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E-News for June, 2008
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In This Issue
Judging Today's Dressage Rider
Equestrian Pilates Part 2
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Welcome to summer and our June Newsletter.  Show season is in full swing and for most of us the heat as well.  After sweating through a 4 day show with temperatures as high as 107 degrees I am happy to be home and in a cool office!

Our first article is by Betsy Berrey, one of my favorite writers.  She brings the unique perspective to her writing of being both a dressage rider and a judge.

We continue our articles on the subject of rider fitness training with Equestrian Pilates part 2. 

In keeping up with all of the new and exciting developments in the equestrian trade we continue to search for additional businesses and resources suitable for you, our members.  As always we welcome your referrals and your suggestions for businesses that you have found and whose services you have enjoyed.


Best Regards,

chris wellie
C. Hoult,       
Editor
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Judging Today's Dressage Rider  
Wellie2BETSY BERREY, USEF Senior Dressage Judge, Member of "L" Program Faculty & creator of "The Winning Edge" DVD Series
 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
Dressage has become increasing popular in the United States because it is endlessly challenging and fascinating.  Each horse is different, every ride, warm-up or test presents new challenges and the horses have gotten better and better in their athletic abilities.  It also provides an opportunity to interact with those big creatures that we are passionate about without the risks inherent in jumping and eventing.
 
However, since the majority of our riders are Juniors, Young Riders and Adult Amateurs it is sometimes easy to forget that dressage is truly about the correct gymnastic training of the HORSE.  Yes, good riding is essential to this process but an effective rider who lacks elements of the classical seat and position can still do well in the arena.  I trained for many years with a professional who had a hip replacement.  Her seat was unconventional but her horses were correct and she scored well on all of them.  (more)

"Improve your ride off the horse with EQUESTRIAN PILATES®
 
Wellie3 by: Andrea McManus and Elizabeth Hanson
Pilates for the Equestrian Part 2
 
Last month we looked at the importance of developing our mind-body connection and our physical fitness to improve our Dressage.  As we too are Dressage riders, we know that by now you are asking, "What exactly can I do right now to improve my riding?"  In EQUESTRIAN PILATES® we believe that the seat is the most important building block to create a great ride. If the pelvis is crooked or not strong our ability to move in the saddle the way we want to is compromised.  It might cause us to grip with the legs or lean too much to one side or the other.  Once we strengthen the seat and make sure that it is balanced in the saddle we can build up the rest of the body to insure a great ride.  We will start out with one exercise to improve the seat and then move on to a second exercise designed to improve the muscles of the shoulder girdle.  This area of the body is extremely important as it allows us to prevent problems like slouching, and balancing on the reins.  When the shoulder girdle is weak and unstable it can prevent us from getting just the right amount of rein connection and collection that Dressage requires.
 (more)