ridecamp@endurance.net: RE: mental training and Dressage

RE: mental training and Dressage

Barbara Madill (madill@teleplex.net)
Tue, 14 Oct 1997 09:21:28 -0400 (EDT)

As far as I'm concerned, the mental training is essential and needs to be
addressed before the horse is allowed to compete at speed. I've known some
of the "great" horses and would be very surprised if their riders and owners
don't agree that a horse who hasn't learned to relax in all situations will
only waste energy that could better be used to cover miles with as little
effort as possible!!! The horses that last have learned to save themselves
for when it counts.

Someone commented recently on Steve Rojek's use of Dressage movements for
Hawk's pre ride warm up . Think about those movements and you will see how
useful they are to stretch and limber a horse. Most are analogous to
stretching exercises we humans use!

Too many riders think Dressage has to be spelled with a top hat and a
capital "D"! What we term classical dressage has been used for centuries to
produce working horses. It is still used to produce reining and bull
fighting horses (and others, of course).

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