FEBRUARY 2024 THE RIDER /31 Palm Partnership Training™


Building A Partnership With Your Horse Dressage:


Why is it a benefit for all disciplines?


By Lynn Palm Dressage is a French


word that means “training.” The concept of dressage dates back as far as 350 BC when the Athenian historian and soldier Xenophon com- pleted his “On Horseman- ship” manual. However, it wasn’t until the 16th and 17th centuries that dressage began to develop as an art form.


sage evolved as the success- ful


the better


For centuries, dres- training methods


developed by Europeans to improve their riders and the training of horses for war. Essentially


schooled your horse, the better he would be in battle. However, training horses and riders for more than war became important and even- tually finer techniques were developed. This was com-


bined with a desired by no- bility to be seen ‘about town’ on magnificent steeds with exaggerated move- ments which demonstrated


their ability as horsemen. When kings and royalty wanted entertainment with horses, dressage competi- tion came to life.


The art of dressage


emerged as the training of riders on how to naturally ride with balance and to communicate from the seat,


leg, and hand aids. There- fore, dressage fundamentals are: Rider balance, rider cor- rect use of aids for commu- nication, and the rider putting the horse in balance for performance. This com- bination of skills builds har- mony between horse and rider and the importance of working as a team. It became apparent


that dressage works with any breed of horse and was not limited to “war horses.” Today, all breeds and disci- plines benefit from dres- sage; from cutting, reining, and endurance to pleasure and everything in between; it’s important to understand that dressage should be a part of the rider and horse training. “Dressage” is the perfect word to signify the foundation for all riding dis- ciplines. Dressage empha- sizes the growth of skills of horse and rider, and is a “natural” way to train both. Dressage also means


respecting that the sport of correct and harmonious rid- ing does not come easily. Also, however, like with any sport you must also under- stand its simplicity. And as with any sport, to master dressage at any level is only accomplished with practice and dedication; you and your horse can improve and advance together. But you must learn the steps neces- sary to proceed, and dres- sage can play an important role.


First, take a humble


moment and evaluate your own riding before trying to “fix” the horse. (You might want someone to video you.) “Dressage” means in order to improve the horse, you must improve the rider! It’s not about “fixing” the horse. Too often little is con- sidered about what the rider is doing with regard to bal- ance and soft, light invisible aids.


It is the rider’s respon-


sibility to ride with proper position and balance, espe- cially with the correct posi- tion of arms/hands and legs. Communication will be- come clear and consistent for the horse when the rider has perfect hands and leg positions. Horses will al- ways give positive re- sponses to the rider with these very important basics when given properly. Next add the seat to assist with the legs, and guiding rein aids for transitions and legs. Then by using rein aids for controlling the horse’s body alignment (straightness) and his outline, this combination of aids ultimately puts the rider and horse in balance. Remember, the rider


has to practice building a correct position and balance. He or she has to coordinate an agile way to use aids for gaits, transitions and fig- ures. It’s also very important that the rider must ride the horse with a positive and confident attitude. Eventu- ally the rider has to develop the strength, coordination,


athleticism, and balance with the horse, while always using a consistent training program. Developing the horse


is a great challenge and in- cludes more than swinging into the saddle. In addition to dressage, these following topics will help everyone understand their sport horse, including: Knowledge of conformation,


including


form to function; horse in- stincts; horse health; impor- tance


of turn out;


development of muscles; strength of joints; hoof man- agement; overall soundness; and correct riding tech- niques that develop willing horses. Just try a bit of dres-


sage in your training as a rider and the development of your horse — regardless of your sport. It’s all about your horse being willing and confident in performance, no matter what your riding interests and disciplines are. And remember that when you bring out the best in you, you will bring out the best in your horse! •


Palm Equestrian


Academy generalinfo@lyn- npalm.com 352-362-7847 • • Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the coun- try and abroad as well as on- line coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or their Palm Equestrian Academy European Journeys.


Winter Management For The Outdoor Horse


Reprinted from the February 2017 issue of The Rider


“The stable environ-


ment invariably presents challenges of dust, mould and proper ventilation,” says Susan Raymond, in- structor of Equine Guelph’s Management of the Equine Environment online course. “Most horses are well equipped for living out- doors and thrive, provided certain provisions are met.” Dr. Raymond completed her PhD in investigating the effects of exposure of horses to mycotoxins. She has also been involved in air quality research which provided practical recom- mendations to the horse in- dustry on stable design and management. The ideal environment


for most horses is to live


outside with herd mates 24/7. This satisfies their need for locomotion and provides their digestive sys- tem with the optimal condi- tions to function as nature


intended. Here are just a few tips for managing the horse’s


through the winter season: 1. Provide a heated water source. Horses need to con- sume large volumes of water to keep forage travel- ing through the gut. Reduce your risk of colic by ensur- ing water sources do not freeze. 2. Provide the best quality hay and be cognizant that horses will need more for- age in the winter to meet their energy needs for ther- moregulation. Avoid round bales which can become havens for dust and mould, increasing the risk of respi-


environment


ratory ailments. 3. Shelter provides a wind- break and can be natural or manmade. Location is very important. Constructed shel- ter considerations include, sturdy construction with rounded edges (pressure treated 4x4 or thicker), built on a sight grade (2 – 3 de- grees) for moisture runoff, situated so prevailing winds blow against the walls not the entrance. Ample room should be allotted for the amount of horses (e.g. a 3 sided structure for 2-3 horses would be a minimum of 12 x 36 feet and high enough that a rearing horse would not be endangered).


4. Maintain highly visible, safe fencing of durable con- struction. Gate width is im- portant for safe leading and the ability to bring in ma- chinery. Gates should be made well with well sup- ported posts and placed in a location that will drain well. Mud management systems are also available to mini- mize mud in high traffic areas. 5. Safe footing. Keep path- ways clear with a handy mix of wood chips, sand and rock salt. Stock up on sup- plies before the storm when these items can become scarce. In the paddock watch for unsafe footing, ice and uneven ground. It is


ball up inside turning every- day moving around into an uncomfortable and haz- ardous venture. 6. Daily checks. It is recom- mended to give horses a daily once over in the winter including hoof picking, wound checks and checking under


that blanket


good to have a small turn out area available in case the larger one becomes unsafe. Discuss with your farrier the options of going barefoot for the winter or putting on snow pads. Regular steel shoes do not have traction and allow snow and ice to


for


weight loss or gain. If the horse is blanketed you will also want to check it hasn’t slipped and is not rubbing. For more information


sign up for Equine Guelph’s 12 week online course on Management of the Equine Environment.


Meet the instructor: Dr. Susan Raymond


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