Volume 14, Issue 10
www.azdressage.org
October, 2014
A Whole Horse Approach - The Power of a Positive Riding Clinic with Henrik Johansen
Nationwide attendance at clinics offered by International Trainers has seen a glaring decrease in the last decade. Some say it is the result of our tired economy, others cite the lack of involvement from the amateur owner component of our dressage world and many others cite the following reasons for their lack of participation and/or auditing these important events:
“The basics are only for beginners.” “The basics apply to young horses.” “I don’t need the basics, I would rather hear all about the successful trainers’ secrets.” “I’ve heard it all before, and I’m just waiting for the right Grand Prix horse.”
Sadly, amateur owners and professional across the country are losing a valuable opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills. By closing the doors to knowledge from a number of sources they can increase their own frustration as they fail to achieve their goals and their horses often bear the brunt of that frustration. Simply acknowledging that we can always learn more about THE BASICS and how to apply them using different techniques and approaches can broaden our toolboxes when working with our equine partners. Tami George and her recently acquired horse “Brendan Braveheart,“ took the time to participate in the 2014 Camp Henrik Instructors program held in Oak Harbor, Washington. “My goal was to get to know this fabulous horse, and to see what approaches to riding and communicating with him worked best”. Henrik and I discussed what I knew of his history, his personality, the strengths and weaknesses in his training and my goals. We took into consideration that he has only been back into routine work for a few months, and built a game plan for the next 6 months,” said Tami. “What I came away with was the knowledge that I must know and understand every detail of all the basics and theories used in training. The more I hear and see how theory translates to the movements of dressage, the better I understand it. A good, successful trainer/rider is one that truly understands the basics.” “Henrik is helping me build up my toolbox of techniques and strategies so that everything I ask of my horse goes well from the very first stride. I am committed to making sure that every step taken and every strategy I use is in a positive manner. Henrik really emphasized that each time I give an aid or ride a movement, I must feel it produces something positive, even with a highly trained horse.” Continued on Page 5
Arizona Dressage Association Mission Statement The Arizona Dressage Association is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to promote the advancement of classical dressage through educational opportunities and programs, and the rigorous evaluations received at recognized and schooling dressage shows.