September 7 - 9, 2007 | HPF | Advanced Dressage Clinic
Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel
After assessing each pair, Felicitas presented techniques that clearly and quite quickly improved performance. Each rider became more aware of how slight modifications of her position and application of the aids could allow energy to flow consistently and freely throughout the horse's body.
Felicitas warming up Sebastian, a 7-year old Hanoverian, owned by Edda Thors.
On aids in general....
Do as little as possible, but as much as necessary.
Use your leg to develop propulsive power; your whip to generate carrying power.
On rein aids.....
Steer with your body, not your reins.
Imagine that with your reins you are presenting, rather than taking, a gift.
On the canter....
Ride the canter like a wave. Let the downward movement suck you into the saddle, relaxing your legs down.
Kristin on Vickie's young Trakehner, Visual Impression. For Felicitas, bringing a young horse along is like having an empty bank account. Every correct transition or movement is depositing money in your account. Every incorrect transition or movement takes money out.
Jodie and Pallas, her Lusitano stallion.
The operative words for this pair were "Go...and Slow," recycling the energy through the outside rein to lengthen the stride and increase "air time."
Zanne's goal with 12-year old Clifford was to have him carry his neck within the connection, by releasing his "rigid neck set". This release was accomplished by gently "juggling" the reins - moving each rein in turn slightly up and forward.
Achieving straightness and loading the hind legs were Kristin's goals for Panache, her 6-year old Hanoverian cross [.> more].
After assessing Apollo's neck and poll, Felicitas had Jessica work on improving self-carriage of his neck, which allowed him to move more freely and in greater balance.
Relaxation and independence of seat and hands were issues Edda addressed with Sebastian.
Cindy, on Margie Spalding's Ravel, worked on hind-leg propulsion.
Felicitas watching a warmup with Cindy Thaxton [L]. Below, Feliciatas warming up the audience [a.k.a. riders and auditors].
