Kawartha Lakes Dressage Association Dressage Show at HDI on July 26th.
For more information go to http://www.klda.ca/
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Eddo Hoekstra Clinics
Eddo Hoekstra Clinics have been confirmed at HDI on June 27th and June 28th.
Rider and Auditor registration for Eddo the Hoekstra Clinic is available at http://www.hoekstradressage.com/clinics.html.
Rider and Auditor registration for Eddo the Hoekstra Clinic is available at http://www.hoekstradressage.com/clinics.html.
Walter Zettl Clinics Announced
Walter will be once again teaching riders and auditors how to create a harmonious partnership between horse and rider.
Walter Zettl is considered to be one of the world's most accomplished masters of classical dressage training and a true advocate for the welfare of his beloved horses. He is also a much sought-after teacher and clinician, who is known for his warm and sympathetic approach to teaching.
Clinic dates are Aug 1st and 2nd, 2009 and October 24th and 25th, 2009
Auditor registration for the Walter Zettl Clinic is available at http://www.hoekstradressage.com/zettl.html.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Walter Zettl Dressage Clinic Oct 11th & 12th, 2008 at Hoekstra Dressage
In July 2008, over 100 equestrian enthusiasts attended the Walter Zettl weekend clinic at HDI.
On October 11th & 12th, Walter will be once again teaching riders and auditors how to create a harmonious partnership between horse and rider.Walter Zettl is considered to be one of the world's most accomplished masters of classical dressage training and a true advocate for the welfare of his beloved horses. He is also a much sought-after teacher and clinician, who is known for his warm and sympathetic approach to teaching.
Auditor registration for the Walter Zettl Clinic is available at http://www.hoekstradressage.com/zettl.html.
On October 11th & 12th, Walter will be once again teaching riders and auditors how to create a harmonious partnership between horse and rider.Walter Zettl is considered to be one of the world's most accomplished masters of classical dressage training and a true advocate for the welfare of his beloved horses. He is also a much sought-after teacher and clinician, who is known for his warm and sympathetic approach to teaching.
Auditor registration for the Walter Zettl Clinic is available at http://www.hoekstradressage.com/zettl.html.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
There Is No "I" In Team
There is no "I" in team and horse and rider should be a team. Really!
A team wins and loses together. In other words, if your horse doesn't feel as good about a win as you do, you should question how you got that win. The tough part is that they don't speak English so we as riders, coaches, trainers have to be very observant and pay close attention to the way we train.
Remember that every exercise , when properly done, has a gymnastic value. Focus on your technique, your horses' performance and learn to recognize when he is tired, stiff, happy etc. Never forget that training is not just about work. It encompasses many different things like fun, relaxing, interesting and so on.
When you build a connection with your horse and keep it fun you'll feel good about what you're doing and you'll really enjoy your sport regardless if you get a ribbon or not.
A team wins and loses together. In other words, if your horse doesn't feel as good about a win as you do, you should question how you got that win. The tough part is that they don't speak English so we as riders, coaches, trainers have to be very observant and pay close attention to the way we train.
Remember that every exercise , when properly done, has a gymnastic value. Focus on your technique, your horses' performance and learn to recognize when he is tired, stiff, happy etc. Never forget that training is not just about work. It encompasses many different things like fun, relaxing, interesting and so on.
When you build a connection with your horse and keep it fun you'll feel good about what you're doing and you'll really enjoy your sport regardless if you get a ribbon or not.
Portrait of a Master - A Tribute to Jan Kluijtmans, Holland
The phrase "you can do a lot more than you think" has a special meaning to me. It was what he used to tell me.
A great mentor whose memories of gentle ways I will always remember and hope to pass on to my students. Truly classical in every sense of the word and unfortunately very hard to find anymore these days.
Everything was always for the horse, with the horse and the way he taught ; it was all so simple, no force, NEVER! Riding with him was really a fun activity for both horse and rider in which you learned about feel, technique, patience and persistence. About riding and about harmony. He always knew precisely when he could not ask for more from the horse or rider. A true master, a true coach.
He was so passionate about horses, all horses and helping people that wanted to learn the sport. He used to tell me; "I always watch the riders in the warm up ring so I can learn something"! How cool is that? With all his knowledge and experience he never got tired of learning more. He was still teaching every day until he passed away one day at age 92.
In his eyes there were no bad horses. There was talent to be discovered and skills to be developed. And he just love it. I hope that one day I too will have his eye and knowledge. I just wish I had it yesterday.
And then I met Walter Zettl. If those could have met they would have been great friends. I was inspired the first time I met him - not because he was different but because it was familiar.
So to all of you who feel that your horse is your friend, treat him like that. Let him know through the way you work with him. It will tell him a lot about your intentions. Even if you make a mistake once in a while.
Remember: you too "can do a lot more than you think"!
A great mentor whose memories of gentle ways I will always remember and hope to pass on to my students. Truly classical in every sense of the word and unfortunately very hard to find anymore these days.
Everything was always for the horse, with the horse and the way he taught ; it was all so simple, no force, NEVER! Riding with him was really a fun activity for both horse and rider in which you learned about feel, technique, patience and persistence. About riding and about harmony. He always knew precisely when he could not ask for more from the horse or rider. A true master, a true coach.
He was so passionate about horses, all horses and helping people that wanted to learn the sport. He used to tell me; "I always watch the riders in the warm up ring so I can learn something"! How cool is that? With all his knowledge and experience he never got tired of learning more. He was still teaching every day until he passed away one day at age 92.
In his eyes there were no bad horses. There was talent to be discovered and skills to be developed. And he just love it. I hope that one day I too will have his eye and knowledge. I just wish I had it yesterday.
And then I met Walter Zettl. If those could have met they would have been great friends. I was inspired the first time I met him - not because he was different but because it was familiar.
So to all of you who feel that your horse is your friend, treat him like that. Let him know through the way you work with him. It will tell him a lot about your intentions. Even if you make a mistake once in a while.
Remember: you too "can do a lot more than you think"!
What is Fit!
And what is fit enough? We are always thinking about what movements and exercises to ride with our horses but what about the rider? Don't we have to be in shape too? Are we not supposed to be athletes also? The fact is that we do!
We have to be fit and we should be athletes if we want our horse to be one too. For our own benefit and the the benefit of the horse we need to be balanced, well coordinated, supple, and relaxed - all the things we want our horse to be we need to be too.
Get someone to take you out on the lunge line once in a while - it is great for your balance and fun too. And how about some bareback riding. Even if it is just at the walk after a schooling session. I tell some of my adult riders; remember when you were a kid, the saddle came off when the work was done! It's fun to do some jumping, go on a trail ride, but also get on a fitness program. Either join a gym , do Pilate's, yoga, swimming, or martial arts. They will all help you to develop increased flexibility, body control and overall fitness. We don't need to be able to run a marathon or lift enormous amounts of weights but the things we train should compliment our riding skills.
So, Get Fit! Be an Athlete! You will feel better as will your horse.
We have to be fit and we should be athletes if we want our horse to be one too. For our own benefit and the the benefit of the horse we need to be balanced, well coordinated, supple, and relaxed - all the things we want our horse to be we need to be too.
Get someone to take you out on the lunge line once in a while - it is great for your balance and fun too. And how about some bareback riding. Even if it is just at the walk after a schooling session. I tell some of my adult riders; remember when you were a kid, the saddle came off when the work was done! It's fun to do some jumping, go on a trail ride, but also get on a fitness program. Either join a gym , do Pilate's, yoga, swimming, or martial arts. They will all help you to develop increased flexibility, body control and overall fitness. We don't need to be able to run a marathon or lift enormous amounts of weights but the things we train should compliment our riding skills.
So, Get Fit! Be an Athlete! You will feel better as will your horse.
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