Scotts of Thrapston

Lots of tips and techniques for me to work on

Posted on 06. Jul, 2010 by Janet in Janet Hammond, Rider Development Programme

Last week I wrote about the final cross country clinic at Carlton. As the 2 day event clinic had to be shortened to just one, I decided to book a dressage lesson with Alison Kenward (Solitaire Dressage). We hired the arena at Wing Jumping & Dressage Centre, which is a lovely large arena with a fabulous Martin Collins surface.

I wondered whether Tara would be tired after her efforts cross country, particularly as the day was so hot, even at 10am!  But she was full of energy and happy to work.

I warmed Tara up at walk, trot and canter, and Alison commented that the trot work looked much improved from last time.  We then agreed that she would jump on. I think it is so useful if your instructor does ride your horse as they then get to feel what the horse is doing, and how best to work through any resistance.

Alison was great as she talked through everything that Tara was doing and what she was doing as the rider.  She did a lot of lateral work, moving Tara away from her leg and encouraging her to step under whilst using the smallest possible aid. We also did quite a bit of work in canter to straighten Tara as she tends to swing her quarters in.

As Alison was riding it was encouraging to see that Tara is definitely capable of a lot more in her dressage. She has such a lovely attitude and tries so hard, but ties herself into a bit of a knot when she doesn’t understand the question being asked of her. At that point she tends to speed up, hoping that is the answer, which is when you need to be firm with your half halts.

By the end of the session there was noticeable improvement in Tara’s work, and lots of tips and techniques for me to work on. In particular, Alison wanted me to be firm with straightness in canter and quicker with a reward when Tara softens to the contact. She also suggested that when giving Tara a break I don’t let her have a complete free rein as we need to encourage her off her forehand and to take more weight behind.

I think we were all happy to stop after an hour – the horse flies were eating Tara alive, and we were very hot. Tara spent the afternoon asleep in her stable out of the sun and flies – and she had certainly earnt the rest.

What a fantastic and productive couple of days we’ve had.

Tags: Alison Kenward, Solitaire Dressage, Wing Jumping and Dressage Centre