All posts by wcwdressage

When is it time to “move on” to a new instructor?

The first thing that must be said is if you’re happy, the answer can be never. Over many years I’ve had riders who’ve stuck with me literally for decades—they’ve graduated from horse to horse and level to level. In many cases they’ve gone back to start the process all over with a young one, sometimes more than once. Through it all, I have tried to guide their choices, including encouraging them to experience other teachers, trainers, and clinicians to make their education as broad as possible. Read More

A friend at a club meeting announced that she was now riding with a classical trainer and that the lessons were so different, so much better than from her old instructor. What kinds of differences would she have been referring to?

I’ve been mulling over this answer for a while—it’s the proverbial minefield to pick your way through. What is Classical? Usually, if you’re a professional, it’s what you put on the sign at the end of your driveway and definitely not whatever your neighborhood rivals are teaching. Google up “Classical Dressage” (can I stop capitalizing it now?), and the name at the top of the page is Jane Savoie’s. I’m sorry—nice lady, good speaker, successful clinician—not “classical.” I could go right down the list, placing each trainer in the “yes” column or the “no” column, but that would further obfuscate the issue. I’d have an easier time if you give me a dozen columns to sort them into. Read More

Recently I rode Intro A and B. The tests specify rising trot, but when I sit, my horse is much more controllable, much more through. Can I eschew the rising trot, or will I be penalized?

BILL– Unfortunately, since “rising trot” is specified, when a rider sits the movement, she is technically committing an “error of test.” The judge may blow the whistle, deduct 2 points, AND make you redo the movement rising. Only that time would be scored. In addition, these would be cumulative errors; so a second time would be a minus 4 (total of minus 6 so far), and the third time would be elimination. Sitting for a few steps (as before a canter depart or in a downward transition) is fine or even in a moment of extremis like shying. Read More

Do you feel that the bitless bridle would be an effective tool in the schooling of the dressage horse? EPG/RI

BILL– My answer is a very qualified “yes,” with is use restricted to particular, extraordinary circumstances relating to reclaiming horses with histories of certain kind of abuse. In such a context almost anything that works—anything that puts the horse more at ease and in a physical or mental frame which makes him more susceptible to accepting the rider’s influence without fear—is OK with me. Read More

My horse goes wide behind in his lengthenings. What to do?

BILL—The first question is what does “wide behind” mean? By definition it is a lack of engagement. The horse spraddles his hind legs apart rather than stepping up underneath himself to carry more weight to the rear. Generally, this relates to a lack of strength and muscular development which would let him lengthen properly.
The first solution is to be less extravagant in the amount of stride you ask for. Better to ask less and get a correct lengthening than to try for more and run your horse onto his forehand. Read More

I give the aids for the half-halt and my horse either objects by coming above the bit or responds by going faster. What am I missing?

BILL– Yes, the Goldilocks paradigm could be in play here—“this one is too hard; this one is too soft; I need to find the half halt that is just right!” I could be suspicious, though, that you need to approach the problem a different way. The issues (as usual) are connection and thoroughness. Read More