Gymnastic Development of the Dressage Horse (VIP)
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We are so pleased you have decided to join us as a VIP Member for the Gymnastic Development of the Dressage Horse Workshop on December 11-13, 2024.
AS A VIP MEMBER, YOU WILL GET:
✔ 3 days of LIVE trainings with Q&A (2 hours each) with Thomas and Shana Ritter happening December 11-13, 2024. Total of 6 hours of training.
✔ Actionable homework to help you implement your learning - each day of the challenge
✔ Participation in lively discussions about the trainings, get your questions answered, and feedback on your videos in the Facebook Group.
✔ Downloadable recordings, slides, and PDFs.
✔ Lifetime Access to all of it - the recordings, slides, and PDFs. (Keep it all and review it as many times as you like, or watch it later if you don't get to it all by January 3rd).
The thinking rider’s approach to systematic dressage training.
A 3-Day Workshop taught by Dr. Thomas Ritter and Shana Ritter.
The Gymnastic Development approach to Dressage Training focuses on developing the horse’s physical and mental capabilities by systematically improving balance, suppleness, straightness, and collection through thoughtfully prepared exercises. Rooted in classical principles and tailored to the horse’s individual needs, the training uses natural, gymnastic movements to strengthen and supple the horse while refining rein contact and engaging the hindquarters. Each exercise builds on the previous, addressing specific challenges and enhancing overall athleticism of the horse. This thoughtful, nature-based approach ensures that dressage movements retain their purpose and beauty, promoting the horse’s soundness, vitality, happiness, and long-term well-being.
In this 3-day Training, we are going to apply this gymnastic approach to the three primary challenges that the horse/rider pair tends to face as the training progresses beyond Introductory/Preliminary Level (USDF Training Level) work into Novice/Elementary (USDF First and Second Level).
Day 1: Introducing and effectively working with Lateral Movement such as Shoulder-in and Haunches-in
In Day 1 we will approach the training of lateral movements such as shoulder-in and haunches-in in the context of gymnastic principles. Rather than using exercises as isolated tricks, you will learn how these movements are tools to develop the horse’s engagement, bend, and suppleness. You will learn how to work with these movements with attention to detail so that they contribute to the horse’s overall gymnastic development and long-tern soundness.
LIVE TRAINING on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 6:00pm GMT (Lisbon/London time)
Day 2: Developing the horse’s energy and pushing power for Lengthenings and correct Medium gaits
In Day 2, we will build on the concepts introducing in Day 1 which focused on using lateral movements to prepare the horse’s balance, strength, and suppleness to encourage the horse to step under its center of gravity and stretch evenly through both sides. You will learn how these lateral movements combined with preparatory work with transitions progressively develop collection and thrust which can be utilized to develop the power for the Lengthenings and Medium Gaits in a way that preserves the horse’s rhythm and freedom of balance and correct connection.
LIVE TRAINING on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:00pm GMT (Lisbon/London time)
Day 3: Using the Counter Canter with tact to improve the straightness and quality of the horse’s canter.
In Day 3, we build on the gymnastic framework laid out in Days 1 and 2, focusing on enhancing the quality of the horse’s canter with the use of the counter canter work. The counter canter requires the horse to maintain the lead opposite to the direction of travel while staying relayed, connected, and maintaining a clear 3-beat canter. When ridden correctly, the counter canter demands greater engagement of the horse’s hindquarters and enhances the horse’s ability to shift the weight into the haunches, developing collection and self-carriage. You will learn how the counter canter improves the quality of the canter to prepare the horse for upper level canter work by developing straightness and elasticity. You will also learn how thoughtful preparation for the counter canter can ensure that the horse will develop the counter canter with suppleness and alignment, preventing tension or loss of balance.
LIVE TRAINING on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 6:00pm GMT (Lisbon/London time)
Need Help with the Checkout process?
Email the Ritter Team at [email protected]
