeeze on! But eventually we got it all in, plus the horses, groom, daughter, and most importantly, the essential Jack Russell......
Now why was the Jack Russell so important? Smartie comes everywhere with us, the archetypal lorry dog. (He has a penchant for clean shoes, as Brian Westlake knows, but that is another story). When staying away in the lorry in the winter, a small dog is essential as a bed warmer, and Smartie snuggles down in the duvet, and keeps us lovely and cosy.
So how did they all do? Jugador was first to go on Thursday in the novice open. He did a consistent test, very fluent and I was pleased. He was just out of the placings in the end, but to have got there in his first year of training was a huge achievement and he kept his cool in the tense atmosphere. On the Friday he did a lovely freestyle, and was placed 9th, I was thrilled for him as he tried so hard. He showed that he has the right temperament to cope with big shows and just needs more mileage.
Fulminante-Cen was never firing on all cylinders the entire week, he seemed to find it all very hard work. Whether he was under the weather or just overwhelmed by the occasion, I don’t know but he just didn’t perform well. Since then he has been very successful (see below) so perhaps he was just not on top form. I had him checked out when we got home and his blood count was normal, but he did have a slight cough so I just put it down to being a little under par.
Centauro had to do his Medium freestyle in the evening. Warming up outside in the cold under lights was never going to be easy on a hot horse but he coped really well. He was just out of the ribbons on a good score and the judges were very appreciative of him.
On the Sunday morning I thought hard about my strategy with Orfebre. The competition was fierce, the best horses in the South West, and he was in three classes. I decided to try to achieve good percentages, and knowing that at a Regional Final the scores are always a few percent lower than usual, I wished for about 63% in the Advanced Medium Open, 66% in the Advanced Medium freestyle and 63% in the PSG freestyle. And that is exactly how it worked out! But the icing on the cake was that we were placed 10th in the PSG freestyle, so we FINALLY got in the line up, I was so proud of him and our lovely rosette.
So all went well, we got into two prizegivings and apart from Fulminante, they all achieved good results .

February and March Training
At the end of January, thanks to the incedible generosity of Anastasia Al-Turki, who owns Hugo, we were accepted onto a three day training clinic with Ulla Salzgeber, German National Champion and Olympic Champion rider, top International Trainer. I was rather nervous, but although demanding, she was fair and very clear in her training. On the first day she wanted us to work in steep leg yields to loosen the neck and body and gain a soft submissive bend. Having achieved this, we then worked Hugo in cadenced trot to develop expression and lightness. We had to go through a bit of resistance at first and Ulla recommended that after the lesson I should go home and do another session at home to reinforce the lesson. This made a lot of sense and by day 2 he had the leg yielding exercise well understood.
On day 2 we worked on the same steep leg yielding but this time Ulla wanted us to be able to demonstrate that we could do both inside and outside bend, this did cause a few tantrums, but again quiet persistence paid off and we enjoyed amazing trot and canter work afterwards.
On the third day we worked on the cadence in the trot and also the canter simple changes. Timing is so important in the simple changes and Ulla was very specific that we should ask at the right moment but not be afraid to make a mistake.
By the end of the third day Hugo and I were mentally and physically tired but I felt we had achieved a great deal and had an important addition to our toolkit to enable us to progress.
Her approach and methodology was very different to our current training and it was helpful to experience fresh ideas. Working with such a genius was wonderful for my mental approach and confidence and her inspiration rubbed off me with clear results on all of my horses.
It was great to have the opportunity to do the clinic with Ulla, but the regular training with Adam is essential in order to continue to make steady improvement.
With Hugo, at novice level, we have continued to work on the contact, he is rather strong and therefore acceptance of the half halt has been important. The work with Ulla showed me that I need to get him submissive through leg yields, and we also continue with endless transitions. He has a huge and powerful neck and it is a case of getting him to give me his neck rather than try to control it.
Anthony had a disappointing Regionals, and I got very worried about him. How could I motivate him? By chance, I have recently employed a young and very keen event rider and it seemed a good idea to try jumping him. He LOVED it!! Never once saying no, he found his enthusiasm for going forward again, and has not looked back since. In our training sessions we have also started work on his changes again and he has cheered up no end. I have realised that he is a horse that needs variety so we will keep him doing fun things to help him stay motivated.
In the schooling sessions we have been working on transitions from working to collected trot and onward again, to develop cadence and better self carriage. We continue with the work on the ground to encourage him to find a few steps of baby piaffe, and he is developing much more strength behind, which is showing in a better ground covering medium trot.
He has rewarded our efforts by winning in his last two outings, he has now won a qualifier and a non qualifier at elementary, he now needs one more win and he is qualified for the Summer Regionals. He is ready to go out at Medium any day now, his half passes are much more fluent, although still need more bend, and his simple changes are really good. I am very excited about him now, he is just coming into maturity and is definitely going to be one to watch. His first foal is due this May too, how exciting is that?
Toro is in serious hard work to get him to PSG this year. He has really blossomed since the Regionals, and has won two Medium qualifiers and therefore qualified for the Summer Regionals. We worked so hard on his neck over the winter, he is now so much more through, and not so short anymore. His changes are now more secure and we have been working on the tempi changes. For these I started in a collected canter so we could stick to a rhythm and small but clean changes. He finds it all very exciting, and so we have to tone it down but he can now do a line of 4’s and a line of 3’s without exploding so is on target to do his first advanced at the end of May. When I can trust him to keep it all under control, I will try to ride them more forward to add expression. Now that he has qualified at Medium level, I am keen that he should get an Advanced Medium qualification under his belt. He is being placed highly so we shall keep trying to up his percentage. The thing that pulls us down is the walk pirouettes, we either stick if it is small, or get too large. So it is Operation Pirouette for the next month, hopefully I will have some tips for you next time!
Chico keeps soldiering on. He has now just about mastered the one time changes, I have got up to about 5, and one day managed 13!!! That was an amazing feeling!! Recently we have been introducing more half steps and work on piaffe from the ground. He has the technique now but the rhythm still eludes him so we keep practising. He knows he is supposed to do something but he is such a busy little horse, he does too much and often ends up in levade!
Most days I just work him in simple exercises to keep him supple and always aiming for lightness, he is very strong and loves to tempt me to pull, but I know his little games and try to keep him on my seat and off my hand. I use a lot of trot – halt- rein back- trot to get him lighter and also often halt in the middle of a half pass or shoulder-in.
We are still working on his canter pirouettes, he has a habit of spinning so we have tried riding on the three quarter line, collecting and then making the pirouette into the wall, to help with the half halt. It is the quality of the canter that determines the quality of the pirouette though, and he still needs to sit more, and this takes time.
He is in the Pet Plan Area Festival Championships at PSG at the end of this month, so I hope he does well. Will let you know next time.

Dressage to Music Demo with Hugo and Chico

2009-02-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

On Saturday 31 January, I travelled to Berkshire College to give a Dressage to Music demonstration to Thames Valley Riding Club with Chico and Hugo.

Hugo went first, showing the paces and the choreography possibilities of the novice test. We worked to different types of music and then showed our Novice Freestyle. This was a good chance to do it in front of an audience prior to the Regionals. He was foot perfect and was perfectly behaved, very chilled with a crowd, I was so proud of him.

My pupil, Marie Pearce and Small Soldier were next up and they did a lovely demonstration of the movements required at elementary level. We have used some great music for this pair and the audience appreciated it. Marie then rode her elementary music test, it was lovely and judge Dilys Gordon was very positive about their performance. She pointed out to the audience that this combination demonstrated just what an amateur rider on an ordinary horse could achieve with hard work and correct training. I was so pleased for Marie, she works very hard at her training and deserves to do well. She has done a few demos with me and can always be relied upon to get out there and do it. Well done Marie!!

Finally it was Chico's turn. He loves demos, he adores to be watched and always shows off. He worked well, although he threw in a few one time changes when he should not have, but on the whole was well behaved!

We are always happy to demonstrate to riding clubs or interested groups, so get in touch!

Training with Ulla Salzgeber

2009-02-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the generosity of one of my owners, I recently attended a clinic with Ulla Salzgeber. She is a formidable lady, nearly 6ft tall and a wonderful rider and trainer. Winner of 4 Olympic medals, 2 World Championships , and 3 World Cup competitions, I knew we were in the presence of someone very special. I had watched her at the BD convention a few years ago and been impressed with her ability to train the rider to get the best from the horse. Particularly, I liked her classical approach which says that it is the rider's responsibility to learn to sit correctly, mistakes are never the horse's fault.

I was nervous, but I didn't need to be. I took Jugador (Hugo) and was a little worried she may not gel with us as he is not what she normally rides. All my fears dissolved after a couple of minutes - she liked him!

On the first day we worked on submission, very steep leg yielding in walk with flexion away from the direction of travel. Hugo was resistant but we persisted and eventually he was softer and then we went forward to trot and I could not believe the lightness and carriage.

We touched on the canter, this too was light and then it was all over. Ulla asked me to work him for 20 mins in the afternoon, just on the steep leg yielding, which I did and he was not at all resistant.

Day 2 and she wanted to see our leg yielding. It was good, she was pleased he had learnt so much but now wanted the flexion to change. Hugo was not so happy with this and we had some argument, but again the trot work was light and uphill. The canter too was improved, she asked me to ride canter-walk transitions. She was very specific about my position and timing, but I need to be prepared to make a mistake.

Day 3 and we worked harder on the leg yielding, the canter-walk-canter and the lightness and carriage. I was aware that I need to work more on my seat, particularly in the trot work, to engage the hindlegs more.

I feel enormously privileged to have had the opportunity to train with such a superb trainer. She is a perfectionist but was encouraging and positive. I feel inspired because in every session she gave the rider her complete and absolute attention. It was three days of hard work but I wished it could go on forever, the improvement in Hugo was dramatic, if the chance came to do it again, I would jump at it.

January Training Diary

2009-01-11T05:08:00.000-08:00

HUGO (JUGADOR XVIII)
Hugo, now in his 7th year, is a lovely moving horse with elastic paces, and very good over his back. Last year was all about going forward, into the rein, and swinging over the back. He can lengthen his stride well, with a good lengthening of the frame. Now it is time for him to begin to come up a little more in front, to develop his self carriage and be able to adjust his balance better, to bring the hindleg a little more under and to lighten in front. And that is where I have hit a little problem. Hugo has a huge powerful neck and shoulder, and loved his baby frame and loose low way of going. He is a little disconcerted to discover that I want him to take more responsibility for the balance, and more importantly, not try to lean on, or grab my hand to avoid this. So we are patiently doing hundreds of trot-walk-trot, walk-halt-walk, trot-canter-trot transitions, each time asking him to step a little under and not grab the bit. First I need to demand that he does the transition NOW, then after a couple of rather untidy ones, I wait and try to preserve the softness, taking longer but not allowing him to lean on me. It is frustrating, and tempting to just go powering off in the way he likes, but the time spent now will be repaid in spades later on.
Adam has given me help with a little work from the ground. His reaction to the gentle touch of the whip on his hindlegs elicited a very willing response, indeed, he lowered his haunches and gave a few steps of beautiful piaffe. I looked in the mirror and thought “Wow!” After that we went forward in a fantastic expressive and uphill, light trot. It is easy to see how tempting it is to do too much with our lovely Spanish horses too soon, so many are ruined by overuse of this work, which can be so helpful in training, but can easily lead to abuse and confusion if incorrectly or inexpertly done.

ANTHONY (FULMINANTE-CEN)
We put Anthony in a double bridle for the first time this month. He will be 8 years old this year and is working at Medium level, he is accepting the snaffle well, but I feel he needs the refinement of the double to improve his self carriage. It has helped a lot and encouraged him to work more up through the shoulder, improving the neck carriage, which was a little long in the snaffle.
We have worked on his half halts, and introduced work from the ground, a few half steps, this has improved his understanding of the placement of the hindleg and encouraged him to take more weight behind. We just work on a few steps at a time, and keep him moving forward all the time. After that, I ride him in a strong, forward medium trot to utilise his energy and keep him thinking forwards.
In the trot half passes, we work him in little half passes, only a few metres at a time, correcting his carriage and balance. He must not learn to run across, nor must he fall onto the shoulder, so a few good steps is better than many poor ones.
We are not ready for it yet, but I can see the benefit of the exercise Jean Bemelmans did at the National Convention this year, where he worked the horse in half pass – piaffe – half pass. This improves the engagement and strengthens the hind leg.

TORO (CENTAURO II)
Toro has a tendency to shorten the neck, and so we have been concentrating on stretching and lengthening/lowering the neck, without coming behind the vertical, or getting too deep. With the more relaxed neck and back, his rhythm has improved and so has the tempo, not so erratic and hurried.
Once he has let go in the neck and is drawing into the rein, we can start work on the lateral exercises, the shoulder in and half pass. It is important that he stays even in the rein, and accepts the outside rein, for this I need to ride in renvers, especially in the canter. Once he has accepted the outside rein, I can straighten him and ride more forward or more collected as he is straight and even in the rein.
His changes are much better, the ones left to right are secure. Right to left is often late to the aid, or worse, short or late behind. Working on the shortening and lengthening of the canter has helped, now with more collection and straightness in the preparation for the change, it is correct and on the aid.
As the changes have improved, we have begun to attempt some tempi changes. At the moment, the counting is unimportant, I only ride the change when he feels right, so some are on 5 strides, some on 4. That is not a problem, as once he is secure to the aid, I can tidy up the counting. He does find it all rather exciting, but the good thing is, that once I put him back to stretch, he responds and relaxes over the back, so I am now able to adjust his frame more easily.

CHICO (ORFEBRE)
Chico is well established in his work, and the aim is to do an Inter II by the end of the year, which means we have to crack those one tempi changes and the piaffe.
I have been trying for ages to get the ones, he can do four, three and two time changes with ease, but the ones are proving to be a bit of a struggle. We have managed to get “one-two”, then a few strides, then we repeat. However, he thought that was it, and couldn’t make the connection that another change was required. So since Christmas I have spent a little of each schooling session trying to get a third change. We have achieved “one –two-three” on a few occasions, and each time I stop and make a big fuss of him. Adam thinks this is why horses like doing changes, and piaffe, because they get a lot of praise for little improvements. Once I can get three changes consistently on the aids, we can move onto more and once we can get four we will probably be home and dry, but it is a long way off. Of course I don’t help, I seem to end up halfway up his neck each time, instead of keeping my backside in the saddle. The answer to that is to do them without stirrups......anyone who knows Chico will understand my reluctance!

Clinic news

2009-01-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

All the clinic dates for January to March have been fixed, and are in the diary with full details, but here are all the dates. Just contact me on 07968 059434 if you are interested.

Friday, 9 January 2009
Ipley Manor, Marchwood, Hants, SO40 4UR

Friday, 16 January 2009
Ladycross, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7QL

Saturday, 17 January 2009
North Farm Andalusians, Amesbury, Wilts SP4 7EB

Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Wokingham EC, Chapel Green, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 3ER

Thursday, 22 January 2009
Al Kingston Stud, Toms Lane, Ringwood, Hants BH24 3QU

Monday, 26 January 2009
Middleton EC, Staffs, B78 2AT

Friday, 30 January 2009
Ladycross, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7QL

Friday, 6 February 2009
Ipley Manor, Marchwood, Hants, SO40 4UR

Thursday, 12 February 2009
Ladycross, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7QL

Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Al Kingston Stud, Toms Lane, Ringwood, Hants BH24 3QU

Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Wokingham EC, Chapel Green, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 3ER

Friday, 27 February 2009
Ladycross, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7QL

Saturday, 28 February 2009
North Farm Andalusians, Amesbury, Wilts SP4 7EB

Friday, 6 March 2009
Ipley Manor, Marchwood, Hants, SO40 4UR

Monday, 9 March 2009
Middleton EC, Staffs, B78 2AT

Friday, 13 March 2009
Ladycross, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7QL

Thursday, 19 March 2009
Wokingham EC, Chapel Green, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 3ER

Thursday, 26 March 2009
Al Kingston Stud, Toms Lane, Ringwood, Hants BH24 3QU

Friday, 27 March 2009
Ladycross, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7QL

Saturday, 28 March 2009
North Farm Andalusians, Amesbury, Wilts SP4 7EB

Training news

2009-01-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

2009 already and so much to look forward to. First of all, the really exciting news is that I have been awarded the BAPSH Training Bursary for 2009. This will enable me to increase my training sessions with Adam (Kemp) and prepare the horses for the Winter Regionals and hopefully, qualification for the summer regionals.

The final tally for Winter Regional qualification is

Jugador XVIII - Novice Open and Novice Freestyle

Fulminante-Cen - Elementary Freestyle

Centauro II - Medium Freestyle

Orfebre - Advanced Medium Freestyle, Advanced Medium Open and PSG Freestyle

7 tests, 4 horses, 3 days........whew! Lets hope weather has improved by then!

So what is the plan? Well, the horses stopped competing at the end of November, but that didn't mean a holiday - far from it! Over December and January, we are working hard, and visiting Adam weekly, 2 horses at a time, working on the weaknesses and developing the strengths.

Jugador (Hugo) is young, rising 7 and quite green. He is working at elementary level, competing novice. He is working mainly on his transitions, especially the downward ones where he can sometimes come against the hand. Being entire, and typical of the breed, he has a big front, and uses this against me rather than bring the hind leg under. We do hundreds of transitions daily, always working on staying light and taking weight behind to improve the balance.

Fulminante (Anthony) is rising 8, working at medium level. The big breakthrough this month has been to put him in a double bridle - grown up boy! This has helped his carriage, and also the straightness, especially in the canter.

Centauro (Toro) is 11 and is working at PSG, competing Medium and Advanced Medium. He only arrived last July, and most of the work has been to make the changes secure. However in the last couple of months, it has been apparent that he has a tendency to tighten in the neck and back, and this really had to be addressed in order to go on. Lots of stretching work, and adjusting the neck carriage, is finally paying off and I can really feel him drawing into the rein now.

Orfebre (Chico) is working on the Grand Prix movements, but he is so naughty, even now! We are finally getting pirouettes weithout spin, and the one time changes are a slow process. As we are not out competing at the moment, I am concentrating on these two things as we can have some rather messy days without any worries. Working on the collection in the canter has been the key.

I hope to be able to share some of my training with you all through this diary over the year ahead.

Update on Clinics

2008-11-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

Clinics and teaching has gone well this year, with much success for my pupils. All training dates are on the website, but I am introducing two new venues

Wokingham Equestrian Centre, RG40 3ER - situated just outside Wokingham and run by the lovely Jo Wrighton, a friendly and welcoming venue. Lovely big outdoor arena, good surface, 60 x 20m and easy parking. Dates available are 25 Nov, 9 Dec, 6 Jan, 20 Jan. Book through me on 07968 059434. All levels, breeds, standards etc welcome. See their website www.wokinghamequestriancentre.co.uk

Middleton Equestrian Centre, B78 2AT - near Tamworth, this one replaces the High Cross clinics. Dates are being finalised for January, keep an eye on website or email for details, fionafoy@blueyonder.co.uk. See their website www.middletonequestrian.co.uk

Other dates and venues are constantly being added to the diary, if you want a clinic in your area, just contact me for details on the phone or via email.

Remaining dates for this year are

Ladycross, Brockenhurst, 28 Nov, 19 Dec,

Al Kingston Stud, Ringwood 20 Nov, 3 Dec, 15 Dec

North Farm, Amesbury 20 Dec

EVERYONE WELCOME !!!

Winter Regionals - Latest Update

2008-11-11T15:09:00.001-08:00

Well, have finally done it, got all the horses qualified in one way, shape or form for the Winter Regionals. Centauro gained 70% for his Medium Freestyle at Sparsholt, and a qualifying ticket. Still chasing the other half of the Medium (straight) Open. Going to a few of the last available competitions this month, but so is everyone else! But quite an achievement to get four PREs to the Regionals, actually five but one is now out in Dubai.

So do come to Kingston Maurward on 19-22 February to offer moral support! All welcome!!

Qualification News

2008-10-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

We have been busy out competing and have had some success! Orfebre has qualified for the Winter Regionals at Advanced Medium, and also for the PSG Freestyle. He was 2nd at the Area Festival at Moreton in the PSG so has also qualified for the Area Festival Championships at Hartpury in April.

The lovely Jugador XVIII has qualified for the Novice Freestyle semifinals at the Winter Regionals, with a 72% test at Berkshire RC. He is such a fabulous horse, just loves his work.

Fulminante-Cen qualified for the Elementary Freestyle with a win at Pencoed. He is still quite a challenging horse, but I think we are now addressing the problems, I train regularly with Adam Kemp and he has encouraged me to be more assertive with him. I have found it hard to be positive with him when he is behaving like a stallion, but I do need to remind him that I am the boss and make sure we respect each other.

Centauro has part qualified at Medium, and has won 2 Advanced Mediums but not on a qualifying percentage. His changes are green, and I am working on it. His last Advanced Medium was a qualifying score, but not a win! But we are still forging the partnership and my last session with Adam was the best he has gone so far, so am very positive about him. Must get some pictures of him to post on the blog! I am taking him to Wellington and Sparsholt to do Medium and Advanced Medium Freestyle - I would just love to have all four of them at the Regionals in February! Four Purebred Spanish Horses all at the Regionals, now how good would that be, for the breed, the sport and for me! Well, nearly there, just one to go.....

Summer Results and Achievements

2008-08-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Jugador XVIII at Badgeworth

My pupils have been busy over the summer, competing and testing the work done over the winter months., with significant success.

SUSIE HOMEWOOD has successfully made the transition into Advanced Medium with PADDY'S PATRON, and has already qualified for the Winter Semis, at Summerhouse on a very creditable 67%. She and Paddy qualified for and competed at the Summer Regionals at Medium level, and came 7th in the region. Susie is getting ready for her first Advanced test, and is looking forward to wearing top hat and tails for the first time!

MARIE PEARCE and SMALL SOLDIER have been doing well at Elementary, gaining mid 60s scores, and are looking forward to the Area Festivals and more music qualifiers, getting very close to qualification on a few occasions. Kipper's canter work has entered a new dimension lately and Marie rode her first flying change!

JO RICKETTS and FLYING TURK are also doing well at Elementary, but took the decision to drop back down to novice for the music qualifiers - a wise choice and coming close to qualification, with a new compilation I have devised for them of Phil Collins numbers that really suit Turk's paces.

KATE APTED and ROXY came second in a prelim and WON THE WALK AND TROT CHAMPIONSHIP at Warminster Saddle Club. All who know the history of this difficult little horse will want to join me in congratulating Kate on this fantastic achievement.

JADE ROSE and DUFFY were successful at the BRC Festival, coming 1st in the Juniors Area 14. Also at the Trailblazers Final, coming 4th in the novice, a great achievement for such a young (13 yrs) rider. Jade is hoping to join BYRDS this year.

KERI McNAMARA made it to the Regionals at Prelim, coming 15th in a huge class, a great result for the first time.

TONI BARBOUR and ZAC came 5th in the prelim at the Trailblazers Final, a great achievement after so many setbacks this year.

KATIE PINDER and HECTOR were 3rd in the Pre Novice at Longleat, again a fantastic achievement for a young (16 yrs) rider.

LISA PHILLIPS and her lovely purebred Arab ILLYRIA were Reserve Champions at Malvern, a credit to Lisa as she has worked so hard on her position.

SUSAN HOCKING and the team at AL KINGSTON STUD have had a fantastic season, winning Championships at both the Luso and Bapsh Breed shows, the greatest result being Champion Ridden Mare (IBIS), 2nd (MAREA) and 3rd (LIRA). All were bred by Tina Barnett Tucker of Old Track Stud.

MARLY RHYMES has been getting to grips with DESEADO LVII and has done two Advanced 100s, looks great in her top hat n tails! Marly and Desa came 5th in the advanced %age class at the Bapsh Championship Show.

SOPHIE STENT my hardworking and long suffering groom has had all her patience rewarded as Marly has allowed her to have her medium level horse, CORISCO on loan. Sophie has been working hard and will contest her first elementary this month.

My horses have been out and about too.

ORFEBRE has qualified for the Winter Regionals at Advanced Medium, and just missed a qualifying place for the PSG music at Sparsholt, so we will keep trying. He has a couple of Area Festivals to do at PSG level.

FUMINANTE CEN has been doing Elementaries, and is improving his percentages all the time. He also just missed a qualification for elementary music, his scores are in the 7o% range, but we need that litle bit more power. He also started his stud duties and is officailly going to be a daddy next year!

NARANJITO qualified for the novice music regionals, he is now having a little rest before flying out to Dubai to be with his owner.

New recruit JUGADOR XVIII owned by Mrs A Al Turki took to the boards fanntastically, winning his first two prelims on +70%. So he is now being registered and can start on his dressage career proper.

Other new recruit CENTAURO XVIII owned by List 1 judge and Grand Prix rider Delia Cunningham has done a couple of Advanced Mediums, early days with this horse, he is very special and will take a little time for me to get used to, but he is a very kind and generous horse and I am very excited about riding him.

My Pupils' News

2008-05-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

FELICITACIONES!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

To Marie Pearce who has qualified Small Soldier for the Badminton Dressage Horse Finals, at Elementary Level in the High Performance Stakes.

To Jade Rose who has qualified Duffy for the Trailblazers Finals at Novice.

To Susie Homewood who has qualified Paddy's Patron for the BD Summer Regionals at Advanced Medium.

Fantastic results, and very good luck to you all!!

My Horses' News

2008-05-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

FER NARANJITO has been amazing. In his first freestyle, he came second, only by 0.5%, he has qualified for the music freestyle Regional finals next February. He LOVED the music, a medley of Herb Alpert and Tijuana Brass, and it was such fun to ride. He went to Burrows Court with Fulminante and won both the qualifier and the non qualifier, he just loves to be at a competition. He was tense in the first test, but much more settled in the second, so the plan of taking him out as much as possible is working.

FULMINANTE-CEN has been to the Winter Championships (see separate entry), and has come out of his winter doldrums. He won the elementary qualifier at Burrows Court and was second in the non qualifier. In the latter, he did a HUGE spook and a buck, prompting the judge to comment on his "sense of humour"! I was amazed, seeing the video, that I stayed on board, it was a real corkscrew.
I still need to work on his self carriage though, and that great big neck is not so easy to control, so this year will be concentrating on developing his engagement and carriage.

ORFEBRE has done another couple of Inter Is and it is slowly coming. We are now getting 6s for the pirouettes, which is a big step forward, as they have been so hard, yes even for an Andalusian! It is a very involved test, with no letup, and just needs suppleness and strength. But at some of the shows, I am now on nodding terms with some of the big guns, and actually they will often proffer some kind words of encouragement. It is my goal to get to Grand Prix before I hit 50, and that doesn't leave a lot of time, so I need all the help I can get!

FAQUIR VII has arrived, and settled in well. He is a Rolls Royce of a horse, quite big at 16.2hh, but is so gentle and polite. He wasn't at first though, however my fabulous assistant, Sophie, who is a real wizard with groundwork, had him lamblike within a week. He is working quietly at home, he can be a bit "stalliony" so we have been hacking him out with the geldings, then the other stallions and now he is working in the school with another stallion, so this is all a de-sensitising plan to prepare him for going to a show. Which I am hoping to do soon, as he needs to get out and about before being subjected to the electric atmosphere at the Breed Show.

Winter Championships

2008-05-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Fulminante -Cen competed at the Pet Plan Area Festival Finals, during the BD Winter Championships. This was a superb venue, at Hartpury College, and he performed well. In the first test he was placed 9th, the first 15 going through to the second round. In the second round we had a bit of a blip in the canter work so were unplaced at the end, however the aim was to get through to the second round, so we achieved our goal. He was much livelier than at the Regional Championships, so the hacking and cantering preparation worked.

Marie and Jo also did a fine job, and lovely tests in the electric atmosphere, but were unplaced. The competition was hot, and it was a huge experience for all. But a positive one and gave a lot of confidence. Now we just need to get there again!

Video Lessons

2008-03-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

In am now offering, as a new service, video lessons. For those who cannot get to a lesson, without transport or too far away, I can help. Just send a recent video or DVD of you and your horse competing or training. I will provide a detailed report with constructive comments, positive feedback and recommendations for improvement. Corrective exercises and/or test riding tips will be included.

See the main website for more details.

Clinics

2008-03-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

I am now running even more clinics. See the online diary on my website for details. There are regular clinics in Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Berkshire, Leicestershire and Wiltshire. A new one is due to start soon in the New Forest area as the current one in Ringwood is becoming so popular! There may shortly be one starting up in Gloucestershire. If you would like to set up a clinic in your area, please contact me. The website has more details and a downloadable guide to setting up a successful clinic.

Fulminante-Cen

2008-03-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

FULMINANTE-CEN has been awarded a wild card for the PetPlan Area Festival Championships in April. What a wonderful opportunity.

He is coming back into work after a brief holiday following the Regionals, would have been longer but the wild card put paid to that! I am planning on trialling a new freestyle with him, at elementary level, have found some very original music, now need to get the floor pattern right.
I love planning the freestyles, but it does take a lot of time.

Orfebre

2008-03-13T05:42:00.001-07:00

Orfebre did his second Inter1, scored the magical 60% and has therefore earned a point at this level. Not only that but he has made me upgrade to rider Group2, thankyou Orfebre!!

My Pupil's News

2008-03-13T05:40:00.001-07:00

Kerry McNamara has qualified for the BD Regionals at Prelim level, only affiliated this year, WELL DONE KERRY!!!!

Fer Naranjito

2008-03-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

At Kingston Maurward on 9 March, Naranjito was 5th in the Nov 38 on 63% and got 65% in the qualifier. Went so much better, really excited about this horse, he is one to watch.

Planning his first freestyle, hope to try it out at the end of this month. As he is a big bold horse I am looking for music to match.

Winter Regional Finals 2008

2008-03-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

Regional Championships were busy. Fulminante-Cen scored 65% in his freestyle. I was happy with our performance, but a little concerned that he seemed a bit lacklustre. Since then, he has been hacking, cantering in the fields and generally out of the school. He should have had the month off, but a wild card entry for the PetPlan Area Festival Championships has put paid to that! Orfebre was wonderful, he performed well and was only just out of the placings in both tests. At this level, it was all I could wish for, and I am delighted with him. Marie had a bit of a learning curve. In the novice she made a small error which cost her dearly, and she learnt a hard lesson. But well done Marie, as it was the best test I have ever seen them do, and they made me very proud. In the elementary, they did well, and achieved a creditable score, placing them 5th in the restricted section. WELL DONE!!!!!

FAQUIR

2008-03-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

Amanda Blake of Rocky Lane Andalusians has asked me to take over the training and competing of her magnificent stallion, Faquir. Faquir is the ONLY Calificado graded stallion in the UK, what an honour!

A stunning bright bay stallion, bred at Consepsion de la Lastra Ramos-Paul, in Seville, by Yeguerito out of Resaca II, he is sure to impress the judges.

Displays and Demonstrations

2008-02-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

If you are wondering about the picture at the start of this blog, it is of Orfebre with me riding in traditional Spanish riding dress, along with my two friends Rose Thomas and Sarah Entwhistle. Both girls are accomplished flamenco dancers, and we put together a display for Children In Need last November at the Hand EC in Clevedon, Somerset. This is something I have always wanted to do, the combination of dancers and dancing with the horse. Rose found me some superb authentic flamenco music which suited Orfebre's paces well. We included some vocal encouragement, plenty of "Ole"s and "chico bonito", and a "vamos!!" during the extended canter.

Planning the choreography was a challenge, making sure we kept close but not getting in each other's way, but perhaps the greatest challenge was practising in my outdoor school in typical november temperatures, in skimpy flamenco dresses!

This was the latest display we have done, future displays and demos will be posted on this blog as they occur. Enquiries about displays can be made to me via email fionafoy@blueyonder.co.uk

Winter Regional Finals 2008

2008-02-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

Fulminante -Cen is qualified for the Novice Freestyle, this will take place on Sat 23 Feb at Kingston Maurward.
Orfebre is qualified for the Advanced Medium and the freestyle PSG, both on Sun 24 Feb.

Pupil Marie Pearce has qualified for the novice and elementary freestyles, using choreography and music I have produced for her.

Fer Naranjito

2008-02-14T11:32:00.001-08:00

Fer Naranjito , Mrs T Sweetman’s gorgeous PRE stallion, has made his debut into affiliated competition, gaining 3 BD points in his novice tests, and a 6th place! He needs to get a lot more match practice so he can concentrate in the arena, so I look forward to being out and about with him a lot more this year.

My Pupils' News

2008-02-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

MARIE PEARCE has qualified Small Soldier for both the novice and elementary freestyles at the Winter Regionals. Marie had never done dressage to music before, and this time last year I persuaded her to be a guinea pig at a demo I was doing. We put together some great music and choreography, and she went out and qualified really quickly. Music has been the turning point for both of them. WELL DONE MARIE!!!

At the PetPlan Area Festival at Pencoed in September 2007, I was so proud to have THREE of my pupils lined up in the prizegiving for the Novice Restricted. JO RICKETTSwith Flying Turk was third, MARIE PEARCE and Small Soldier 4th, andRACHEL YOUNG with Mr Cream 5th. This means that Jo and Marie will be travellling to the Finals to be held at Hartpury College with the Winter Championships in April. WELL DONE GIRLS!!!

MAGGIE KING from Dorset has taken her lovely young Lusitano, Vento out for his first competition, a walk and trot test at Moreton EC, she came third! WELL DONE MAGGIE!!!

Not all news is about competition success. A mention is deserved by KATE APTED. Kate, a hard working and dedicated police officer, is equally committed to the training of her very difficult horse. Kate rescued Roxy, a Welsh Cob mare, from a gypsy fair a few years ago. She has patiently worked to restore the horse’s confidence and although it is a huge challenge, I believe we are finally getting somewhere. We have a pact that neither of us will give up on each other or the horse, and that mutual support is working. Roxy can now manage to concentrate for longer periods and has rewarded our patience recently by managing a little lateral work and even a few strides of counter canter, without exploding! So well done Kate, keep it up!!

Orfebre

2008-02-14T11:28:00.001-08:00

ORFEBRE made his debut at Intermediare 1 in style, by coming 6th! I was delighted with his test – he tried his socks off and managed all the movements. Now we are confident that we are ready for this level and will continue to work to improve it. To prove that confidence, Orfebre also came 4th in the PSG qualifier at Hand Equestrian, against some stiff competition and well known names. He WON the PSG at Moreton EC, he was really on form that day. At Sparsholt on 9 February, we had a warm up for the regionals by doing the Advanced Medium and PSG freestyles. In the Advanced Medium we gained 73.5%, and a third place which has qualified us for the Winter Regionals 2009. The PSG did not go so well, tension got the better of him, so we will try harder next time.

He is a tricky horse, and I am always striving for consistency so these results have really encouraged me.

Clinics

2008-02-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

I am now running even more clinics. See the online diary on my website for details. There are regular clinics in Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Berkshire, Leicestershire and Wiltshire. There will shortly be one starting up in Gloucestershire. North Farm Andalusians are on the move again and I will be teaching at their new premises north of the M4 in the Cirencester area.

If you would like to set up a clinic in your area, please contact me. The website has more details and a downloadable guide to setting up a successful clinic.

Summer Regional Final Qualifications

2008-02-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

congratulations to Kerry McNamara who has qualified Minty for the Preliminary at the BD Summer Regionals. WELL DONE KERRY!!

Congratulations to Susie Homewood who has qualified Paddy's Patron for the Medium Restricted at the BD Summer Regionals. WELL DONE SUSIE!!

Fulminante-Cen

2008-02-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

FULMINANTE-CEN has also been out and has had a go at a couple of Elementaries, these have gone well, he needs to gain a bit more confidence but I am pleased with his progress so far. He also went to Sparsholt and got 71% for his novice freestyle, a great warmup for the Regionals.