Lori and Blair Dyberg The Remarkable Endurance Horse John

Lori and Blair Dyberg Dressage Champion and Reserve - Intro Level

Lori and Blair Dyberg are retired farmers from Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada. While they are very different people, they do have some similarities. Horses are a common interest and something they can do together or separately. Lori believes riding is one of the few sports where men and women are equals and compete on a level playing field. Blair believes if it wasn’t for horses, they would not be married.

Both grew up on farms. Blair rode trotting horses until he was 15. Lori always wanted a horse, but her father said no. Not discouraged, she rode the neighbor’s horse until her father relented.

Lori always had a bad back. When she and Blair decided to return to horses, Lori remembered her mother talking about a Kentucky Whip, obviously a gaited horse. They saw an ad for a TWH relatively close to home and purchased the horse in the fall. Throughout the winter, Lori diligently worked with Stormy to establish a relationship.

The following spring, Lori and Blair decided to explore the sport of distance riding. At the first competition, they met the man who sold them Stormy. He was shocked that Lori could handle him. Apparently Stormy had been sold three times previously and returned to the seller the following spring. This was an old trick – sell a difficult horse in the fall, not have to feed for the winter and get it back in the spring. From that first experience with TWH, the Dyberg’s have participated and been successful in distance riding (competitive trail), the show ring, Cowboy Challenge and now dressage. In between, they have participated in show jumping, cattle penning, and cutting.

Lori and Blair are experienced with gaited horses. They do not care if gaited horses are well received or expected to participate in any equine activity. If they are interested or intrigued by the activity, they explore and then participate. They reached a point where they had done as much as they could and looked for opportunities to grow their horsemanship. Dressage is the newest adventure!

In 2012, Lori reserved a colt by Uphill Heir Trigger. When they went to pick up the weanling, breeder Jack Gurnett suggested they take a filly home as a pasture buddy for the youngster. She would be returned the following year. It didn’t take long for Dyberg’s to instead purchase the filly. Dodge (Northfork Cheerful Chipper) the gelding became Blair’s horse, and the filly Dusty (Northfork Cotton Trim) became Lori’s horse. Both are registered with the Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse and participate in The Canadian Triple Challenge.

Although they share the same sire, Dusty and Dodge are different in temperament and style. Dusty is about 15 hands, palomino and stocky. Dodge is 16.1 hands,

Dressage Champion and Reserve - Intro Level

By Dianne Little

They chose dressage because it provides a program that is established, recognizes each horse as an individual and is designed to develop the horse. The dressage pyramid provides guidance and almost permission to go back if things are not working. They remember a clinician saying “that person didn’t build on anything we worked with previously.” Lori and Blair want to build on previous knowledge and experience – they want to grow. Dressage provides the level playing field they desire – the horse, the horse and the judge.

Western Dressage was appealing because there are no cookie cutter horses, any style or type, even gaited, is acceptable. Although people don’t say anything before the ride, they do stare a lot. After the ride, they receive comments on the horses’ temperaments. One comment in particular stood out: “I know people who would die for that walk!”

The horses have not been received negatively if they are ridden at a level they are suited to and can accomplish. That may change as they progress through the levels. There may be people who do not want to compete against a gaited horse or potentially have a gaited horse score higher.

When considering the characteristics of a dressage horse, Lori and Blair agree that a willing horse is of utmost importance. Although by the same sire and living in the same environment, Dusty and Dodge are very different emotionally, mentally and physically. Both were lightly started late in their third year. At age four, both participated in Cowboy Challenge. Lori says that Dusty needs a captain of the ship while Blair says Dodge’s attitude is “this is too much work, so I will stop.” The most important lesson Blair has learned is you must adapt and work with the horse.

When considering equipment, their advice is “listen to the horse.” The horse will tell you what is comfortable. Of course it must fit the horse. Lori rides in a Harmony Western Dressage saddle with a double jointed snaffle bit. Blair rides in a Tucker saddle and uses a bozel.

They believe in cross training and incorporate what they have learned from other disciplines. Their horses are exposed to a variety of experiences in multiple locations. They use the trail and obstacles to develop the athlete. Trail riding is like summer camp; an opportunity to work on shoulder-in, haunches-in flying changes, free walk, flat walk, running walk, or walk on a loose rein while enjoying nature. When working in an arena, they warm up and practice specific maneuvers, but do not get fixated on a test.

The Dybergs encourage others to try dressage. “If there is a competition in your area, go and watch and talk with others to get a sense of the group. Talk to other competitors and when possible talk with judges.” If you are so inclined, start at the lowest level, which is Intro Level. When you compete at a level where you are comfortable and confident, there is no pressure. Consider trying several shows because it usually takes more than one try to decide if this is for you. Stay away from negative people and look for positive individuals who are realistic and encouraging.

If you decide to pursue dressage, a coach may be in your future. In dressage, the horse and rider are a team, one that is built on the emotional, mental and physical skills of both horse and rider. Search for a coach that is willing to work with you; understands and modifies when things do not work; is willing to discuss and share; is willing to adjust to older riders; is willing to adjust to gaited horses; and is flexible and can think outside the box. Lori likes to be pushed past her comfort zone, but not to the point of feeling overwhelmed or resentful. When not able “to get the feel,” Lori finds it helpful to ride a different and more experienced horse. The couple differ when it comes to looking at tests. Blair tends to look at the positive comments as he already knows where he messed up. Lori looks at the negative comments so she knows where she must improve. Generally, they have found the judges to be “awesome, encouraging and show no favoritism. Some recognize gaits and some do not.” More importantly, both know how they feel about the ride. There are some tests they do not like, but willingly admit they are often ones that find more difficult. “If I do not do well, I must up my game.”

In 2019, they each rode 16 tests in front of a judge. Unfortunately, the 2020 season has been unpredictable, and neither have participated in virtual shows yet. No matter what happens this year, the Dybergs are not part-time equestrians and will continue on their journey.

If you are wondering who was Champion, the answer is “I would love to beat the bride, but ………….”