Classical Roots Equitation

30/03/2022

Test

21/03/2022

Fascinating study about the effects of noseband position and tightness on fascia and nerve function. More science about why drops and flashes shouldn't be used in modern equitation.

Also, a compelling case to have a properly fitted brow band and a head piece that fits your horses anatomy. Just having an 'anatomical' bridle isn't enough, IMHO. The same size clothes won't fit all women of the same size due to different body shapes, so why assume that a Full, Cob or Pony size bridle with fit the anatomy of your horse?

https://www.eurodressage.com/2018/11/25/effect-noseband-positioning-fascial-and-neural-dynamics-head

The fifth International Fascia Research Congress was recently held in Berlin, Germany from 14-15th November 2018. The congress covered various lectures and practical demonstrations in both human and veterinary scientific research and rehabilitation field.

11/03/2022

The best of classical German equitation

Georg Theodorescu told us:
“There is no place for ‘hyperflexion’ in this riding hall: If someone tried to put the horse’s head right down to the chest here, I would say, jump off the horse, I don’t want to see that, it is a sacrilege to ride like that. Too much of anything is not good. Too much red wine makes a mess of the table. Riders ask too much, it is better to make haste slowly. See this half pass of Monica and Whisper, it is like a dance, the half pass must be like a dance. Sometimes people will say to me, look at this half pass, there is so much crossing – but it looks like the horse having a fit: it must be a dance.”

07/03/2022

I talk about the hyoid a lit with regards to the horse. Interesting how it is linked in riders too! I love a good observation...

04/03/2022

CDJ is one of the best riders in the world and she doesn't ride with low hands - so why do you?

Christian Thiess told us: “Riders with the best hands seem to do nothing with their hands other than carry them in an upright position in front of their bodies, and although these riders seem to do nothing with their hands, they are actually doing a lot. Their hands are actively influencing the horse. Their hands are working in conjunction with their leg and seat to apply coordinated Half-Parades. The secret is to use your back to support your hands during the active phase of the Half Halt.
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2022/03/christian-thiess-de-mystifies-the-half-halt/

02/03/2022

And this is why we don't ride with low hands or draw reins! Courtesy of dr. Gerd Heuschmann

13/02/2022

I love both parts of this paragraph by Mary Wanless BHSI BSc

11/02/2022

'The perfect balanced seat is the most valuable asset of every rider' Amen to that!

Look at the beautiful alignment and hands demonstrated here.

09/02/2022

Train your eye. It may look pretty but it's incorrect. Such a common sight theses days **sighs**.

From Gerd Heushmanns book 'Tug of war'

04/02/2022

Carl is one of the greatest riders and trainers of modern times. Students still come to my lessons from other instructors not knowing the canter transition, not spending much time in canter and wanting desperately to get their horse 'on the bit'. Why oh why do instructors not KNOW this, not TEACH this? WHO is teaching instructors so poorly in the first place? After all, no one is doing this out of spite, I do believe they are trying to do their best for their students and horses.

03/02/2022

Want to know why I'm always removing flashes and I'm such a big advocate for a loose cavesson or no noseband at all? Simply look at the position of the trigeminal nerve branches below.

Nothing I say is particularly novel, I'm pretty old school TBH, but now the science is catching up.

20/12/2021

Some pics of a recent session using resistance bands to improve proprioception, position and symmetry. Weekly flatwork clinics available at Brigg View Farm