The annual USDF FEI Level Trainers Conference has once again convened dressage enthusiasts from around the globe at the High Meadows Farm at White Fences in Loxahatchee, Florida. This year’s event showcased an impressive lineup of equestrian talent, drawing over 300 attendees to observe the expertise of Olympians Sven Rothenberger, Sabine Schut-Kery, and retired judge Lilo Fore as they worked with eight horse and rider combinations.
Before delving into the specifics of the conference, it is important to acknowledge the bravery and commitment of the riders who displayed their skills for the benefit of all attendees. As Rothenberger aptly stated, “if you do dressage, you will face a lifetime of criticism.” This is no small feat, and their contribution, along with their equine partners and support teams, warrants our utmost admiration and gratitude.
Bonnie Canter and the 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding Vitali opened the conference with a captivating warm-up session. Despite their already impressive performance, Sabine identified areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for sharper responsiveness to the aids without compromising Bonnie’s position. The pair then engaged in various exercises, including leg-yielding in canter and quarter pirouettes in walk, aimed at achieving better collection and maintaining rhythm in the canter. Sabine’s resounding message throughout the session was clear: “Forward is a lifestyle.” This philosophy was echoed by the notion of developing a thinking horse rather than a robot, emphasizing the importance of partnership and collaboration between rider and horse.
Next, Kelsey Dunlap and the 9-year-old Hanoverian Heirendale SBF faced their fair share of challenges during the warm-up. Sabine guided them through exercises focused on achieving longitudinal thoroughness and engagement, highlighting the necessity of comforting the horse amidst the challenges. It was evident that “horsemanship” was a key theme throughout the session, with an emphasis on understanding the right balance between repetition and avoiding over-stressing the horse. The importance of providing emotional support to the horse, through both praise and knowing when to quit, was a poignant takeaway.
Marjolein Geven and the 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding Sir Frederico brought another dimension to the conference, with an emphasis on the importance of maintaining balance and straightness throughout the exercises. The significance of understanding the training information behind each movement in the tests was highlighted, with a resounding message of striving for quality over quantity.
Finally, Molly made an appearance with her horse Tuna, demonstrating the significance of cultivating a good seat to achieve optimal riding. Sven Rothenberger’s insistence on maintaining a high standard of riding complemented Sabine’s emphasis on achieving and maintaining suppleness, throughness, and straightness without repetition.
The unfolding of each session at the USDF Trainers Conference provided invaluable insights and served as a testament to the dedication and perseverance required in the world of dressage. Stay tuned for Part II, where we will delve further into the wealth of knowledge and experiences gained from this enriching event.
+ There are no comments
Add yours