Rochelle Kilberg, High Performance Coach, offering training and board at Hazelmere Equestrian Center. Rochelle has earned many Championships and Awards.
Rochelle is an Equine Canada certified High Performance 1 (old level 3) equestrian coach that offers more than 20 years experience of training and competing in the sport of Dressage accomplished to the highest level of Grand Prix. Has been short listed and long listed for Canada since 2000.
Thank you 🙌 Amanda and Odette for helping me level and Harrow our low-maintenance textured, dust-free footing.
We purchased this footing several years ago from Footings First LLC.
One of the best choices we made when doing footing improvements to our stable.
Update!
Entries are closed but for a small $25 late fee and you can still play in the national show!
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Exciting CDI Competition at Thunderbird Show Park!
Are you ready to showcase your talent in a CDI competition? Don’t miss this incredible opportunity at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC, from June 12-16!
Key Highlights:
- Convenient Location: Skip the long drive to the USA and enjoy the local charm of Langley.
- Save Money: Benefit from favorable exchange rates for Americans, making it an attractive and affordable event.
- Support Local Competitions: Your participation helps ensure this prestigious event continues annually.
Hurry! The entry deadline is this Saturday.
Join us for an unforgettable experience and a chance to compete with top riders in a fantastic setting. Secure your spot today and be a part of something special!
Stable Hand / Working student position available at Hazelmere Equestrian Center in South Surrey with Rochelle Kilberg.
What We Offer:
- Board and training for your horse in exchange for work. Boarding options starting at $800
- Additional wage paid based on availability and tasks.
- Learning opportunity to expand your stable management and riding skills in a supportive drama free environment.
Reach out for more information or to set up an appointment.
Rochelle Kilberg High Performance 1 Certified Coach Coaching all Levels Hazelmere Equestrian Center was established in 1998. We are a Top-Class facility that is clean, safe, secure and well maintained. Hazelmere has a harmonious team with a spirited atmosphere so riders may enjoy their time spent at...
🐴 Part-Lease Available 🐴
Meet Ana, our lovely 11-year-old mare standing tall at 16.3hh. Ana is as sweet and kind as they come, with a knack for schooling first and second level dressage movements. She has a good-natured temperament that makes her a joy to be around.
This part lease opportunity is on-property only, giving you the chance to form a special bond with Ana in her familiar surroundings at Hazelmere Equestrian Center in South Surrey. We're seeking an experienced intermediate-level rider who can appreciate Ana's talents.
As part of the lease agreement, we ask that you commit to a weekly dressage lesson with Rochelle Kilberg, Ana's experienced coach. Rochelle will ensure you both continue to progress and reach your goals together.
If you're interested please reach out to discuss further details and arrange a meeting. 🌟
In the world of equestrian sports, there’s already plenty of advice floating around from coaches, judges, and trainers.
What’s really needed, though, is more camaraderie and support.
Let’s set aside our egos and focus on our own journeys while cheering on others in theirs. Being good sports means wishing each other luck, looking out for one another, and celebrating each other’s successes, regardless of the outcome.
Let’s offer a helping hand when we can and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed.
Together, let’s strive to be better riders and friends, for the sake of ourselves, our horses, and our community.
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Looking for a local part-time working student who has their own horse to develop. Opportunity can start right away.
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
“No. 1. Get your tack and equipment just right, and then forget about it and concentrate on the horse.
No. 2. The horse is bigger than you are, and it should carry you. The quieter you sit, the easier this will be for the horse.
No. 3. The horse's engine is in the rear. Thus, you must ride your horse from behind, and not focus on the forehand simply because you can see it.
No. 4. It takes two to pull. Don't pull. Push.
No. 5. For your horse to be keen but submissive, it must be calm, straight and forward.
No. 6. When the horse isn`t straight, the hollow side is the difficult side.
No. 7. The inside rein controls the bending, the outside rein controls the speed.
No. 8. Never rest your hands on the horse's mouth. You make a contract with it: "You carry your head and I'll carry my hands."
No. 10. Once you've used an aid, put it back.
No. 11. You can exaggerate every virtue into a defect.
No. 12. Always carry a stick, then you will seldom need it.
No. 13. If you`ve given something a fair trial, and it still doesn't work, try something else—even the opposite.
No. 14. Know when to start and when to stop. Know when to resist and when to reward.
No. 15. If you're going to have a fight, you pick the time and place.
No. 16. What you can't accomplish in an hour should usually be put off until tomorrow.
No. 17. You can think your way out of many problems faster than you can ride your way out of them.
No. 18. When the horse jumps, you go with it, not the other way around.
No. 19. Don`t let over-jumping or dull routine erode the horse's desire to jump cleanly. It's hard to jump clear rounds if the horse isn't trying.
No. 20. Never give up until the rail hits the ground.
No. 21. Young horses are like children—give them a lot of love, but don't let them get away with anything.
No. 22. In practice, do things as perfectly as you can; in competition, do what you have to do.
No. 23. Never fight the oats.
No. 24. The harder you work, the luckier you get."
~Bill Steinkraus.
{He was a renowned equestrian and show jumper. Born in 1925, Steinkraus was the first American to win an individual gold medal in equestrian competition at the Olympics. He achieved this feat at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City riding his horse Snowbound. Steinkraus was widely respected for his skill, dedication, and contribution to the sport of show jumping.}
Some equestrians may have seen Brené Brown's recent perspective.
For those who have not, this is what was said.
“If you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I am not interested in or open to your feedback. Period.
There are a million cheap seats in the world today, filled with people who will never be brave with their own lives, but will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgement at those of us trying to dare greatly.
Their only contributions are criticism, cynicism, and fear-mongering.” -Brené Brown
For me, it highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability and taking risks, rather than standing on the sidelines. When we're in the arena, facing challenges head-on, we're actively engaging in life and learning from our experiences.
Feedback from those who understand the courage it takes to step into the arena is invaluable, as it comes from a place of empathy and understanding.
It's a reminder to surround ourselves with people who support and uplift us 🩷, rather than those who criticize from a place of fear and insecurity.
🐰🌷 Happy Easter weekend from the crew at Team Hazelmere!
🥚 Beaux is convinced that giant Easter egg is just for him, but he's having trouble getting a good bite! 😄
Wishing you all an awesome weekend filled with joy and laughter! 🩷
🐴
🍎 Master Dressage: The importance of groundwork.
In dressage, groundwork serves as a fundamental component of training, contributing to the development of a well-rounded and successful dressage horse.
Here's how groundwork relates to dressage:
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1. Foundation for Riding Skills: Groundwork establishes the basic obedience, balance, and responsiveness that are essential for advanced dressage movements. It helps the horse understand and respond to cues from the rider, laying the groundwork for more complex exercises performed under saddle.
2. Correct Movement and Posture: Groundwork exercises such as lunging and long-lining allow handlers to encourage the horse to move correctly and engage their hindquarters. This helps develop the horse's balance, suppleness, and self-carriage, which are key components of dressage training.
3. Communication and Connection: Dressage is often described as a conversation between horse and rider. Groundwork enhances communication skills between the horse and handler, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. This connection is vital for achieving harmony and precision in dressage movements.
4. Building Confidence and Trust: Dressage requires horses to perform intricate and physically demanding maneuvers with confidence and trust in their rider. Groundwork builds the horse's confidence in themselves and their handler, creating a solid foundation for tackling the challenges of dressage training.
5. Addressing Behavioral Issues: Groundwork provides an opportunity to address any behavioral issues or resistance that may arise during dressage training. By working through these challenges on the ground, handlers can establish a positive, cooperative attitude in the horse that carries over into their ridden work.
In summary, groundwork plays a crucial role in preparing horses for the demands of dressage by building a strong foundation of obedience, balance, communication, and trust. It sets the stage for the progressive training and development required to excel in the discipline of dressage.
😃 We have the perfect place for your horse with boarding options and training opportunities at Hazelmere Equestrian Center.
With a supportive welcoming community of equestrians, regardless of experience, and a commitment to top-quality facility and care, your equine companion will thrive.
Contact us today for more information! 🐴🌟
🍎 Master Dressage: All the phases of the dressage training scale are INTERTWINED! 🤓
They build upon each other to create a solid foundation for the horse's training progression.
1. Rhythm and Relaxation: This is the starting point, where the horse learns to move freely and rhythmically in a relaxed manner. Without rhythm and relaxation, it's challenging to progress to higher levels of training.
2. Connection: Once the horse is moving rhythmically and relaxed, the rider focuses on establishing a steady connection or contact between the horse's mouth and the rider's hands. This connection allows for communication between horse and rider.
3. Understanding and Confidence: With a good foundation in “rhythm, relaxation, and connection”, the horse begins to understand the rider's aids more clearly and gains confidence in their responses. This phase lays the groundwork for more advanced work.
4. Development and Pushing Power: Building on the foundation of understanding and confidence, the horse's strength and impulsion are developed further. This phase involves exercises to encourage the horse to push more powerfully from their hindquarters, resulting in increased expression in their movements.
5. Development of Carrying Power: Finally, the horse learns to carry more weight on their hindquarters while maintaining balance and lightness in the contact. This phase refines the horse's ability to collect and engage, allowing for greater expression and control in advanced movements.
Throughout the training process, these phases intertwine as the horse and rider continuously work to improve their communication, balance, strength, and suppleness. Each phase builds upon the previous one, and progress in one area often leads to improvements in others.
For example, improved relaxation and connection can lead to better impulsion and carrying power, while increased carrying power can enhance the horse's ability to maintain rhythm and relaxation in more demanding exercises. 🩷
Happy Riding!!
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🍎 Master Dressage: The Sixth phase of the Training Scale emphasizes “Collection”.
Collection is the pinnacle of the horse's physical development. It involves the horse shifting its balance more onto its hindquarters while maintaining a light contact with the rider's hand. This results in a rounder frame, increased engagement of the hind legs, and lightness in the forehand.
To achieve collection, riders focus on exercises that encourage the horse to carry itself with increased self-carriage and balance.
One such exercise is the shoulder-in. In the shoulder-in, the horse is asked to move along a diagonal line with its forehand slightly to the inside and its hindquarters slightly to the outside. This requires the horse to engage its inside hind leg, bend its body around the rider's inside leg, and maintain straightness through its body.
The shoulder-in not only improves collection but also enhances the horse's lateral suppleness, balance, and responsiveness to the rider's aids. It's a fundamental exercise in dressage training for developing collection and improving overall performance.
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🍎 Master Dressage: The Fourth phase of the Training Scale emphasizes
“Impulsion.”
In this phase, the focus is on developing the horse’s desire to move forward with energy, engagement, and enthusiasm. Impulsion involves generating power from the horse’s hindquarters and channeling it through the body to create elasticity, suppleness, and responsiveness. It’s about creating a feeling of controlled energy that allows the horse to perform tasks with lightness and expression. Developing impulsion requires riders to encourage the horse to step actively under its body, lift its back, and push forward with energy in all gaits. It is a crucial element for achieving balance, collection, and expression in dressage.
One effective exercise to improve impulsion is the "lengthening and shortening of strides." This exercise helps the horse engage its hindquarters and develop power while maintaining balance and suppleness.
Here's how to do it:
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1. Begin at a working trot or canter on a large circle (or along the long side of the arena if you can easily reduce the tempo).
2. Ask the horse to lengthen its stride by applying slightly more leg pressure and allowing the reins to lengthen slightly.
3. Focus on maintaining balance and encouraging the horse to reach forward with its neck while keeping the rhythm and tempo steady.
4. After a few strides of lengthening, bring the horse back to its working stride by gently closing your fingers on the reins, half-halting, and applying light leg aids.
5. Repeat the process of lengthening and shortening the strides, making sure to keep the transitions smooth and the horse responsive to your aids.
As the horse becomes more comfortable with the exercise, gradually increase the degree of lengthening and collection.
This exercise helps the horse develop strength and elasticity in its muscles, improves responsiveness to the rider's aids, and enhances overall impulsion and engagement.
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🍎 Master Dressage: The Third phase of the Training Scale emphasizes "Contact."
In this phase, the rider aims to establish a consistent and elastic connection, or contact, between the horse's mouth and the rider's hand. This contact should be steady but not restrictive, allowing the horse to maintain a relaxed and balanced frame while moving forward with impulsion. Achieving a good contact involves developing the horse's acceptance of the bit and the rider's ability to communicate subtle cues through the reins. It sets the foundation for more advanced movements and collection in dressage.
Developing good contact in dressage requires a combination of horse training and rider skill development.
Your turn! Here's how you can work on it…
But first, if you're enjoying this content, you can show your support by liking, following, and sharing. Your engagement helps to spread the word and encourages more content creation.🩷
1️⃣ Start with basic training exercises such as transitions, circles, and bending to encourage the horse to accept the bit and seek contact. Use a light, elastic rein contact to guide the horse's movements.
2️⃣ Practice giving consistent rein aids to establish a steady contact with the horse's mouth. Use your fingers, wrists and elbow to maintain a soft but steady connection without pulling or jerking on the reins.
3️⃣ Incorporate half-halts (a future topic) into your riding to rebalance the horse and encourage engagement without losing the contact. Half-halts help to keep the horse's attention and maintain connection through transitions and movements.
4️⃣ Focus on your own balance and alignment in the saddle. A balanced rider with a “stable seat” can provide clearer and more effective aids, including maintaining a consistent contact with the horse's mouth.
5️⃣ Develop "following hands" that allow the reins to move with the horse's mouth while maintaining a steady contact. Avoid gripping or holding the reins too tightly, which can create tension and resistance in the horse.
6️⃣ Work on improving your own suppleness and flexibility to allow for soft, responsive hands that can adapt to the horse's movements. Incorporate stretching exercises and regular practice to maintain flexibility in your arms, shoulders, and wrists.
Seek feedback from experienced trainers or coaches who can provide guidance on your contact and help you refine your skills. Regular lessons and training sessions with knowledgeable professionals can greatly assist in developing good contact.
Developing a good contact takes time and consistent effort from both the rider and the horse. Be patient with yourself and your horse, and continue to practice and refine your skills over time. Celebrate small improvements and stay committed to your training goals.
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🍎 Master Dressage: The Second phase of the Training Scale emphasizes “Suppleness and Relaxation.”
This stage is crucial for fostering the horse's “physical” and “mental” flexibility, enabling it to move freely and comfortably. Suppleness refers to the horse's ability to bend and flex its body smoothly in response to the rider's aids. It involves loosening tight muscles, particularly in the neck, back, and hindquarters, to allow for fluid movement and proper engagement.
Relaxation is equally important, as tense muscles hinder suppleness and impede the horse's ability to perform at its best. A relaxed horse is more receptive to the rider's cues and is better able to maintain a consistent rhythm and tempo. Achieving relaxation involves creating a positive and calm environment, establishing trust between horse and rider, and using gentle, progressive exercises to encourage the horse to release tension throughout its body.
Together, suppleness and relaxation lay the groundwork for further training in Dressage, promoting harmony between horse and rider and setting the stage for advanced movements such as collection and extension.
Try this 👇… great for your warm-up 😃
But first, if you're enjoying this content, you can show your support by liking, following, and sharing. Your engagement helps to spread the word and encourages more content creation.🩷
One effective exercise is the Serpentine (as depicted), where the rider guides the horse in smooth, curved lines resembling a serpent's path. By maintaining a consistent rhythm and gentle contact, the exercise promotes suppleness and relaxation throughout the horse's body, particularly along the spine and neck.
An advanced exercise to improve suppleness is "Shoulder-In." This movement involves the horse moving forward in a straight line while flexing slightly inwards from the rider's inside leg. It requires the horse to engage its hindquarters, bend its body laterally, and maintain balance and rhythm. Shoulder-In promotes increased flexibility and suppleness through the horse's ribcage and allows for greater collection and self-carriage.
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🥁 Ta-da-dum ~Ta-da-dum ~ Ta-da-dum! 🎶
Imagine the rhythmic sound of a horse's steps, flowing gracefully from one to the next, embodying a perfect balance of power and poise. This is the essence of the first phase of the dressage training scale, where each beat harmonizes with the horse's movement. Building on yesterday's discussion of the "Dressage Training Scale," let's now explore the intricacies of this initial phase's rhythm.
"Rhythm." It serves as the foundation upon which all other elements of dressage are built. Rhythm refers to the regularity and consistency of the horse's pace and tempo in all three gaits: walk, trot, and canter.
Here's an important detailed breakdown of each component within the rhythm phase:
🐴 Regularity - This aspect focuses on the evenness of the horse's footfalls within each gait. In the walk, trot, and canter, each leg should move in a predictable and rhythmic pattern. There should be no irregularity or inconsistency in the timing of the footfalls.
🐴 Consistency of Tempo -
Tempo refers to the speed of the horse's movement within each gait. A consistent tempo means that the horse maintains the same speed throughout the movement without speeding up or slowing down unintentionally. This allows the rider to establish a steady rhythm and develop a harmonious connection with the horse.
🐴 Relaxation - Relaxation is essential for achieving a rhythmic performance. A tense or anxious horse will struggle to maintain a steady rhythm. Through correct training techniques and exercises, the rider aims to encourage the horse to relax both physically and mentally, allowing for a more fluid and consistent movement.
🐴 Balance - Balance is closely linked to rhythm, as it affects the horse's ability to maintain a consistent pace and tempo. A well-balanced horse distributes its weight evenly between the forehand and hindquarters, allowing for smooth transitions and movements. Achieving balance requires strength, suppleness, and coordination on the part of the horse, which are developed over time through systematic training.
🐴 Contact - Contact refers to the connection between the rider's hands and the horse's mouth through the reins. A consistent and elastic contact allows the rider to communicate effectively with the horse and maintain a steady rhythm. Too much or too little contact can disrupt the horse's balance and rhythm, so it's essential to find the right balance that promotes relaxation and harmony.
Overall, the rhythm phase lays the groundwork for all further training in dressage. By establishing a solid foundation of regularity, consistency, relaxation, balance, and contact, riders can progress to more advanced movements and exercises with greater ease and success.
Master Dressage Series:
Your Essential Guide, Simplified with Rochelle Kilberg, High-Performance Coach and Grand Prix Rider.
The “Dressage Training Scale” is a fundamental framework used in training horses for dressage.
It consists of 6 elements: rhythm, relaxation, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. Each element builds upon the previous one, leading to a balanced and harmonious partnership between horse and rider. Here are some tips for each element:
1. **Rhythm**: Focus on establishing and maintaining a steady, even tempo in all gaits. Use transitions within and between gaits to improve rhythm.
2. **Relaxation**: Encourage your horse to be supple, loose, and free from tension. Work on exercises such as stretching and bending to promote relaxation.
3. **Contact**: Aim for a consistent, elastic connection between your hand and the horse's mouth. Develop a soft, following contact that allows for communication without resistance.
4. **Impulsion**: Develop the desire and ability of the horse to move forward with energy and engagement from the hindquarters. Use exercises like leg-yielding and half-halts to encourage impulsion.
5. **Straightness**: Ensure that the horse travels in a straight line without drifting or crookedness. Use straightening exercises such as shoulder-in and haunches-in to improve alignment.
6. **Collection**: Develop the horse's ability to carry more weight on the hindquarters, lighten the forehand, and maintain balance and self-carriage. Gradually introduce exercises such as collection and extension to build strength and agility.
Consistently working on these elements will lead to progress in your dressage training and prepare you for success in the arena!
Feel free to message me if you’re interested in getting your own 4’ x 4’ vinyl Dressage Training Scale wall hanging as depicted in the photo. Drop shipping options are also available.
Dive into the world of Rochelle Kilberg Dressage and discover the profound connection between rider and horse.
In this journey, every stride is a symphony, every movement a dance of harmony. Embrace the subtle cues, the gentle whispers of communication that bind you together.
Remember, it's not about reaching the finish line first, but about the bond you forge along the way. Take a breath, soak in the beauty of the ride, and let perspective be your guide.”
🐴 Ready to take the next step in your equestrian journey? 🐴
Schedule an appointment with Certified Coach Rochelle Kilberg for a personalized review of your needs and a tour of our top-notch facilities at Hazelmere Equestrian Center.
Limited spots available, so don’t miss out!
Contact us now to book your appointment. 🌟
PC Odette Williams
💗Love is in the air, and so is the elegant rhythm of dressage!
Wishing all our fellow equestrians a Valentine's Day filled with the grace and beauty of horses. 💖🐴
Training horses is like nurturing a delicate flower. It takes patience, care, and a steadfast commitment to see it bloom.
Every moment invested in their growth brings you closer to witnessing their beauty and potential unfurl.
Stay patient, with kindness and understanding, you're guiding them towards greatness. 🌸🐴
pc: Tanna L'Esperance
🌟Working Student Opening🌟
Are you passionate about horses 🐴 and eager to gain hands-on experience in the dressage world? Look no further!
This position offers the unique opportunity to receive specialized training and mentorship from Rochelle Kilberg, an accomplished Grand Prix rider and high-performance coach. You will have direct access to Rochelle Kilberg's expertise, providing invaluable insights and guidance. Personalized coaching sessions to enhance the student's riding skills and deepen their understanding of all dressage concepts. Benefit from Rochelle’s extensive experience in preparing both horses and riders for competition. Receive mentorship in goal setting, competition strategy, and overall professional development within the equestrian industry.
The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a desire to learn and improve their riding abilities. A minimum commitment of one year to ensure continuity and dedication to the training program. Flexibility to discuss longer-term arrangements based on mutual satisfaction and performance evaluations.
Student should have previous experience working with horses, preferably in a dressage environment but not required. Intermediate riding skills and a basic understanding of dressage principles. Ideally 1st level capability. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform tasks in various weather conditions. Have excellent communication and teamwork skills. Willingness to learn and take direction from experienced professionals.
Reliable and punctual with a positive attitude. Must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in Canada. 🇨🇦
Responsibilities:
- Assisting with the daily care of horses, including feeding, handling horses, grooming and occasionally picking stalls.
- Participating in training sessions under the supervision of the head dressage trainer.
- Saddling, bridling, and tacking up horses for training sessions and lessons.
- Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the barn and tack room.
- Observing and assisting with lessons, clinics, and horse shows as needed.
- Learning and implementing proper riding techniques, including flatwork, lateral movements, and dressage tests.
- When needed providing support during veterinary visits, farrier appointments, and other equine-related activities.
- Participating in general barn maintenance tasks such as fence repair, arena footing maintenance and grounds keeping.
The benefits of becoming a Dressage working student:
- Hands-on experience working with high-quality dressage horses.
- Training and mentorship from Rochelle Kilberg and other experienced professionals.
- Opportunities to improve riding skills and progress in the sport of dressage.
- Depending on the individual arrangement, a stipend, board for your personal horse may be provided.
Interested candidates can apply by submitting an email to [email protected] outlining their relevant experience and include any riding or horse-related achievements or goals. References may be requested during the process.
Application Deadline:
Open until filled.
Any questions please email or DM. 😃
215/184 Street
Surrey, BC
V3S9S8
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| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 8am - 5pm |
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Thank you 🙌 Amanda and Odette for helping me level and Harrow our low-maintenance textured, dust-free footing. We purchased this footing several years ago from Footings First LLC. One of the best choices we made when doing footing improvements to our stable. #StableLife #Equestrian #HorseRiding #StableMaintenance #DustFree #FootingsFirst #EquestrianCommunity #HorseCare #BarnImprovements #ThankYou
🐰🌷 Happy Easter weekend from the crew at Team Hazelmere! 🥚 Beaux is convinced that giant Easter egg is just for him, but he's having trouble getting a good bite! 😄 Wishing you all an awesome weekend filled with joy and laughter! 🩷#EasterWeekend #TeamHazelmere #SimplyHorses #BeauxTheHorse 🐴
🍎 Master Dressage: The “Shoulder-in”. The shoulder-in is crucial in dressage because it promotes suppleness, engagement, straightness, balance, and coordination in the horse. It forms the foundation for advanced movements and helps develop the athleticism and harmony between horse and rider required in dressage. Here's a simple guide on how to execute it effectively: Preparation: Begin on a straight line or along the rail of the arena. The rider establishes a balanced and straight position in the saddle with even weight distribution in your seat bones. ~Aids for Shoulder-In ~ Inside Leg at the Girth: Apply pressure with your inside leg at the girth to encourage the horse's inside hind leg to step underneath its body and support the movement. Outside Leg Behind the Girth: Keep slight pressure with your outside leg behind the girth to maintain impulsion and prevent the horse's hindquarters from swinging out. Inside Rein: Use your inside rein to guide the horse's shoulders inward, applying subtle pressure to encourage flexion at the poll and slight bending through the neck. Outside Rein: Maintain steady contact with your outside rein to prevent over-bending and to support the horse's balance and straightness. Execution: As you apply the aids, the horse's shoulders should slightly angle inwards towards the inside of the arena or the direction of the movement, while the hindquarters remain on the track or slightly to the outside. The horse's inside hind leg should step under its body, creating engagement and balance. Maintain Rhythm and Impulsion: Throughout the shoulder-in, maintain a consistent rhythm and impulsion. The horse should remain active and forward-thinking, with energy flowing evenly from behind. Straightness: Focus on keeping the horse's body straight from poll to tail, with only the shoulders slightly angled inward. Avoid excessive bending or leaning in either direction. Transitions: Practice transitions into and out of the shoulder-in t
🍎 Master Dressage: A foundational exercise in dressage training is the "turn on the forehand." This movement is typically initiated by the rider’s aids, prompting the horse to step its hind legs around its forehand in a controlled manner, without moving very little forward and not backwards. The goal of the turn on the forehand is to improve the horse’s responsiveness to the rider’s leg aids, enhance balance, and develop strength and flexibility in the horse’s core and hindquarters. Here's a more detailed explanation of why it's beneficial for core strengthening: 1. Engagement of Core Muscles: During the turn on the forehand, the horse's abdominal muscles need to engage to support its body weight and maintain balance. As the horse moves its hindquarters around its forehand, it must stabilize its core to prevent toppling over or losing balance. This consistent engagement of the core muscles helps to strengthen them over time, similar to how humans engage their core during exercises like planks or abdominal crunches. 2. Hindquarter Activation: While the turn on the forehand primarily focuses on the front end of the horse, it also requires significant activation of the hindquarters. The horse needs to push its hind legs underneath its body and pivot around them, which engages muscles in the hindquarters, including the glutes and hamstrings. This activation contributes to overall muscle development and strength in the hind end. 3. Balance and Coordination: Executing the turn on the forehand requires precise coordination and balance from the horse. It must distribute its weight evenly, maintain a steady rhythm, and respond to subtle cues from the rider. This coordination involves the synchronization of muscles throughout the horse's body, including the core muscles, to perform the movement accurately. Regular practice of this exercise enhances the horse's proprioception and body awareness, leading to improved balance and coordination. 4. Flexibility and
Discovering the Silver Lining: Unexpected Perks of a Rough Ride in Dressage! 🐎✨ Despite the challenges, there are hidden benefits to tough moments with your horse. From building resilience to refining communication skills, every ride teaches us something valuable. Embrace the journey, even when it's bumpy! #DressageJourney #EquestrianLife #RidingLessons
🍎 Master Dressage: The importance of groundwork. In dressage, groundwork serves as a fundamental component of training, contributing to the development of a well-rounded and successful dressage horse. Here's how groundwork relates to dressage: {If you're enjoying this content, you can show your support by liking, following, and sharing. Your engagement helps to spread the word and encourages more content creation. 🩷} 1. Foundation for Riding Skills: Groundwork establishes the basic obedience, balance, and responsiveness that are essential for advanced dressage movements. It helps the horse understand and respond to cues from the rider, laying the groundwork for more complex exercises performed under saddle. 2. Correct Movement and Posture: Groundwork exercises such as lunging and long-lining allow handlers to encourage the horse to move correctly and engage their hindquarters. This helps develop the horse's balance, suppleness, and self-carriage, which are key components of dressage training. 3. Communication and Connection: Dressage is often described as a conversation between horse and rider. Groundwork enhances communication skills between the horse and handler, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. This connection is vital for achieving harmony and precision in dressage movements. 4. Building Confidence and Trust: Dressage requires horses to perform intricate and physically demanding maneuvers with confidence and trust in their rider. Groundwork builds the horse's confidence in themselves and their handler, creating a solid foundation for tackling the challenges of dressage training. 5. Addressing Behavioral Issues: Groundwork provides an opportunity to address any behavioral issues or resistance that may arise during dressage training. By working through these challenges on the ground, handlers can establish a positive, cooperative attitude in the horse that carries over into their ridden work. In summary, groundwork plays a crucial
🍎 Master Dressage: The Elusive HALF-HALT. A half halt is a fundamental concept that involves a combination of aids from the rider to communicate with the horse. The half halt is often considered elusive because it requires a subtle and nuanced combination of aids from the rider to communicate with the horse effectively. It involves a balance of seat, leg, and hand aids to rebalance the horse's weight, adjust its stride, and prepare for transitions or movements. Achieving the perfect timing, coordination, and finesse in applying these aids can take years of practice and refinement, hence its elusive nature. Here's a more in-depth explanation: PURPOSE The primary purpose of a half halt is to rebalance the horse, shifting its weight onto its hindquarters, engaging its core muscles, and preparing it to respond to the rider's next instruction. It's like a "check-in" or "get ready" to ensure the horse is attentive and responsive to the rider's cues. TIMING Half halts are applied in rhythmic coordination with the horse's stride. They are typically given during the upward swing of the horse's movement, just before the moment of suspension (when all four hooves are off the ground). This timing allows the rider to influence the horse's balance and momentum effectively. THE AIDS A half halt involves the coordinated use of the rider's seat, legs, and hands: 1) Seat: The rider initiates the half halt by subtly tightening and engaging their core muscles while sitting deeper into the saddle. This helps to slow the horse's movement and encourage engagement of the hindquarters. 2) Legs: The rider may apply a slight squeeze or pressure with their legs to encourage the horse to step more actively underneath itself and maintain impulsion. 3) Hands: The rider softly closes their fingers on the reins, creating a brief, steady contact with the horse's mouth. This communicates to the horse to maintain connection and balance without pulling on the reins harshly. GIVE Afte
🍎 Master Dressage: All the phases of the dressage training scale are INTERTWINED! 🤓 They build upon each other to create a solid foundation for the horse's training progression. 1. Rhythm and Relaxation: This is the starting point, where the horse learns to move freely and rhythmically in a relaxed manner. Without rhythm and relaxation, it's challenging to progress to higher levels of training. 2. Connection: Once the horse is moving rhythmically and relaxed, the rider focuses on establishing a steady connection or contact between the horse's mouth and the rider's hands. This connection allows for communication between horse and rider. 3. Understanding and Confidence: With a good foundation in “rhythm, relaxation, and connection”, the horse begins to understand the rider's aids more clearly and gains confidence in their responses. This phase lays the groundwork for more advanced work. 4. Development and Pushing Power: Building on the foundation of understanding and confidence, the horse's strength and impulsion are developed further. This phase involves exercises to encourage the horse to push more powerfully from their hindquarters, resulting in increased expression in their movements. 5. Development of Carrying Power: Finally, the horse learns to carry more weight on their hindquarters while maintaining balance and lightness in the contact. This phase refines the horse's ability to collect and engage, allowing for greater expression and control in advanced movements. Throughout the training process, these phases intertwine as the horse and rider continuously work to improve their communication, balance, strength, and suppleness. Each phase builds upon the previous one, and progress in one area often leads to improvements in others. For example, improved relaxation and connection can lead to better impulsion and carrying power, while increased carrying power can enhance the horse's ability to maintain rhythm and relaxation in more demanding exer
🍎 Master Dressage: The Sixth phase of the Training Scale emphasizes “Collection”. Collection is the pinnacle of the horse's physical development. It involves the horse shifting its balance more onto its hindquarters while maintaining a light contact with the rider's hand. This results in a rounder frame, increased engagement of the hind legs, and lightness in the forehand. To achieve collection, riders focus on exercises that encourage the horse to carry itself with increased self-carriage and balance. One such exercise is the shoulder-in. In the shoulder-in, the horse is asked to move along a diagonal line with its forehand slightly to the inside and its hindquarters slightly to the outside. This requires the horse to engage its inside hind leg, bend its body around the rider's inside leg, and maintain straightness through its body. The shoulder-in not only improves collection but also enhances the horse's lateral suppleness, balance, and responsiveness to the rider's aids. It's a fundamental exercise in dressage training for developing collection and improving overall performance. Like Follow Share #DressageEducation #HorseTraining #Collection #DressageTrainingScale
🍎 Master Dressage: The Fifth phase of the Training Scale emphasizes “Straightness.” Straightness in dressage training refers to the horse's ability to move in a straight line without deviation or crookedness. Achieving straightness is essential for proper alignment, balance, and collection in movements. When a horse is straight, it distributes its weight evenly over all four legs, allowing for better engagement of the hindquarters and more effective communication between horse and rider. Straightness is not just about traveling in a straight line; it also involves maintaining alignment from head to tail along the intended path. This means that the horse's head, neck, shoulders, ribcage, and hindquarters are all in line with each other, without any drifting or bending to one side. In dressage training, straightness is developed through various exercises that encourage the horse to maintain alignment and balance while performing different movements. These exercises focus on suppleness, engagement of the hindquarters, and responsiveness to the rider's aids. Some key components of straightness include: 1. Alignment: Ensuring that the horse's body is straight along the intended line of travel, with no drifting or deviation to one side. 2. Symmetry: Achieving balance and evenness in the horse's movement, with equal weight distribution on all four legs. 3. Engagement of the Hindquarters: Encouraging the horse to engage its hindquarters and push evenly from behind, which helps maintain straightness and impulsion. 4. Connection: Establishing a clear and consistent connection between the rider's hands and the horse's mouth, allowing for straightness through the body and proper alignment. {If you're enjoying this content, you can show your support by liking, following, and sharing. Your engagement helps to spread the word and encourages more content creation. 🩷} How can you improve straightness? 🤔 Exercises such as shoulder-in, leg-yield, and transition
🥁 Ta-da-dum ~Ta-da-dum ~ Ta-da-dum! 🎶 Imagine the rhythmic sound of a horse's steps, flowing gracefully from one to the next, embodying a perfect balance of power and poise. This is the essence of the first phase of the dressage training scale, where each beat harmonizes with the horse's movement. Building on yesterday's discussion of the "Dressage Training Scale," let's now explore the intricacies of this initial phase's rhythm. "Rhythm." It serves as the foundation upon which all other elements of dressage are built. Rhythm refers to the regularity and consistency of the horse's pace and tempo in all three gaits: walk, trot, and canter. Here's an important detailed breakdown of each component within the rhythm phase: 🐴 Regularity - This aspect focuses on the evenness of the horse's footfalls within each gait. In the walk, trot, and canter, each leg should move in a predictable and rhythmic pattern. There should be no irregularity or inconsistency in the timing of the footfalls. 🐴 Consistency of Tempo - Tempo refers to the speed of the horse's movement within each gait. A consistent tempo means that the horse maintains the same speed throughout the movement without speeding up or slowing down unintentionally. This allows the rider to establish a steady rhythm and develop a harmonious connection with the horse. 🐴 Relaxation - Relaxation is essential for achieving a rhythmic performance. A tense or anxious horse will struggle to maintain a steady rhythm. Through correct training techniques and exercises, the rider aims to encourage the horse to relax both physically and mentally, allowing for a more fluid and consistent movement. 🐴 Balance - Balance is closely linked to rhythm, as it affects the horse's ability to maintain a consistent pace and tempo. A well-balanced horse distributes its weight evenly between the forehand and hindquarters, allowing for smooth transitions and movements. Achieving balance requires strength, suppleness, and
Saturdays Freestyle Gala was a huge success! Thank you High Point Equestrian for hosting such a wonderful show. It was a packed event and was thrilled when we were voted the audiences favourite performance. Thank you @saltaireequestrian and @equussoapco for your generous prizes! Photos by @marionpcox_equine #grandprixfreestyle #galaevent #dressage #performanceart #horsepower #highperformance #athletemindset
Happy Friday! 😃 Enjoy your time with your horses! . . . #dressage #dressagerider #dressagetest #dressagetips #dressagetraining #dressagecompetition #dressagelove #testridingproject #dressageprojectcenterline #rochellekilbergdressage #teamhazelmere
Morning Dance party at Team Hazelmere today! #wehavefun #dressage #dancingdressageriders #team
Congratulations to @newcatt for winning the @whinny_wafers Contest! I will get your prize to you very soon!
Florentino loves his new kicks! 🧡 Bright 🍊 bell boots to represent his Dutch 🇳🇱heritage! 😍 #dutchhorse #kwpnpaard #kwpnhorses #Florentino #stalbrouwerholland #grandprixhorse #newkicks👟 #orangeisthenewblack #coolkicks #trendsetting #dressagehorse #dapplegrey #rochellekilbergdressage
Wednesday Wisdom 💫 Your potential to reach your dreams lies within you. So reach for the stars 🌟 If things aren’t working out like planned, PIVOT and never settle for less! #HighPerformanceCoach #LifeCoachforEquestrians #Horsemanship #Success #SmallHabitsEveryDay #bestversionofyou #growth #believe #happy #rochellekilbergdressage #inspirationalquotes #instagood #mentor #positivity #leadership #personalgrowth #transformation #lifelessons #growthmindset #empowerment #gratitude #inspire #mindsetcoach #lawofattraction #follow #wisdom #purpose
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