18 Jul Recap: July 6 Lecture Demo “A Simple Framework for Dressage”
Last weekend we were pleased to present our Lecture Demonstration called “A Simple Framework for Dressage.” Paul began with a lecture that drew heavily from his research from his upcoming new book “Long and Low: A Revolution in Modern Dressage.” As he discussed “A Simple Framework for Dressage,” the question at the heart of of it was: which dressage are we talking about? As many riders know, there is a history of classical evolution in which dressage horses were primarily ridden in an uphill frame, but beginning in the 1800’s and later coinciding with the birth of competition dressage and the dissolution of the world’s cavalries, a new approach to dressage was born: long and low riding. This lecture was an attempt to clarify this schism, which is a source of confusion for many riders. There was a lively question and answer session after his lecture, and many people expressed an appreciation for learning the historical background of long and low riding, and how it impacts horse and rider balance and the ability to engage and collect the hind end.
In the second half of the event, Paul and our current intern Sofia presented her mare in a lunging demonstration to show the early stages of dressage training in side reins. Next, Rose brought out an unusual horse she has had in training on and off for the past six years, a ten year old Arabian/Andalusian cross who is an excellent example of how classical training can benefit ordinary horses and engage their hindquarters. Rose and Belador demonstrated trot lateral work and extensions, canter collection, working pirouettes, flying changes, and piaffe. Lastly, to illustrate how a trained horse can piaffe in-hand with no side reins, Paul brought out his eleven year old Andalusian mare, Eleison.
It was a very hot day, but overall a successful and enjoyable event. Enjoy these pictures and join us on August 3rd at 11am for our next Lecture/Demo: Collection! What is it, why is it important, and why is it disappearing?”