CDS Dressage Letters December 2021

DECEMBER 2021 V. 27, I 12 CALIFORNIA DRESSAGE SOCIETY RENEWAL TIME IS NOW! Suppleness is a Game Changer for Success Suppleness is a fundamental theme for dressage training at all levels. To correctly train dressage, the horse must be physically and mentally supple. Putting all the pieces together to drive toward total suppleness requires many types of focused exercises. The more supple and relaxed the horse is physically, the more they will relax mentally and vice versa. The FEI definition provides additional clarity: “Pliability, ability to smoothly adjust the carriage (longitudinally) and the position (laterally) without impairment of the flow of movement and balance.” Learning how to school both longitudinal and lateral exercises is a key component to reaching suppleness success. Our 2021 Silver Medal Olympic heroes are sure great examples of this success. Endorsing this important training element is our very own CDS member and 2021 Olympic Silver Medalist! “Suppleness is one of the very most important aspects in the way I train my horses,” says Sabine Schut-Kery. Join CDS for a Masterclass in Suppleness! Date: January 22, 2022 Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Where: Starr Vaughn Equestrian Amelia Newcomb will help guide us through the levels to understand Suppleness and key exercises to achieve it. Amelia works to develop a trusting and confident relationship between horse and rider. Using elements of both classical dressage and natural horsemanship. Starting with basic training levels and progressing to Grand Prix, Amelia emphasizes trust, understanding, and relaxation (aka. Suppleness!) for both horse and rider. Amelia says that Relaxation/Suppleness is one of the most important parts of the Pyramid of Training. This level of the pyramid contributes significantly to the upper levels. It is also important to Level 1 – Rhythm and Regularity in that the relaxed horse is able to perform his work without the tension that impedes his movement. A relaxed horse willingly accepts his rider’s aids and moves with a supple back. In turn, he can bend throughout his body both laterally and longitudinally. He demonstrates his elasticity by willingly lengthening and shortening his strides. In the relaxation part of the training pyramid, the horse begins developing his “push” (better known as impulsion). As an exciting bonus, Erika Jansson will lead a group of riders through cavaletti and pole exercises that will also increase suppleness. These are surefire exercises that you can take home and use.