Kris Hamilton was here last Saturday to work with the
dressage team. 12 riders participated and several other students audited the
clinic. The clinic started with a theory session from what Kris is calling “The
Toolbox Series”. The balance of the horse was the focus and Kris made it easy
and fun to understand by encouraging students to always start with something
nice when riding and to seek the horse’s approval in all things. “Simplify” was
something that she repeated over and over to encourage rider’s to not
complicate their riding technique. She taught the group that balance is a
product of a clear, steady rhythm. Using balance at the trot we as an example
we discussed how scores of 7 – 10 were earned and how scores of 4 – 6 might be
assigned. Kris’s message was one of a simple formula of energy and contact to
create suppleness and therefore balance.
When we moved outside to the ring these concepts were put
into practice by the riders in 3 mounted sessions at various levels. Riders experimented
with their horse’s natural energy before taking up their reins and learning
about “neck flip”. Riders in the first group worked on their trot and trot
lengthenings to show harmony with the horse. Canter circles were taught to another
group and the final group, having switched horses just for fun, ended up riding
a drill team style pattern demonstrating how riding with a partner helps to
motivate both horse and rider.
Overall, the clinic was very successful for all participants
and for the group of students who came out to learn from the sidelines.
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| Claire and JB |
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| Drill Team Group |
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| Riders allowing their horses the freedom to simply walk. Kris is explaining to the auditors what is going on. |
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| Kris showing Liv how to "flip" Frampton's neck |
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