The Evelyn Burke Dressage / Horsemanship Resource Page

09/19/2024

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Best Comic horse of The Day! 🐈‍⬛🥰🐾
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05/06/2024

12/03/2023

11/01/2023

I definitely agree with this... If you can ride well enough to not do damage to your horse's back and mouth riding without your stirrups, then you don't need the practice anyway.... that's right, I said it! By all means, please do the no stirrup work, but do 5 mins every time you ride or commit to a few exercises once a week, but for your horse's sake, don't just do a whole month once a year!

10/26/2023

yup!

Bake the bread!

I have a lot of students in the 1st/2nd level phase where they are really starting to touch on true collection. I think the hardest part of collection is that the rider has to set clearer boundaries and not allow the horses energy to escape and flatten out which can feel a bit restrictive to the rider at times.

I try to explain collection (and roundness in general) as baking bread. When baking bread, as the energy causes the bread to rise the bread has to fill in all the nooks and crannies of the pan. This gives it a round appearance since the “energy” needs to go somewhere but can only expand in certain directions due to the parameters of the pan.

Think of your contact as “the pan” and your leg and seat as the energy used to expand the dough. As the horse learns collection the “pan” gets smaller and smaller and the horse gets rounder and taller.

If you take the exact amount of dough and put one in a smaller pan and one in a longer pan you will end up with two very different loaves of bread. This is the same difference in the outlines of a training level horse and a upper level horse.

Just some food for thought (see what I did there?! 😉)

10/09/2023

This long weekend I am thanksful Zando can breathe normally for the first time in weeks! The gloomy weather has its perks when you have horses sometimes. Our first real ride in almost a month was a little spicy but the time off didn’t seem to set our training back which is always appreciated 🥰

10/03/2023

🤣🥲

09/18/2023

To help move your horse sideways in leg-yield, imagine you are an ice skater …

You push off with one leg toward your other foot, stepping and putting your weight to the side, like an inside foot to an ice skater. Also, you cannot collapse at the waist, or you would fall.

Ruth Hogan-Poulsen has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medals as well as her Freestyle Gold Bar. All of these awards are with top Honors of Distinction. Her students have won top honors in the USDF Year-End, Horse of the Year and All Breed awards. She has been designing competitive musical freestyles for decades, which have been performed in all levels all over the world. She splits her time between Vermont and Florida.

🎨: Sandy Rabinowitz

09/11/2023

How much bend???
Imagine two parallel walls smashed right against your horse’s shoulders. Taking the nose past that wall (4) takes away their power.
This comes in handy, because sometimes we DEFINITELY want to take away their power. Over bending definitely helps with getting horses supple. Sometimes “taking the neck away” (like during transitions) can help a horse use their core to balance instead of using their neck to balance. But make no mistake- it helps them learn balance by knocking them off balance, and then the horse has to find their balance in spite of the neck positioning. This is obviously not something you want to do all the time, or for long periods of time. But if you have a horse that throws their neck up to transition, this extreme bend can interrupt that behavior and teach them to find a new way to use their body.
Most circles only require about the amount of bend in sketch (2)- about half way to that imaginary wall. We want the horse to bend at the poll, with no head tilt, and keep the base of the neck fairly straight. If you practice any counter bend, (2) is the most bend you would want. So if you are tracking left (big arrow) with a little outside bend (2), you only want to go about half way to the point of shoulder.
Three (3) is a lot of bend, while maintaining balance. Like (2), the bend should come mostly from the poll joint, while keeping the base of the neck fairly straight. This is the amount of bend you would want for a 10m circle or a walk pirouette.  If you want the horse to have access to his full power, this is the most bend you can ask for- any more and you’ll throw him off balance and take away his power.

09/11/2023

Why we should ride young horses forward and down...

It is a commonly accepted training principle that we should encourage young horses to have a low head carriage. But why is this?

The muscles of the horses back are still immature at 3,4 and even at 5 years old. This is a combination of being developmentally (age related), and physically immature, in the sense that they lack the muscle condition which comes from years of training-induced exercise. Of course the maturity of their muscles will come naturally with time, and as we work them through groundwork and under saddle. But how can we get to this point, while protecting these fundamentally weak muscles and avoiding musculoskeletal injuries further down the line?

By utilising the passive ligament mechanism, we can allow the horse to support the back and carry the weight of the rider with very little muscular effort. This allows the epaxial muscles of the back to be free to perform their primary functions in movement, rather than acting as weight lifters.

The passive ligament system of the back is primarily composed of, well ligaments, the nuchal and supraspinous ligament to be exact.

The nuchal ligament is a strong, collagenous structure, originating at the extensor process of the occiput (the back of the skull), forming attachments to the cervical vertebrae, before inserting on the spinous process of the fourth thoracic vertebrae. Here the nuchal ligament broadens in the region of the withers, before continuing as the supraspinous ligament running along the top of the spinous processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and terminating in the sacral region of the spine.

This creates an inverse relationship between the position of the head and neck and the balance between flexion and extension of the spine.

Generally speaking, lowering the head induces flexion in the thoracic region (the back is lifted) and conversely, raising the head creates extension in the thoracic region (the back hollows/drops). This is because the elongation of the strong and elastic nuchal ligament created when the head is lowered, creates a forward traction on the high spinous processes of the withers, and travels through the supraspinous ligament to lift the thoracic region of the spine. Comparatively, shortening of the ligament raises the head.

This system has provided an evolutionary advantage to the horse, as while they are grazing, the weight of the thorax and abdomen is supported passively by the ligament with very little muscular effort over long periods of time (up to the 16-19 hours per day they can spend grazing in the wild). Equally, because of the stored elastic potential energy in the liagement when it is stretched for the head to be at ground level, the horse can quickly raise its head to gallop away at the first sign of a predator.

Furthermore, lowering of the head and neck, stretching downwards and forwards, straightens out the natural S curve of the horse's spine. This lifts the bottom of the S curve, the cervico-thoracic junction and the ribcage, which creates lightness in the forequarters when the horse is moving. Further back, flexion in the thoracic region, increases the spacing between the dorsal spinous processes as the most dorsal aspect of the spine is stretched out. This posture is particularly therapeutic for horses with kissing spines.

In fact, the degree of flexion of the back is most marked between the 5th and 9th thoracic vertebrae, but is also significant between the 9th and 14th. Consequently, the arching and lifting of the back takes place directly under the saddle and therefore works to support the rider.

This is particularly useful in young horses; it allows the young horse, whose muscles are not mature enough to carry the rider, the chance to support its back and lift the weight of the rider by moving the head-neck axis rather than using active muscle contraction.

This means that the horse can use its muscles solely for movement; creating a loose, swinging back, free of tension, and suppleness in the gait.

Here we have the opportunity for us to slowly develop and condition the epaxial musculature of the young horse. Which will create a foundation of strength and suppleness of the back and the core to support more advanced movements later in their career.

Comparatively, if this system is not used, and the young horse is pulled into a shortened outline, it is the Longissimus Dorsi muscle which takes up the role of supporting the weight of the rider. But theLongissimus Dorsi is not designed for weight carrying, it is primarily a movement muscle.

Muscles act in the direction through which their fibres flow; the Longissimus Dorsi works in the horizontal plane, originating in the sacral and lumbar region of the spine and inserting through the lumbar, thoracic and ending in the cervical region. The Longissimus Dorsi primarily acts to extend and stabilise the entire spine, while also acting unilaterally to induce lateral flexion of the back. You can see the Longissimus Dorsi in action when watching a horse moving from above; the large muscle contracts alternately on each side of the back in the rhythm of the gait to stabilise the movement.

Once the Longissimus Dorsi is required to lift the weight of the rider, the muscle becomes blocked and stiff. Muscles are designed to work through a process of contraction and relaxation; held too long in contraction (to carry the weight of a rider, or support a shortened outline) and the Longissimus Dorsi will fatigue. This will lead to muscle spasm and pain within the muscle. Not only will the horse lose the strength to carry the rider, but they will also lose the natural elasticity of the back which will reduce the fluidity of their gaits.

Over time with greater overuse and fatigue, the Longissimus Dorsi muscle will atrophy, requiring the recruitment of other muscles, such as the Iliocostalis, to take up the role of stabilising the back and supporting the weight of the rider. Other muscles which are equally not designed for weight lifting. And so the cycle continues and the performance of the horse suffers.

With this knowledge in mind, we can understand why it is so essential to make use of the passive ligament system, by striving for that forward and down head carriage. Furthermore, that we also allow our young horses regular breaks, working on a loose rein to allow our horse to come out of the outline, stretch out, and reduce the risk of fatigue.

I always marvel at the intricately designed systems of energy conservation to create efficiency in the horse's way of going. It is our role as a rider to have an awareness of and make use of these systems; to allow our horses to go in the most efficient and beneficial way for them possible, upholding their standard of welfare.

Image credit: Tug of War, Gerd Heuschmann

09/06/2023

"Cognitive short-cuts subsequently combine to form a veritable ‘bias cascade’, whereby one type of bias enhances the effect of another."

08/28/2023

When riding onto a circle, imagine you are on a ramp in a parking garage heading up to the next level. You ride your horse UP and around the circle. Never pull the inside rein down and in, because you will be taking the horse’s inside shoulder down and in with you. Especially on smaller circles (like 8 or 10 m) I picture a ramp taking me up and around with an outside retaining wall, so my horse can’t bulge through the outside shoulder. Thanks Susan DiFelice Design for this gorgeous illustration!!
🌀 🐎 ↗️ 🚗

07/20/2023

👏👏👏

07/07/2023

Happy Friday!!

04/27/2023

04/26/2023

The Dressage books all tell us that we should have a neutral pelvis.
Isn’t that nice? ….Neutral.
It sounds so easy!! 😊
So natural!!! 😌
So effortless!!! 🥰

Bwahahahaha😈😈😈😈😈
As if!!!!!

Here’s the problem-  some of us have such bad, such chronic, anterior pelvic tilt that it takes an incredible amount of lifting the p***c bone and tucking the tailbone to find “neutral”.
And then we still have to manage to move through our hips to sit on a moving horse, while maintaining a neutral, pelvic alignment.

So don’t let the word neutral confuse you! For many riders, neutral takes a lot of work. The great news is, fixing it will strengthen your abdominals and glute muscles, and protect your spine. Whether you are in the saddle, or on the ground, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to learn from about pelvic alignment, and fix yours as best as possible.

(Image from KathyOrlandoPT .com)

04/24/2023

04/04/2023

DID YOU KNOW...?
Your saddle size is measured by the length of your thigh, not on what size you wear or what weight you are.

Saddle fit is important for riders too: if you aren't balanced in the saddle the equine athlete cannot perform to their potential because your seat simply is not as effective.

04/04/2023

Notes from the Janet Foy "New Test Clinic" to learn about the brand new USDF/USEF dressage tests for 2023. Hallie Ahrnsbrak @ Chesapeake Dressage Institute was the clinic host, and I'd like to acknowledge my deepest appreciation to both.

We had riders of each level on horses of various breeds show every test at the level, starting at Training Level and ending with Fourth Level.

I will try to separate each level into ideas for competitors and comments for judges. Some comments apply to all levels, Janet just may have made them at a certain level.

Although "24 meter ovals" is her pet peeve.

Training Level
For the competitor:
Your biggest key is accuracy.
Poll=Wither is low enough on free walk.
A short neck=BVT w/ tension not marked down-if a training issue score is less than environmental/green horse.
Make sure you understand the placement/size/shape of the 20-meter circles.
Be clear about where any of the movements begin and end.
3 - 4 walk steps into the halt on centerline are required; no bonus points to not.
Do not exaggerate your nod/salute or move or wiggle your seat in the halt as it will often unbalance the horse; try to have equal weight on your seat bones into the halt.
When you pick up the reins after free walk pick up the inside rein first and think about almost leg yielding towards the outside rein to prevent stiffening.

For the judge:
We are looking for steady tempo and correct basics.
Q + B
Quality always first, followed by Basics
+ E essence of movement
+ M modifier/comes into play 7^
If you canter out of the halt it is a “5.”
When judging a stretchy circle think about how high the neck was before start (i.e. horses with a high-set neck can stretch down a lot less then horses with a low-set neck).
When judging free walk, judge 50% legs, 50% top line.

First Level
For the competitor:
If you keep a slight shoulder-fore into the halt on centerline you will have better suppleness.
It is important to show a clear down transition from lengthening.
Think about a slight shoulder-in before the half circle 10 meters.
On the diagonal the horse’s shoulders should touch the letter that they leave and the one they arrive at.
For the canter depart at the end of the diagonal– do it right at the letter.
Don’t go past F and start it on the long side or in the corner. Ride it in the spot where a flying change would be.
Geometry must be accurate.
If you make an error, just keep going. Do not stop and attempt to correct the error.
Bend in the corners.
Change of movement should occur as the shoulder leaves or touches the letter.
Keep bend in direction of the lead in serpentine loop.
Do not hold the head down in free walk.
On the stretchy circle - the inside rein shows the way down and keeps the bend, the outside rein controls the shoulder.
Get as much done as possible before the new movement starts = prepare, prepare, prepare.

For the judge:
For the change of lead through the trot we want to see 3-5 steps with the front legs.

Second Level
For the competitor:
The halt just needs to be settled, but you don’t have to hold it for 3 seconds yet.
In counter canter the hind legs should be on the rail so it has a slight renvers feeling.
For the half-turns on the haunches – center the turns onto the quarter-lines, that gives you plenty of time to set them up and they have a nice balance.

For the judge:
"If I (as the judge) am relaxed as I watch them perform then there is enough collection. "
If the horse is shown above the level of balance then it looks
like they are struggling.
In the rein-back count the back steps of the front legs and the fwd steps of the back legs.

Third Level
For the competitor:
In half-pass it is important to go to the exact letter, you don’t get brownie points for arriving sooner.
Start the half-pass with a little shoulder in.
In your canter extension, uphill is more important than power.
How to ride the shoulder-in to renvers:
From your shoulder-in before E or B increase angle to four tracks and then change the bend into the renvers, rather than trying to go directly from shoulder-in into the renvers.
You need to feel your extension in the collection and vice versa.

For the judge:
If a hindleg is resting in the halt, it can't be more than a “6.”
Extended walk must have contact and needs to show overstep.
When we add length (extended vs medium vs collected) we take away height.
When trying to decide between a “7” and an “8” in gaits, if the horse shows more freedom in extensions use this to go up.
Turn on the haunches: if against the outside leg and thinking backwards it is a “4.”

Fourth Level
For the competitor:
For your canter entry use a little shoulder-fore to stay supple, then use your very collected pirouette canter before X and into the halt; the halt should feel like snow floating to the ground.
For an expressive depart practice going to medium trot from the halt.
Half-pass has the most bend, shoulder-in has medium bend, voltes have the least bend in body when you compare these three.
A counter change of hand means two half-passes in a different direction, a zigzag is considered three half passes or more in different directions (important when designing a freestyle).
If you are showing walk on the straight line that judges see from the front keep the poll high.
In the half-pirouette think about the strides like pieces of a pie and make them the same size.
If your horse has a walk that can tend to get lateral make your
walk pirouette a little larger rather than perfectly on the spot to help maintain proper rhythm.
This was a place where again, Janet recommended taking the 6.5 or 7 rather than make the pirouette on the spot and risk losing rhythm which would result in a 5.

There are many things that any rider can do regardless of experience, level, fanciness of horse or confidence. The most important of those things is to know your test and what is expected in it.

Again, a huge Thank you to Janet Foy, Hallie and all of her crew for organizing this fantastic educational opportunity!

03/25/2023

This one should be obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen instructors trying to get their green students to steer green horses off the outside rein. 🤦‍♀️
It takes a lot of foundation for that to work well. They need bend first- in the neck and the ribcage. The rider needs to habitually open the inside rein, and to understand seat aids.

There are many examples where instructors try to teach where they are, instead of where the student is, but I’m mentioning this one because it’s common, and it gets horses tense and claustrophobic

Learn to ride exclusively from the inside rein. Get bend. Learn how to send energy towards the outside rein, but just let it go through. Allow the horse to “lose” the outside shoulder, or jackknife, or over bend, or bulge the shoulder, or whatever you call it. 
It’s only once the rider can consistently and fairly easily send the energy towards the outside hand that you should actually start picking up on that rein and funneling that energy where you want it. Then you’ll have a supple, well-connected horse. Do it too early, and you are guaranteed to have connection problems. No matter how advanced my horses are, I try to remember to regularly go back to riding with just the inside aids to make sure I am not artificially holding things together with my outside rein. 

03/21/2023

Buying (or selling) the fancy dressage horse.
🤦‍♀️😭🤦‍♀️😭
A purpose bred dressage warmblood showing third level or above and scoring 70s is SHARP!!! The rider is controlling the tempo every stride to get those BIG EXPRESSIVE gaits. Cues for most movements, and even just canter departs, get put on a tiny touch by button. Even another similarly advanced rider is not going to ride the same, so may create very different tiny tiny buttons for the same movements. PSG riders can’t just swap horses.…. So training /first level riders certainly can’t always just hop on a PSG horse and even do a first level test!!! I mean, sometimes they can, but often the horse is confused if not stressed about it!

Third level dressage horses are big money right now. But selling one sucks- producing a horse that can score a 75% is practically opposite from producing a horse that a first level rider can safely and comfortably ride.

So what sometimes happens is people produce a nice show horse, get some scores, and then “dumb it down” so lower level riders can push the buttons without actually having the horse connected. Connecting a big moving warmblood, enough to get expressive gaits, takes a LOT of core strength and seat control that most riders just don’t have.

The way the horse moves with the lower level rider is NOT going to score big.

I’m not trying to be a Debbie downer and saying that no one should ever buy a higher level horse- some people do find highly trained horses that are a little easier, can take a joke, or need a step down job.

But in general I think people should be aware that when a not-upper-level rider sits on a very-upper-level horse, the horse is NOT GOING TO MAGICALLY ELEVATE YOU TO HIS LEVEL. Better chances are you will bring him down to yours. Now, as you learn, it’s nice if the horse has a clue…. It’s definitely easier to learn how to do a halfpass if you are sitting on a horse that knows what a halfpass is- but don’t expect him to give it to you like a present. It’s a horse- not Santa.

If you want to attempt to buy your way into dressage, spend money on lessons, clinics, a personal fitness coach, and someone to clean your house while you ride. Just buying the horse won’t do it. Sometimes it helps- but sometimes it really really doesn’t!!!!

03/07/2023

Collection

03/06/2023

Feeling like a garbage rider???
When most people feel awful in the tack, in my experience, 90% of the time (if not more) it’s one (or both) of two things…..
1.) The pelvis is shifted to one side (usually the left), or
2.) They are in anterior pelvic tilt, and therefore cannot move through their hips correctly.
Or both.

When I have a new student, we spend the first four or five rides just fixing these two things, and after that they make progress super fast.