This course is designed to help you understand the bio-mechanics and structural balancing of a horse’s movements. Once that understanding is achieve, then applied, the student and horse can focus on the basic dressage exercises which lead to advanced performances.
The student learns to move the horse’s body correctly and efficiently so that gaits and muscular conformation are improved. Instructor Cathy Hanson, trainer of World Champion horses, teaches the course, first teaching the student to “observe”, then practice. Her easy-to-understand teaching style assures when it comes to dressage, you can do it!
A horse is required, and the ability to make videos and send them to the instructor. Western or English tack may be used.
- Introduction
A. Explanation of Terms and Phrases
B. Glossary
C. Questions
D. Tasks - Laying the groundwork
A. Learning to Look at your horse
B. Checking tack Fit and Appropriateness
C. Questions
D. Tasks - In-hand work
A. Moving the horse’s body
B. Moving parts of the horse’s body
C. Loosening and Strengthening
D. Questions
E. Tasks - Longeing & Longe-Lining
A. Get him going
B. Show and Tell
C. Speed, Relaxation, Rhythm
D. Ground Poles & Cones
E. Questions
F. Tasks - Rider’s Seat
A. Balance in your Seat
B. Balance in you Upper body
D. Questions
E. Tasks - Horse and rider exercises
A. Doubles & U-turns
B. Corners & Squares
C. Circles and Spirals
D. Figure Eights
E. Questions
F. Tasks - Lengthening & collection
A. Questions
B. Tasks - Lateral work
A. Simple Leg Yield
B. Counter Bend on Circle
C. Half-Pass
D. Questions
E. Tasks - Arena craft
A. Know your Geometry
B. The L E T T E R S
C. Important Strategies
D. The Test and Scoring
E. Questions
F. Tasks
- Start course at anytime – no waiting for a semester to begin
- Completion deadline of one year from enrollment date. Extensions available.
- Work one-on-one with your instructor
- You can take just the one course