Since I haven’t managed to have more than one dressage lesson this year (despite making monthly lessons a goal), I haven’t made as much progress as I would like. Piddling around and taking it easy is fun (and the mental and physical break is necessary for everyone’s well-being!), but it’s not the best way to improve my scores!
I’ve been watching a lot of dressage training videos lately. It’s helpful for me to see someone explaining various concepts (instead of having them explained at me while I’m struggling to perform them). Here are some of my favorite videos:
Catherine Haddad explaining effective position
Kate Poulin-Neff describing how to ride a trot lengtheningĀ
Anne Gribbons offering advice on riding the stretch circle
George Williams explaining exercises for getting your horse on the bit
Do you find that watching video (or auditing clinics) is an effective way for you to learn? Do you have a collection of favorites?
Thank you for these. All useful things I can use for tomorrow’s lesson. I’m totally a visual learner…Badminton horse trials has all the dressage posted on youtube with commentary from Carl Hester, etc…it’s like watching a clinic and I try to watch a ride or two every morning to get tips š
Yes! It is like watching a clinic! Well, a clinic you can replay and pause. (Which is the best kind!)
Ooh I need to watch these! Thank you!
No problem! USDF has a LOT of resources through their eTRAK program if you’re a USDF member (or part of a Group Member Organization).
I love watching videos and auditing clinics. I even stick around for all of the weekend lessons at my normal farm when possible, just to absorb as much as possible. Even videos that aren’t instructional I find helpful, because I can still observe how different people tackle a jump off, or why one jump on a course seems to cause a lot of troubles.
You are very dedicated! I will sometimes watch lessons at my barn, although many of the students are small children learning the very basics. It’s still helpful to hear concepts explained in a different way than I may have learned them, though. Always something to learn!
Yes. I am like a small child learning the basics. Watching my lessons is for entertainment purposes only.
You are not like a small child learning the basics!!
I LOVE watching videos, but unfortunately there aren’t many for ranch riding. Without a purchase, of course. So I watch lots of shows and runs from bigger shows.
I am going to have to make a note that I need to watch these later when I have access to sound.
I love watching videos to help!! Even if it’s not instructions, even watching a pro rider go around can teach you so much.