The 2023 Course is about to begin!
There are three enrollment options. Read the full details on this page or jump straight to the sign-up!
However, learning the flying change does not NEED to be difficult. (hmmm....)
What comes up for you when you think of the Flying Changes?
Fear?...
Trepidation?...
Confusion?...
Anger?...
Frustration?...
Overwhelming pit of despair...
(Ok, perhaps that is a little over-dramatic!)
If this is what comes up for you, you are really NOT alone!
The flying changes are the single one movement in Dressage that separates the lower level riders from the upper level riders. When you can’t ride a clean, clear flying change, you are relegated to remain at the lower levels. No matter how nice your half passes or piaffe may become, until you master the flying changes, the upper levels are out of reach for you.
It is the one defining movement that separates the grain from the chaff (so to speak).
So, until you and your horse can do a flying change (clean, balanced, and smooth) you are limited in your ability to climb up the levels.
But what if your horse can do a flying change, it’s... just… not very good?
Because, in Dressage it isn’t just about DOING it any old way, it is about doing it well.
It is about QUALITY, so in a correct flying change we expect to see that the horse remains on the aids, that the change is “clean” and “through” meaning the front legs and hind legs change in the same stride (not on their own schedule, not late behind, and not late in front), that the horse is STRAIGHT (and doesn’t swing around like a flopping fish out of water), and that the horse stays balanced and “through” (he doesn’t invert or hollow).
Or what if, even worse... your horse has completely the WRONG idea about the flying changes?
Perhaps he gets tense and tightens up
Perhaps he anticipates
Perhaps he runs away in the changes (or afterwards)
Or perhaps he inserts a trot step or two
...and never actually does a FLYING change.
So, if you have any of these problems, how have you been trying to fix them?.
🙈 Trying the same methods (in hopes that eventually it will work)...?
🙈 Practicing over and over (which just confirms the mistake, actually)...?
🙈 Drilling them (which makes your horse - and you - more anxious and stressed about them. Now you have a bigger problem than you started with!)...?
I bet you did not know that there are 12 different methods (or roads, as we refer to them) to the flying changes.
What works for ONE HORSE does not necessarily work for another.
That is why it is so important to have many possible ways you can approach the training of the flying change with your horse, so you can find the one(s) that work best for your individual horse (because your horse is not a machine. He is a living, breathing animal who needs to be treated as such).
In fact, with this system, you can lead the horse gently down the path toward the flying change so that it actually becomes the horse’s idea to do the change.
Yes, you can set it up so that the horse WANTS to do it, so that it feels good to him, and he thinks it is HIS idea (meaning it becomes a good experience for him, not stressful or traumatic).
THIS approach lays the very BEST foundation for the future training of the horse. You cannot train tempo and tempi changes (changes every 4, 3, 2, and single stride) if you still have tension and anxiety from how the flying changes were introduced in the beginning.
Not only are these 12 roads ingenious for introducing the horse to the flying changes, but these 12 roads become 12 strategies you can use to help FIX problematic changes.
When you can identify and address where the problem lies in the horse’s gymnastic development or mental understanding, you can approach it in a way that lays it out for him, simple step by simple step, so that he calmly builds his agility and comprehension in a way that gives him (and you) the confidence to repair and rebuild the flying changes.
There is this myth out there that many Dressage trainers like to perpetuate and I want to put a stop to it right now.
They tell you that you cannot train your own horse to do the Flying Changes.
I say Bull #$@&%*!
This is a LIE that students are told because the trainer either:
- Doesn’t believe in the student’s ability to learn,
- Doesn’t know how to teach the student adequately, or
- Wants the student to put the horse in training because that is where the money is for the trainer (There. I said it.)
The truth is that any rider can learn
and yes, even with a horse that has never done them.
Sure, it is EASIER to train your horse to do the flying changes if you have already ridden them on a trained horse before.
BUT if you haven’t, it is NOT impossible. It will just take a little bit longer, takes a little more preparation and patience, and takes a lot more attention to detail and understanding (but that is what you want, right?).
Wait... I should tell you a bit about us before we go any further. We are Thomas and Shana Ritter.
We now live in Portugal having moved here in early 2020. Thomas is an International Dressage Clinician, teaching all over Europe, the United States, and Canada. Shana is an FEI competitor, USDF Silver Medalist, and developer of the Artistic Dressage Online Course Program.
We have spent our lives researching and diving in deeper. We have studied the biomechanics. We have extensively studied the classical equestrian literature. We have ridden with many of the great classical masters of our time. We have distilled our years and years of learning down into a system which is straight-forward and gives you actionable, concrete tools to make real change in your riding.
You may have already encountered our methods in our books, through our Facebook Lives, free challenges, or other online courses. Thomas wrote about his complete biomechanics-based system in his books, “Dressage Principles based on Biomechanics” (Cadmos Press, 2011) and “Long Reining: From the Beginning through the Levade” (Cadmos Press, 2014).
If so, then you already know that a clear, logical system that is based on the scientific functioning of the horse’s body (biomechanics) as well as the way the horse interprets information and understands the training process (psychology) is not only completely congruent with classical principles, but it is humane and produces happy horses who stay sound for many, many years.
We have seen it time and time again in our own students both in one-on-one lessons in clinics all over the United States, Canada, and Europe and in our online courses and coaching programs (students from all over the world!).
It is completely doable. This stuff is figureoutable!
You just need a clear, step-by-step system so that you know what you are doing, why you are doing each and every thing, and how exactly to do it.
It is a clear, repeatable recipe that time and time again, produces clean, reliable, confident flying changes in a way that completely bypasses the stress, the intimidation, and the problems that end up as long detours or even dead-ends.
And it sure helps if, along the way, you have someone you can turn to who can help you decipher the feedback you are getting from the horse, to make sure YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH and you are doing it the best way possible for your horse.
Training the Flying Changes Online Course
The 12 Roads to Bold, Brave, and Confident Flying Changes
You. Your Horse. Train the Flying Changes TOGETHER.
The Perfect Step-by-Step DIY Method for Riders who want to break through the confusion, overwhelm, and stress of navigating how to train the flying changes.
With our logical, biomechanics-based system, you can gently and confidently lead your horse down the path to the flying changes. By following this system, you work with your horse to build the requisite gymnastic skills as well as the mental understanding and confidence so that the flying changes become simply easy and straight-forward for both you AND your horse. (Like the easiest thing in the world! Really!)
You’ll learn:
THE BIOMECHANICS
For many riders, it isn't enough to just be told to ride a flying change. You want to know how it works. You need to UNDERSTAND the biomechanics before you can actually DO it.
RIDING EXERCISES
You will learn an assortment of exercises which build the SKILLSETS for you and your horse that you need for the flying changes. These exercises improve the engagement, balance, straightness, suppleness, and responsiveness of the horse.
TIMING OF THE AIDS
Give your aids at the exact timing that will have the best influence on the horse (so you’re not just wildly guessing and hoping for the best <- which is never a recipe for success).
UNDERSTAND THE METHOD
There is a method to the madness, and you will see behind the curtain how it is done. You will learn how to distinguish where your horse needs improvement in order to develop the flying changes, and you will learn how to pick the best path forward for your individual horse.
USE LATERAL MOVEMENTS AS TRAINING TOOLS
Learn the actual real FUNCTION and PURPOSE of the lateral movements (shoulder-in, haunches-in, renvers, counter shoulder-in, half pass, pirouettes) and how you can use them to HELP your horse become straighter, sounder, stronger, and more supple. (no more riding around without having a clue)
SPECIAL MOVEMENTS
Use the Old Masters' secret tools of the Full Pass, Plié, Pirouette Renversée, Mill exercise, and Zigzags to supple and strengthen your horse more effectively (so that you always have a variety of tools in your toolbox, because more tools means you are less likely to run out of possible solutions)
TROUBLESHOOTING
Troubleshoot any crookedness problem , analyse any situation (so that you can eventually be your own trainer and figure out solutions to any problem you or another ride may have)
BUILDING BLOCKS
Experience how each exercise can build upon previous exercises to create an immersive experience for your horse which MAKES SENSE to him. (so you can prepare the horse for anything you want to do by building the horse's understanding with these building blocks)
FELDENKRAIS LESSONS
NEW addition for the 2020 course! Periodically throughout the course, you will be given the opportunity to supplement your horse riding education with Feldenkrais lessons which help you, as the rider, to learn better body awareness, coordination, flexibility, and control. Taught by Feldenkrais Practitioner, Catherine McCrum, you are in for a treat. These will be a mixture of pre-recorded and live lessons held online.
HOW TO USE THE SEAT & AIDS
Correctly use the weight, seat, and aids (no more confusing the horse with contradictory aids which just cause the horse to tune out or worse, get confused or angry)
NEWLY ADDED FOR 2023:
NARRATED DEMONSTRATIONS & NEW RIDING DEMOS
See Thomas and Shana train their own horses using the concepts and exercises in this course. Throughout the course, Thomas and Shana will be adding in BRAND NEW videos of themselves riding the exercises and demonstrating the CONCEPTS in this course so you can see them IN ACTION. Also newly added for 2023: Demonstrations of the Ritter Assistant Trainers riding the exercises WITH Thomas' commentary explaining what he sees and what is going on.
I have seen profound change
"I have seen a profound change in my horse. He came to me from a bad background and had to be retrained and his temperament is to always try too hard for his rider. This led to a "fragility" or tension in his work. Thanks to riding your exercises, I have a horse who can now do tempis (up to the 2s). We aren't quite ready for ones yet, as well as a horse who is so much more relaxed about his work. He no longer tenses when he or I make a mistake. A friend rode him for me the other day and she could just sit down and ride, not nurse him or pay attention to his tension or likes and dislikes. Just to ride and to see him respond like a horse with no bad past was one of the most emotional things I have witnessed with him. Flying changes now are an 'I CAN', instead of 'I might or I think.' "
- Mandy Schroder, South Africa
"Not a mystery anymore."
"Now I see it (the flying changes) as something I can accomplish. It's not such a mystery anymore. I understand the bio-mechanics of the movement and know how to achieve it."
- Sandy Morrissette-Kern, USA
A journey towards the changes
"Before I "met" the Ritters the changes were some that sort of floated within my philosophy and vision of the training. I had to establish my counter canter until it actually discouraged training, get the simple changes absolutely smooth and be able to send the canter forward and back and then I could try the changes. There was no real flow into how to ask for the changes and each trainer had his/her pet theory about how to do it and they seem quite reluctant to deviate from that. Thomas proposes a far more gradual and continuous training program for the changes which leads both horse and rider on a journey towards the changes while both horse and rider gain the skills needed. This is far more consistent with how I train other movements and I believe that it will make both my ability to ride and train the changes more solid and reliable."
- Caroline Duff-Riddell, South Africa
A Sneak Peak...
Course Duration: Sept 1, 2023 - January 25, 2024 (21 weeks)
2 Bonus Modules
🆕 Tempo Changes
Strategies for riding and training tempo changes
🆕 Flying Changes at the Longrein
How to train your horse to do the Flying Changes while at the longrein
This is actually where we start the course - with the Simple Changes, because the skills you and your obtain by polishing the simple changes are essential for the Flying Changes.
This workshop runs from Sept. 1-29 and comes with 2 Hot Seat sessions for feedback and tips on your videos. This 4-week course is designed to help you hone in on any problems you are having in your simple changes BEFORE we move on to training the Flying Changes.
If you need more time and attention on your Simple Changes, this is perfect. This course was MADE for you!
If you are having no problems at all, the exercises in this course will STILL prove beneficial for you as a prelude to the Flying Changes course because they highlight the foundational components you will need to develop the Flying Changes.
*This 4-week mini-course is INCLUDED in the 2023 Flying Changes Program but is also available for separate purchase without the Flying Changes course. Scroll down for pricing and details.
Each Module is broken down into instruction AND exercises.
Each week you get new exercises you can implement into your riding program. These exercises are designed to give you and your horse the understanding and the tools you need to develop your horse's flying changes. You get a combo of PDFs and videos to learn each exercise.
This is a course about learning through implementation...
not just learning the theory.
👉 Biomechanics-based Video Instruction (Theory and practical application)
👉 PDFs with Graphic illustration of the exercises with elaborate instructions. Often with checklists so you know what to watch for when riding the exercises.
👉 Feldenkrais Lessons which address the rider's awareness, asymmetry, coordination, suppleness, and core strength.
👉 Exclusive Access to a Private Facebook Group with a safe, supportive atmosphere.
👉 6 Assistant teachers in addition to Thomas and Shana Ritter: Marcella Becker, Kristen Guest, Caroline Duff-Riddell, Yvonne Lübcke, and two Feldenkrais Practitioners: Catherine McCrum and Charlotte Zetterberg.
👉 You also have the opportunity to post your video of yourself riding the exercises and then the flying changes for feedback and tips. In fact, we hope you do!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
The Perfect Step-by-Step DIY Method for Riders who want to break through the confusion, overwhelm, and stress of navigating how to train the flying changes.
The best part? The Flying Changes are actually just the icing on the cake! Because what you REALLY get is a supple, responsive, and balanced horse.
The Flying Changes are actually just the result of training work which develops the horse’s understanding, coordination, awareness, balance, and ability to respond quickly to your aids.
This is a 21-week highly-interactive course which addresses BOTH THE HORSE AND THE RIDER. This course develops your understanding through:
- theory lessons which demystify and clarify the core central issues
- gymnastic exercises you can ride with your horse
- Feldenkrais lessons for the rider to address the rider's crookedness, improve spatial awareness, proprioception, and coordination.
- and amazing ongoing support and community that doesn't just stop when the course is over.
BIOMECHANICS THEORY
Biomechanically-based theory components which explain the biomechanics of the canter and flying changes, as well as how both affect the horse's body and the entirety of the dressage training. The theory is designed to give you the understanding so that when you ride the exercises, you know what each one is supposed to accomplish and why. Each theory lesson builds upon the previous module, but they can also be used as a reference library.
GYMNASTIC EXERCISES
Each module has several biomechanically-based gymnastic horse exercises which correspond to the theory instruction, so you are are able to immediately apply the theoretical lessons into your riding, and experience first-hand how they work. Each exercise comes with a PDF with complete instructions outlining what to do, why to do it, and how to do it.
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS AND RIDING DEMONSTRATIONS
Each horse riding exercise is accompanied by an instructional video in which we expand upon the material in the exercise PDF, showing you where the problem spots are in the exercise and how to address the various problems that can come up while riding it. NEWLY ADDED FOR THE 2023 COURSE: Thomas and Shana are also adding extra videos demonstrating the concepts and exercises in the course with their horses.
RIDER DEMO VIDEOS - UPDATED FOR 2023 COURSE
Newly Updated for 2023: NEW Footage of the Ritter Assistant Instructors riding the exercises with Thomas' commentary. This is one of the most important parts of the course because we know so many riders learn best by SEEING the exercise being ridden, and also because there is no better way to understand the gymnastic influence on the horse than to see it in action. You can learn through watching what to do, what not to do, and how to correct the mistakes that commonly occur.
FELDENKRAIS LESSONS
Throughout the course, you will be given the opportunity to supplement your horse riding education with Feldenkrais lessons which help you, as the rider, to learn better body awareness, coordination, flexibility, and control. Taught by Feldenkrais Practitioner, Catherine McCrum, you are in for a treat. These will be a mixture of pre-recorded and live lessons held online.
ALUMNI UPGRADES
As a Flying Changes Course Alumni, you will receive the opportunity to join the course again as many times as you like. Future upgrades to the course itself will always be included for no extra charge. When we offer Hot Seats (we don't do them for every run of the course), you can add them on for an additional fee. This way you can retake the course with the same horse for further refinement, or take the course with a different horse.
A+ COMMUNITY
One of the most REWARDING parts of this course is the incredible community. The community that has built around this course is most enthusiastic, supportive, diverse in experiences and viewpoints. As a member of the course, you are granted a lifetime VISA into the community. It spans many continents, several languages, includes riders of all levels and types, and is your new homeland. Welcome home!
Q&A COACHING SESSIONS
You have questions and we actually encourage that!!! You can ask your questions at any time (even after the course has ended) in the Facebook Group but there is just nothing like getting your questions answered LIVE where we can ask follow-up questions and so can you. You will get access to the 14 LIVE Q&A Coaching sessions. If you can't make it live, no worries - they are all recorded so you can watch at your convenience. Not only that, you will be able to attend future Q&A coaching sessions when we re-run the course again in the future.
LIFETIME ACCESS
Your access to the course materials never expires! You never lose access to your course materials, as long as we are alive and able to support the course platform (and we hope that is a very, very long time). That means that you can work as fast or as slow through the materials as you wish. That means that if you get sick, tired, injured - you can pause at anytime and come back to it whenever you and your horse are ready for more. It will always be there for you, and so will we.
✨ PLUS FOR THE 2023 COURSE... HOT SEATS!!! ✨
Get personalized feedback on your riding in a series of live Hot Seat Group Coaching sessions with Dr. Thomas and Shana Ritter!
This is a rare opportunity to get help where it will REALLY make a difference for your riding!
What are Hotseats?
In a “Hotseat” we go over the video you have submitted to us beforehand (with any questions or concerns you have written along with it) and we review the footage with you on a group Zoom call with us. We will show you what we see, by viewing the video frame by frame so you can see it, too (great for developing your eye and understanding).
We will explain what is going on and why this occurs. We will then give you tips that you can use to improve it. If you are live with us during the call, you can ask further questions right then and there. If you cannot attend it live, you can watch the recording afterwards (as many times as you need!).
Furthermore, you will learn so much by watching the others’ “Hotseats”. You can even ask questions. So, even if you do not submit any of your own footage (for whatever reason), you will still get so much out of these sessions.
Simple Changes Workshop 2023 Hot Seat Schedule:
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT+1
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT+1
Flying Changes 2023-2024 Hot Seat Schedule:
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT+1
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
Friday, December 29, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 6:00pm GMT
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - 6:00pm GMT
You will also learn...
🔸 When to start Flying Changes
🔸 The Footfalls of the Canter
🔸 The Timing of the Aids in the Canter
🔸 How to feel all 3 phases of the canter stride
🔸 The pre-requisites for the Rider to be able to do Flying Changes
🔸 The pre-requisites for the Horse to be able to do Flying Changes
🔸 Strategy & Psychological Approach for training Flying Changes
🔸 Rider Exercises
🔸 How to prepare the horse for the Flying Change so you set him up for success
🔸 Preliminary Exercises for the Horse
🔸 How to use the Seat and Aids in the Flying Change
🔸 About Seat Mistakes that happen in the Flying Changes
🔸 Troubleshooting the Flying Changes
🔸 How to address mistakes in the Flying Changes: Late Behind, Late in Front, Not through behind, Crooked Change, Downhill Change, Horse runs away after the flying change, Trot Step, Inverting, Sucking Back, Changing one or two strides after the aid, Getting tense, Anticipating the Flying Change, No change, and the Climbing Change.
🔸 12 Methods (called "Roads") to the Flying Change with Exercises for each method
What’s Inside the 2023 Flying Changes Course Package...
The complete 21-week course with the 12 Roads Method to training the Flying Changes (value €1400)
The complete 21-week 2023 version of the Flying Changes course with all of the Theory, Gymnastic Exercises, Strategy, and Trouble-Shooting breakdowns PLUS new additions that we are adding for 2023 including Ridden Demos of Thomas and Shana riding and explaining, as well as rider demos of the exercises ridden by the team of assistant trainers. Lifetime access to all of the materials. Videos, audio files, PDFs.
The Simple Changes Workshop (value €600)
This is actually where we start the course - with the Simple Changes, because the skills you and your obtain by polishing the simple changes are essential for the Flying Changes. This workshop runs from Sept. 1-29 and comes with 2 Hot Seat sessions for feedback and tips on your videos. Lifetime access to all of the materials. Videos, audio files, PDFs.
2023 Course Hot Seats (value €1000)
Get personalized feedback on your riding in a series of 10 live Hot Seat Group Coaching sessions with Dr. Thomas and Shana Ritter! This is a rare opportunity to get help where it will REALLY make a difference for your riding!
2023 Q&A Group Coaching Package (value €1000)
Access to 14 Live Q&A Sessions. Your personal questions answered all the way through the entire program and beyond! Not only do you get access to attend live, you also receive the recordings for every Q&A in both video and audio form so you can watch or listen to the recordings at any time. With closed captioning for the hearing impaired added within a few days to the course platform.
Flying Changes course Q&A Archives (value €500)
Complete archive of 50+ previous Q&A session recordings from the 2018-2022 Flying Changes Course Sessions. With the range of questions answered in these sessions, you are bound to find the answers to any question you have, and answers to questions you didn’t even know you had. Topics go far outside the realm of just flying changes, because of course, flying changes are just one aspect of the training and you cannot separate it from the whole system. You will receive every Q&A recording in both video and audio form so you can listen in the car, while walking, or doing chores. Great way to multi-task and get your daily dose of Ritterizing.
Flying Changes course Facebook Group (value €150)
Lifetime access to the amazing community of our Flying Changes Course members. This amazing community has been growing since our first Flying Changes Beta course in 2018. These are your partners and comrades in your journey to your best Flying Changes.
2023 Flying Changes Course Completion Certificate (value priceless)
When you complete the 2023 Flying Changes course, this is something to celebrate and deserves recognition. When you finish the completion process including the assessments at the end of the course, we will send you a personalized Completion Certificate, signed by Thomas and Shana.
2 Bonus Exercises for Canter Preparation (value €30)
We added two bonus exercises which can help you prepare for the best quality canter.
Bonus Module on Flying Changes at the Longrein. (Value €150)
Bonus Module on How to train your horse to do the flying changes while at the longrein, including strategy, problem-solving, and specific techniques applicable to training the horse at the longrein.
Bonus Masterclass on Flying Changes at the Longrein. (Value €150)
Recording of a very special 2-hour Masterclass Training from 2020. We give an overview of how to train your horse to do the flying changes while at the longrein, including strategy, problem-solving, and specific techniques applicable to training the horse at the longrein.
Bonus Module on Tempo Changes (Value €150)
Bonus Module on how to introduce, ride, and train the tempo changes including strategy, problem-solving, and specific techniques utilising the biomechanics building blocks introduced in the course.
Bonus Masterclass on Tempo Changes (Value €150)
Recording of a very special 2-hour Masterclass Training from 2020. We give an overview of how to introduce, ride, and train the tempo changes including strategy, problem-solving, and specific techniques utilising the biomechanics building blocks introduced in the course.
BONUS Recordings Bundle (value €150)
The video and audio recordings of a selection of our Facebook Live discussions. Topics include: 3 Common Mistakes in the Flying Changes, The Seat and the Aids in the Flying Change, The Biomechanics of the Flying Change, Moving up the levels depends upon mastering the basics, How to improve the quality of the gaits, Fixing the Flying Changes, Flying Changes vs. Counter-Canter: Which one should your horse do first?, and The top mistakes riders make in the Flying Changes. You also get recordings of three coaching sessions Dr. Ritter gave to Assistant Instructor, Caroline Duff-Riddell on the topic of working on issues around the Flying Changes.
Feldenkrais Lessons for the Mobility of the Rider (value €700)
14 Movement lessons designed to improve your mobility. Mobility of the rider is a huge prerequisite for the Flying Changes, so this set of lessons have been designed specifically to help the rider improve her ability to shift her weight, move her hips and pelvis smoothly, and shift her ribcage equally well in each direction. Most of these lessons are specific to this course and are not available anywhere else.
⭐️ Fast-Action Bonuses ⭐
As we approach the course start date (September 1, 2023), the bonuses will drop off, one by one.
Which one will it be next?
BONUS: Flying Changes Exercises eBook - released in January 2024 (value €49)
Exclusive eBook only available to 2023 Flying Changes course members. In this PDF eBook, you get a compilation of all of the exercises contained in the Flying Changes course with graphics and brief explanations. You can download this onto your phone so that you can take this with you into the arena in order to reference any exercise whenever you need it. Not available for separate purchase.
BONUS: The Introduction to Stirrup-Stepping Self-Study Course (value €100)
In this mini course, you get a comprehensive introduction to the subtle art of stirrup stepping as an incredibly effective and helpful training tool. 23 videos, 5 introductory patterns, PDFs, audio files.
BONUS: Full Pass Masterclass (Value €30)
Recording from a Live Masterclass Dr. Ritter taught in May 2019. In this 1 hour Masterclass presentation, Dr. Ritter explains what the Full Pass is, how it is different from a leg yield or Half Pass, why it is helpful to use it in your training, and how to ride it effectively with your horse.
BONUS: Counter-Canter Mini Course (Value €65,00)
For Flying Changes, we must first develop the quality of the horse’s canter. One of the most effective tools for improving the quality of the horse’s canter is the Counter Canter. In this course you learn when is the right time to introduce it to your horse. You learn all the pitfalls and problems that occur in the counter canter. And you learn 11 exercises that help you introduce it, develop it, and polish it. You will also learn how to use your seat and how to use your aids in the counter canter.
BONUS: Canter Live Trainings Recordings Bundle (Value €100)
Topics include Crookedness in the Canter, Disunited Diagonal in a Balanced Canter?, How to Improve your Canter Departs, How to get a Good Canter (PDF only), Riding Movements in the Canter begins with THIS, The 5 Undeniable MUST HAVES in the Canter, How to Transform your Horse’s Canter, Canter down transitions, Top Questions about the Canter, The Rider’s Seat in the Canter, Using Strategy and Exercises to improve your horse’s canter, Canter - How to improve canter transitions, All about the Canter, 3 Tools to Improve Your Canter, Why is the Seat so important in the Canter, How your seat could be blocking your horse’s canter, and Making it from lower level dressage to FEI by training your own horse.
BONUS: Canter Special Arena GPS eBook (Value €3)
An eBook of Gymnastic Exercises specifically designed to help you gymnastically develop your horse's canter. This Arena GPS edition contains a mixture exercises designed to prepare and improve the canter depart, improve the canter itself, or prepare and improve the counter canter.
BONUS: Rider Development Series (value €150)
A series of thought-provoking recordings and live trainings with Catherine McCrum, Shana Ritter, and Thomas Ritter on a series of topics about the continual development of the rider.
BONUS: Virtual Élève Bundle (value €250)
A collection of videos where we recorded commentary about an assortment of videos from the Spanish Riding School and Nuno Oliveira. More to be added soon, and you will automatically receive all future additions.
The 2023 Simple & Flying Changes Program - Three Options:
The FULL Program with Both Courses, Q&As, and Hot Seats
✯ Enrollment in the 2023 Flying Changes Course with new additions as well as Q&As and Hot Seats (Valued at €3400)
✯ Enrollment in the 4-week Simple Changes Workshop with Q&As and Hot Seats (Valued at €600)
✯ Q&As with closed captioning for the hearing impaired added within a few days to the course platform
✯ The Flying Changes Course Exclusive Facebook Group (Valued at €150)
✯ The Simple Changes Workshop Exclusive Facebook Group (Valued at €150)
✯ The Flying Changes Course Q&A Coaching Archives (Valued at €500)
✯ Bonus modules on Flying Changes at the Longrein and Tempo Changes, (Valued at €150)
✯ Bonus Masterclasses on Flying Changes at the Longrein, Tempo Changes, and the Full Pass (Valued at €330)
✯ BONUS 2 Bonus Exercises for Canter Preparation (Valued at €30)
✯ BONUS: Counter-Canter Mini Course (Valued at €65,00)
✯ BONUS: Intro to Stirrup-Stepping Course (Valued at €100)
✯ BONUS Feldenkrais Lessons for the Mobility of the Rider (Valued at €700)
✯ BONUS Canter-Live Trainings Recording (Valued at €100
✯ BONUS Flying Changes Exercises eBook - released in Jan 2024 (Valued at €49)
✯ BONUS Canter Special Arena GPS eBook (Valued at €30)
✯ BONUS Rider Development Series (Valued at €150)
✯ BONUS Virtual Élève Bundle (Valued at €250)
✯ 2023 Flying Changes Course Completion Certificate (value priceless)
Total Value = € 6754,00 ($7285 USD)
Full Flying Changes + Simple Changes Program = €897 ($987 USD)
ONLY Flying Changes Self-Study Course
✯ 12 modules of course content with new 2023 additions (Valued at €2400)
And a few bonuses:
✯ Bonus modules on Flying Changes at the Longrein and Tempo Changes, (Valued at €150)
✯ Bonus Masterclasses on Flying Changes at the Longrein, Tempo Changes, and the Full Pass (Valued at €330)
✯ BONUS 2 Bonus Exercises for Canter Preparation (Valued at €30)
✯ BONUS Flying Changes Exercises eBook - released in Jan 2024 (Valued at €49)
NO Q&As
NO Hot Seats
NO access to the Facebook Group
None of the other bonuses.
Simply the base Flying Changes course content (with new 2023 additions included, as we add them in)
Total Value = € 2959 ($3222 USD)
Self-Study Fee = €397 ($445 USD)
ONLY the 4-week Simple Changes Workshop
✯ Enrollment in the 4-week Simple Changes Workshop with Q&As and Hot Seats (Valued at €600)
✯ Q&As with closed captioning for the hearing impaired added within a few days to the course platform
✯ The Simple Changes Workshop Exclusive Facebook Group (Valued at €150)
Does NOT include the Flying Changes course content or any of the extra bonuses.
Total Value = € 750 ($817 USD)
Simple Changes Workshop ONLY = €297 ($335 USD)
Your 2023 Enrollment Options
We have multiple payment and currency options, so you can choose what works best for you and your current situation.
FULL PROGRAM
(PAYMENT PLAN)
Get started for as little as...
€92/mo
Flying Changes Course
Simple Changes Workshop
All the Bonuses listed above
Q&As, Hot Seats, and Facebook Group
* Other Currency Options available.* NOTE: This is a payment plan, not a subscription.
FULL PROGRAM
(FULL PAY)
Discount for paying in full.
€897
Flying Changes Course
Simple Changes Workshop
All the Bonuses listed above
Q&As, Hot Seats, and Facebook Group
*Other Currency Options available.
This is the BEST DEAL!!!
ONLY FLYING CHANGES SELF-STUDY
€397*
* Payment plan options available starting as low as €50/mo. NOTE: Payment plans are not a subscription.
ONLY SIMPLE CHANGES WORKSHOP
€297*
Q&As, Hot Seats, and Facebook Group
2023 ENROLLMENT ENDS...
The Simple Changes Workshop (which is also the first phase of the Flying Changes Course) BEGINS on Friday, September 1st, and our Welcome Q&A is Friday, Sept 1 at 7:00pm GMT+1. This is YOUR chance to grab YOUR spot in this year's Training the Flying Changes Program.
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SECS
A spontaneous decision that has permanently changed my approach.
"I made a huge leap of faith when I invested in this course, having no experience of how one can learn dressage online. I have been astonished - in a good way - at the depth of information, at Thomas' ability to explain a physical sport through understandable science, and at the improvements in me. It was a spontaneous decision that has permanently changed for the good my approach to dressage, and my horses' benefit from it. Thanks to this course, now I know what I am doing in one aspect of my training!"
- Jacky Davies (Alberta, Canada)
I gained confidence in my horse and my riding.
"The main thing I'm taking out of this for myself is self-awareness. Also I was pushed out a little of my comfort zone and due to the very positive feedback here, I gained confidence in my horse and my riding. Instead of feeling like 'I'll probably never get it right', I feel now, 'It might take some time and practice, but I CAN DO IT!'."
- Verena Fuchs, Portugal
I now see it as a process.
“I now see Flying Changes as more of a process, several steps leading up to the actual event, than as just a magical explosion (which I really think was how I used to view it before, some magical fairy dust and BAM! Flying lead change!). Now I see what has to happen with my horse's body and mine before a Flying Change can be successful, at least consistently."
- Callay Findlay Danford, USA
Not Sure about this whole thing?
We hope you will love this course as much as we do. We want you to LOVE this course. You will have a full 30 days to see if this course is right for you. If it doesn’t resonate with you, just let us know and we will refund your money. No hassles. No hard feelings.
The flying change does not need to be difficult.
It should not cause the horse or the rider nervousness or anxiety and can actually be easy - if you prepare your horse systematically for the task, allowing him to discover the possibility of changing leads for himself.
In this course, we will share with you the process that leads the horse in a logical fashion, step by step, to the discovery of the flying change.
There is no mystery, no secret to it.
Anybody can learn it.
It’s just a matter of building a staircase of small steps for the horse that teaches him the necessary understanding, body awareness, suppleness, so that nothing is preventing him from changing leads.
The course is about to begin. Join us and discover the joy of Flying Changes in 2023 (not to mention all the other things you will get: a more balanced, straighter, more supple horse!).
Take the Full Program Flying Changes Journey. What to expect...
The 2023 Course Content
Start with 4 weeks of the Simple Changes Workshop
One break week and then the Flying Changes course begins on October 6th and runs until January 25, 2024
NEW! Demo videos by Thomas & Shana and the Ritter Assistant Trainers
12 Modules of course materials
2 Bonus Modules
Theory Lessons
Horse-focused Exercises
Rider-focused Exercises
Tips and Strategies
Videos, Audio files
Instructional PDFs
All downloadable
Lifetime access
The Live Q&As
14 Scheduled Q&A Coaching Calls
With closed captioning for the hearing impaired added within a few days to the course platform
Ask your questions on the spot or in advance
Get individualized "coaching" tips
All of the Q&As are recorded
Download the video & audio to watch/listen later at your leisure
Q&A Coaching Call Schedule:
SCW Welcome - Friday, September 1, 2023 - 7:00pm GMT+1
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 - 1:00pm GMT+1
Friday September 15, 2023 - 9:00pm GMT+1
Tuesday September 26, 2023 - 10:30am GMT+1
FC Welcome - Friday, October 6, 2023 - 7:00pm GMT+1
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT+1
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 1:00pm GMT+1
Friday, November 3, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
Friday, November 17, 2023 - 10:30am GMT
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - 1:00pm GMT
Thursday, January 4, 2024 - 6:00pm GMT
Monday, January 15, 2024 - 10:30am GMT
Thursday, January 25, 2024 - 6:00pm GMT8:00pm GMT+1 (Ritter Q&A)
The 2023 Coaching Components
10 Group Video Coaching Hot Seat Sessions
Premium Members-only Facebook Group to post questions, get feedback and help on your videos
So much support! 6 Assistant Teachers in addition to Thomas & Shana
Safe, supportive atmosphere
Post your videos
Ask your Questions
Get feedback and help
Hot Seat Coaching Schedule:
SCW 2023 Hot Seat Schedule
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT+1
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT+1
FC 2023-2024 Hot Seat Schedule
1. Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT+1
2. Tuesday, October 31, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
3. Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
4. Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
5. Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
6. Friday, December 29, 2023 - 6:00pm GMT
7. Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 6:00pm GMT
8. Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - 6:00pm GMT
Frequently Asked Questions
Are some horse just UNABLE to learn a Flying Change?
Most horses, unless unsound, can learn the Flying Change. In such a case, we recommend you discuss with your veterinarian. However, if your horse has soundness issues that interrupt the learning process, you will find that the exercises in this course will still improve every aspect of the horse's training.
Can you guarantee that my horse will learn it in this course?
Of course, it would be impossible for us to guarantee something that is so far outside of our control. No true, compassionate and experienced horse person would do that.
What if my horse is not ready for the Flying Change?
Even if your horse is not ready to do the flying changes yet, the exercises in this course are proven to make the horse much rounder, straighter, and more “through”. If you go into the course with that outcome in mind, then you will find that you are giving your horse the skills and balance he needs, even if he needs more than 21 weeks to learn the actual changes. Just keep using the methods in this course, building upon what you gain in the 21 weeks, and you will achieve success.
What level is this course appropriate for?
You and your horse should be ready for, or close to ready for, the flying changes. Young, untrained, and newly started horses are not suitable (there are other courses more suitable for lesser trained horses). Unsound horses are not suitable (first work on improving your horse's soundness with our other courses). You and your horse should be already acquainted with riding lateral movements, however if you have no experience with them but an open mind and curiosity to learn (and understand that your process is going to be a longer one than others in the course), you'll do fine.
How does an online course work? Do I need to be sitting at the computer at a set time on certain days?
Distance learning is really set up so that you can make it work for your schedule. We have many people in many timezones, and all of them are busy horse people like you. Each week you will get a new module of information for that week. You will receive an email announcement when it has been released. In that module you will find a selection of videos and PDF files. You can watch these on your own timeline, or even download them for offline viewing. The PDFs contain the instructions for the riding exercises. There are instructional videos where we explain in greater detail how to ride the exercise, what you are looking to attain in the exercise, and how to deal with any problems that may arise while riding the exercise. This year we are adding brand new, fully updated rider demos of each exercise being ridden by our assistant trainers, with voiceover commentary by Thomas explaining what is happening, and pointing out mistakes as they occur so that you can recognize then if/when they happen to you.
There are LIVE Q&As at certain times. You do NOT need to attend these live, but we highly encourage you to do so, if you can because you can ask your questions live and interact with us. If you can't attend live, you can submit your questions beforehand so that we will answer them even though you can't attend. These are all recorded and can be watched later or downloaded for later viewing/listening.
What type of horse and rider is this course appropriate for?
We try to be all-welcoming . That means if you want to learn, we will do our very best to teach you... regardless of what kind of horse you have, what kind of tack you ride in, and what kind of background you have. We have course members with Icelandics, Welsh Cobs, Saddlebreds, Ponies, etc. as well as the more common dressage breeds. We welcome riders from all backgrounds, NOT just dressage riders - jumpers, eventers, western riders, natural horsemanship, working equitation, trail riders, etc.
What type of tack / equipment do I need?
A horse to ride, relatively level space to ride in (arena with adequate footing is recommended but our course members have had success even without a standard "arena" to ride in). Not required but recommended: a video camera to record your rides, arena markers and cones to make precise figures. If you cannot purchase these, we highly encourage you to make your own. Be creative!
You should also have an internet connection and a computer or other device with which to access the course materials and Facebook group.
You do not even need a dressage saddle. We have participants who do the course in their western tack. We even have participants who do most the exercises on the ground in-hand or at the long-rein. The beauty of it all is that you can adapt it to your situation and your needs with your horse. We will support you wherever that may be.
Cones and arena markers are recommended, but not required.
What if I can't watch the Q&A's live?
No problem. They are all recorded. You can watch the recording afterwards in the course platform. If you have a question you want answered but cannot attend live, you can post it beforehand we can answer it live.
When are the modules released?
The first module is released on Friday, Sept 1, 2023. Here is the module release schedule:
Sept 1 - SCW Module 1
Sept 8 - SCW Module 2
Sept 15 - SCW Module 3
Sept 22 - SCW Module 4
Sept 29 - (BREAK)
October 6 - FC Module 1
October 13 - FC Module 2
October 20 - FC Module 3
October 27 - FC Module 4
November 3 - FC Module 5
November 10 - (BREAK)
November 17- Module 6
November 24 - Module 7
December 1 - Module 8
December 8 - Module 9
December 15 - Module 10
December 22 - (BREAK)
December 29 - Module 11
January 5, 2024 - Module 12
January 12, 2024 - Module 13
January 19, 2024 - Module 14
January 25, 2024 - Course ends
What if I can't keep up?
You can do this course at ANY pace. You do not need to keep up with the pace that the course contents are delivered. You have lifetime access to the materials and the Facebook group, so you can work through the materials at your own pace. You CAN and SHOULD follow what is right for you and your horse.
What if I am not riding right now? What if my riding is interrupted by illness or injury part way through the course?
We have instructors who no longer ride take the courses and they use the exercises with their students. We have had people recovering from injuries, etc. take the courses. We have had people stop partway through and pick it back up again later. It is not a problem. These are your materials to do with as you wish - work through them at a pace that works for you. Learn the theory first and apply the riding exercises later, etc.
How do I join?
Easy. :-) Click this button for the payment options.
Have questions or payment problems?
Email us at [email protected] .
Sandra: How to Learn to Ride from an Online Course
Sandra Schindlbacher shares her story about how she and the Lipizzan gelding she rides were mostly not working well together. In her words: “There were a lot of conflicts and fights.” Things were not working out well and she knew she needed to change something, but she thought that there was nothing that could make it better. She shares what she first thought when she heard about our What, Why, How online course… “How should I learn riding from an online course?!” She really didn’t think it was possible. But she was desperate so she decided to give it a try. Well!!!! She goes on to show you the exercise that she found helped her the most. She shares how the canter, in particular, is much better than it was before the course and she says her trot now is in no comparison to the trot she had before the course… it is smoother, lighter, softer in the hand… “There is no comparison in the feeling!”
Watch the video! She shares even more about what the biggest improvement was for her, the horse, and their relationship to the work and each other.
See you on the inside...
Secure your spot now and we will see you in the course!