Closson Dressage

Closson Dressage Kristen Closson - FEI Dressage Rider
EA Level II Coach Dressage Specialist
EA A-Level Dressage Judge

06/03/2025

Another reason why grooming is so important and one that I didn’t even think of, till it happened.

The cool change and rain hit Monday and I hopped on for a walking ride around the trails after two days off. When I got back I brushed the horse down myself, and when the brush hit the hindquarters I noticed a change to the tone of the tissue. It was firmer than it should have been. I immediately went to the other side, also firm. This was the first time in a week I had groomed the horse, she does have two other grooms looking after her but none know her as well as I do nor do they, or are they expected to, have my level of attention to detail.

It had been a hot couple of days and the horses were worked early and thoroughly cooled down and hosed off for an extended time before spending the day naked in a shaded paddocks. But the heat persisted through the night staying in the mid to high 20s overnight.

She did a sloppier than normal poo twice over the weekend, and didn’t consume all of her hard feed for brekkie Monday and Tuesday morning which was very out of character.

These were my only indicators that something was happening.

So I write this as a reminder to all of us to heed the very wise words, if you think there is something wrong, there probably is. Trust yourself, look further, and for goodness sakes, groom your own bloody horse every few days!

A huge thanks to our faithful and knowledgeable equine herbalist, Julie Cook of Natures Farmacy for formulating some specialised support to ensure this doesn’t happen again!

So many days of fun!  Thank you so much Emmy Nomikos for spending time with us.  We had a blast!!The dogs became assista...
04/03/2025

So many days of fun! Thank you so much Emmy Nomikos for spending time with us. We had a blast!!

The dogs became assistant photographers and the horses all put their best hoof forward for the camera.

I feel like I had a holiday at my own home just enjoying my property, my life, and my horses. What a dream! Thank you so much to everyone who keep this alive and this place afloat. It seriously takes a village and I appreciate every one of you!

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the webinar on Equine Welfare presented by Dr Karen Luke.  This is a very important ...
04/03/2025

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the webinar on Equine Welfare presented by Dr Karen Luke.

This is a very important topic in our sport today and we will be exploring some questions every rider and coach needs to know, such as:
* How do horses communicate?
* What does equine pain look like?
* How do horses learn?
* What’s the difference between doing and knowing?

Thank you to Equestrian NSW for sponsoring this event so that all EA members can attend free of charge.

Please complete this form to register for the event: https://forms.gle/AEMj4H5ErPYNiVRH7

Hosted by the Equestrian NSW Coaching Committee.

HORSE WELFARE | Join us for an Equine Welfare Webinar delving into the importance of public acceptance. Dr Karen Luke will help us answer the very important questions of what we need to know, what we should change, and why. This discussion will equip you to incorporate equine welfare into your coaching practice and is free for all EA members.

Dr Karen Luke is a highly regarded horse welfare scientist who blends creativity with practicality. Known for her innovative yet inclusive approach, she crafts novel solutions that not only transform systems but also unite equestrian communities.
We look forward to sharing an educational and inspiring evening!
Wednesday, 5 Mar 7pm
Zoom Presentation
Free for all EA members
Presented by Equestrian NSW

Please complete this form to register for the event: https://forms.gle/AEMj4H5ErPYNiVRH7

02/03/2025

I love the trust Ziska puts in me. It is one of the most precious gifts.

This is a video of her walking over a bridge to a crouching human behind a long lens with no other horses in sight.

This was her first time at this property and she walked on a long rein following my unwavering gaze to our destination.

Efficient aidsHow do you define them?Why do riders find them most important (according to a recent survey)?And what is t...
27/02/2025

Efficient aids

How do you define them?
Why do riders find them most important (according to a recent survey)?
And what is the risk they come with?

Let’s start with the first question. Efficient aids achieve maximum productivity/results with minimum effort. Isn’t this a goal of life? I mean I don’t think any of us would wish to muddle around with very little progress for a long time.

The flip side of this is that it looks a little destination driven, rather than focusing on the journey. As we also know the benefits such as the connection to the horse and the feedback we get from them on who we are come from the process.

The risk of efficient aids is that can also be harsh. That the quickest response often comes from a very direct or strong aid.

Training takes time, foundations are laid slowly. I believe we can be efficient whilst prioritising our horse’s wellbeing. Balancing ease and effort to achieve sustainable results.

25/02/2025

The expressions of Frutti’s ears!

What do your horses ears look like whilst you are working? How long do they stay in any position? How loose are the muscles around the base of the ears?

We are learning how important the mental state of the horse is to the overall well-being. And we use these physical behaviours to provide us with markers on which we can assess their mental state.

Welfare, until very recently, focused on the physical state of the horse, and is now not only incorporating the mental state but also emphasising its importance.

It is such an important change in our industry and one I am loving the journey of understanding more about.

Here are my clinics dates for March.  I hope that all of you are enjoying time in the saddle and setting up to knockout ...
23/02/2025

Here are my clinics dates for March. I hope that all of you are enjoying time in the saddle and setting up to knockout some goals in the first half of the year. There are so many opportunities to enjoy time out with our horses, competitions, and check our training. Get in touch to book a spot at one of these!

I have additional lesson opportunities in the Lower Hunter and Lake Macquarie areas, which I am traveling in regularly. My place is always open for lessons, and set travel days of the week are Wednesdays in Mandalong/CooranbongWyee and Thursdays in Quorrobolong/Kearsley/Cessnock areas.

I spent a few hours recently watching a competition and I saw quite a few test that were driven by the rider’s ambition....
20/02/2025

I spent a few hours recently watching a competition and I saw quite a few test that were driven by the rider’s ambition. These tests were less about the horse, or the relationship with the horse, to the extent that I’m not even sure the individual horse mattered, but what did seem important was the ability of the horse to do the movements.

I am not sure if this is a result of the changing lens I am looking through, or if competition is becoming more competitive and riders want the success which is defined as marks and placings.

Why do we ride if not for our relationship with the horse? I often see riders having grand ambitions, and as a coach, I help them achieve these. But I also feel that part of my job is to ensure that the horse is seen in this process. That the individual needs of the horse are recognised and listened to.

It is an important time to remember our partners in our pursuit.

How does your horse fit into the horse industry?it seems a simple question, right?  But this was so thought provoking fo...
18/02/2025

How does your horse fit into the horse industry?

it seems a simple question, right? But this was so thought provoking for me, and I have to admit that I can hardly get my head around the amount that is behind this question.

We spend so much time considering our position: in the industry, with our horses, with our friends... But what about our horse's position? Let's take a look at things from their perspective.

A huge shout out to World Horse Welfare for hosting this conference and for investing so much in horses in sport. They have so many arms to their organisation yet the support and the headway they are helping us make is just phenomenal. So much respect and admiration!

And to the presenters for your passion, devotion and time to improving the lives of our horses and the awareness you are bringing!

The virtual conference ‘Accountability for welfare in equestrianism: Looking beyond the obvious’ took place on Thursday 13th February 2025 (12:00 noon – 3:00...

It was the perfect weekend for judge education. The weather couldn’t have been better, the venue was just glowing!A huge...
16/02/2025

It was the perfect weekend for judge education. The weather couldn’t have been better, the venue was just glowing!

A huge thanks to Dressage NSW for hosting. And to the presenters and the organizers for pulling off a fabulous weekend. Your effort does not go unnoticed and is so appreciated.

I’m feeling inspired from the thought provoking conversations! I love our sport!!!!

13/02/2025

A favourite exercise to improve balance.

Balance is vitally important to my training system. And as a result, I prioritise its inclusion in the horse’s early training.

It is a foundation on which rhythm, straightness, and connection amongst others are built but it’s real benefit for me is that I can increase the longevity in my horses by balancing them over their hooves and up through every joint correctly from there.

Think of putting a wobble or riser in one of your shoes and notice how your knees, lower back and neck feel by the end of the day.

A focus on balance ensures my focus is also on the mechanical function of my horses which allows them to optimally perform.

So here is Toledo on his 19th ride performing slight counter flexion on a circle which I think transition into inside, or true, bend and follow it with leg yielding out of the circle. This helps him more evenly weight, and also learn how to shift the weight and correct, over his shoulders. Followed by softening his ribs, suppling his back, and stepping more under with his inside hind when I ask for the leg yield steps.

All of this is very subtle. I am just looking for a few steps and only slight angles or crossing and the emphasis is on the transitions being rhythmic and flowing.

11/02/2025

How do we create change? We want to development and evolve, we know that this requires change, yet we are wired to resist change.

I am one of those people that both holds onto something, resistant to change because I feel that I will lose something by moving on; and in juxtaposition to that I am excited about the opportunity that the change will bring, and look forward to the unforeseen gains.

Commitment is a required element of this process. And positivity helps created that commitment. The more momentum I can create for something the more I will be encouraged to embrace it.

I have changed so much over the years. As a person, in my riding, in my horse management... And I am so proud of the person I have become from the bravery of “jumping in” and backing a movement without knowing where it might take me.

Spread your wings and fly. We will all be here to fan the air when you don’t have enough to carry you!

09/02/2025

Our bodies are a two way communication device. Which means we need to listen and speak, or receive and give information.

How do we increase our sensitivity to what the horses are saying?

Does this come through alignment and self awareness?

When we put the magnifying glass over ourselves do we inadvertently transfer this awareness to others as well?

When we are in more balance are we more open to information from others?

Or is it simply that when we are balanced we recognise when we are not in balance more quickly. Whereas when we are not in balance it is harder to recognise when we just lose a little bit more?

How do you increase your ability to listen to your horse? We all know that we have good days and not so good days. How do you ensure you are more sensitive more often?

Today was a day of firsts 🙌🦄 first canter under saddle🦄 first ride outside the arena or roundyardSo proud of Toledo the ...
05/02/2025

Today was a day of firsts 🙌

🦄 first canter under saddle

🦄 first ride outside the arena or roundyard

So proud of Toledo the little superstar 🌟

02/02/2025

Training isn't always a straight trajectory but some sessions come with big wins!

The goal is to not lose sight that what feels like a great leap forward is an accumulation of lots of small wins accumulated from the previous sessions.

We need a lot more 1x, and the straightness needs some work, but huge pats to Ziska for her super expressive and ground covering changes 🙌

We had the best time creating this presentation for you.  Julie Jones begins by covering the updated 2025 Dressage Rules...
30/01/2025

We had the best time creating this presentation for you. Julie Jones begins by covering the updated 2025 Dressage Rules and at 40 mins we begin a discussion on Horse Welfare and how it pertains to dressage judging. Jobina Kennedy starts by giving a snapshot of dressage and public acceptance on a global level, then I speak about what changes are being made and what principles are in place to help guide us, and Sue Cunningham finishes the discussion with directives for judging dressage with an emphasis on welfare.

Dr Karen Luke was present during this conversation and not only helped in the live Q&A session, but was also so instrumental in forming the message I wanted to convey. She is a co-host on the Changing Rein podcast and is one of world's (representing Australia) movers and shakers on bridging the gap between public acceptance and sport through knowledge and curiosity.

I was also lucky enough to consult with Dr Mike Tomlinson, Dr. Hans-Christian Mattheisen, Katrina Wuest and Dr Paul McGreevy leading into this discussion. All of whom provided time, research, and ideas to ensure that we were supported and up to date with latest information. We might be a single state in a smaller dressage country but I was blown away by the consideration and care they have shown us.

I hope that you take the time to have a listen and that you enjoy it. We are hoping to spread this very important message far and wide!

https://www.dressagensw.equestrian.org.au/content/educational-videos

February is a huge month.  Competitions really kick off, there are so many webinars I feel like nearly every evening I h...
30/01/2025

February is a huge month. Competitions really kick off, there are so many webinars I feel like nearly every evening I have one if not two learning opportunities, and lessons are in full swing.
Here are a list of some of my clinics. Most of these have space available so get in touch to secure your spot!
I have additional lesson opportunities in the Lower Hunter and Lake Macquarie areas, which I am traveling in regularly. My place is always open for lessons, and set travel days of the week are Wednesdays in Mandalong/Cooranbong and Thursdays in Quorrobolong/Kearsley/Cessnock areas.
Looking forward to seeing you soon 🤍

A huge shout out to the horse industry for how far we’ve come with managing horses in heat. I grew up managing horses ea...
27/01/2025

A huge shout out to the horse industry for how far we’ve come with managing horses in heat.

I grew up managing horses each day so that it was the same as the previous day irrespective of the weather or circumstances.

Our understanding has shifted so much that our horse’s agency is prioritised and they are looked at individually, and changes are made based on the weather and circumstances.

We’re experiencing a couple of hot days so my horse’s routine is altered to help cope with this weather. Here are a few important changes I’ve made:

🌳 moved them to paddocks that offer lots of shade all day long
🐎 left them naked so they can better regulate their temperature
🧂increased salt and electrolytes morning and night, as needed
💦 hose them off before bringing them in in the afternoons to cool them and remove sweat
🪰 apply insect repellents and sunscreens to ensure they are comfortable naked
🏋️alter exercise schedule so they recover whilst it’s still cool or get a day off

I know others who swap grazing hours so they are stabled under fans to stay cool when it’s hot. What else do you do to ensure happy healthy horses in this weather? We’re predicted to hit 40 degrees today 🥵

And it’s not just me changing. Our entire community has evolved. Great work to all, of us for motivating each other to constantly improve the lives of our horses.

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Brunkerville, NSW

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