I often marvel at how well the thorough, progressive, and very detailed nature of the Karl Mikolka's Dressage Training System lends itself to other sports. Take Working Equitation, for example - riders outside of the System rarely go completely sideway, while the army of Karl's students have been using sidestepping as one of the foundation exercises for many decades. For most newcomers to WE, Sidepass Rail presents a completely new challenge; for riders working within the System it's simply adding a pole under the horse within many exercises we've been schooling routinely.
Here is Dorothy, on her mustang Alexander, taking our "Box" exercise and executing it over the Sidepass Rails. Dorothy is using a sidepull with Alexander. In the riding arena without the poles the exercise is as follows: on the rail at a walk, shorten the steps and sidestep the horse to the quarter line (completely sideways, no forward progression, the horse stays parallel to the long side), as you reach the quarter line, rein back 5-6 steps, then sidestep back to the long side, carry on at the walk. At first, it is a good idea to ride halts between each change of direction, however, the finished exercise is ridden without interruptions, requiring the rider to have a great feel and excellent timing of the aids.
In Working Equitation, this exercise has usefulness beyond the Sidepass - the seamless changes of direction are needed on the Gate obstacle as well, and, of course, help tremendously in the dressage tests, too.
#dressage4everybody #dressageforeverybody #KarlMikolkaDressageTrainingSystem #workingequitation #workingequitationobstacles #dressageexercises
I was honored to be a part of the inaugural Mustang Classic event organized by @Mustangchampionsorg . On Saturday morning, I judged Working Equitation Ease of Handling course as a part of a panel. On Sunday, I had a chance to enjoy the 10 freestyles. This was one of the more creative entries : Sam Rock with Handy Dandy. The rest of their performance was very impressive as well and earned the pair Reserve Championship.
#workingequitationjudge #easeofhandling #mustangclassic #rolexstadium #kentuckyhorsepark
Judging at the KarMik Acres Working Equitation Show this weekend, and this one sang the song of her people pretty much the entire show. (Sound up)
#songofherpeople #felineaccompaniment #workingequitationjudge #workingequitation #workingequitationshoe
I will write an OKC Clinic report later, but meanwhile, my heart is full - I got to ride my boy first time in a couple of years (only sat on 2 or 3 horses for a few minutes over these years). Felt like coming home. Thank you, Holly Huffaker for taking such good care of Ivan. Thank you for the video, too.
US Working Equitation Rule changes for the 2020 competition season
