Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Dressage (little long)

First, if you want dressage instruction, find an instructor who has a 
training philosophy more in line with your own.  It sounds like the barn 
instructor is one who wants instant "results" in what is actually a very 
long--lifetime in fact--process.  

Second, take your vet's advice over this instructor's advice.  Your vet 
specifically looked at YOUR horse's problem and the dressage instructor is 
giving you generic advice based on her training philosophy, which you already 
know is flawed.  

Third, either trailer off for lessons to a better instructor, or get some 
good instruction videos and watch them.  Don't mention to the barn instructor 
what you are doing, as she will probably be insistent that she's right and 
anyone else is wrong, and may even be more persistent in trying to sabotage 
your training.  Just don't have contact with her.  If you see her, be polite, 
and if she starts giving you advice or direction, change the subject and get 
out of range.  

Fourth, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO DO THE EXERCISES CORRECTLY.  Think of it as 
weight lifting or body sculpting exercises.  If you don't use the correct 
form, you will not develop the correct musculature.  Almost, or "try" in this 
case may be worse than nothing at all.  You teach your horse bad habits by 
doing the exercises wrong.  You may allow her to evade the bit, rather than 
working on the bit in a correct manner.  You may be teaching her to bend at 
the shoulder rather than through the body.  

I take lessons as often as I can, and have about 400 miles in LD and two 50's 
so far.  I am a strong believer in the benefits of dressage training for all 
horses, at least as cross-training for your main sport.  Someone else 
mentioned the "Cross-training" books by Jane Savoy.  They are very helpful if 
you have to work alone.  Again I have to emphasize that doing the movements 
CORRECTLY and in order is the most important part of dressage.  It is a 
training system for a lifetime of strength for your horse.   jeri

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
 Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

 If you are an AERC member - PLEASE VOTE in the upcoming By-Laws 
 Election!!!! (it takes 2/3rds to tango!!)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=