Tag Archives: Dressage Exercises

General

International Eventing Forum Preview

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International Eventing Forum Preview


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This goes out to all the eventing enthusiasts amongst  our thousands of members, here’s a date for your diary. That is if it’s not etched in your diary already.

When: Monday 5th February

What: The 2018 edition of the International Eventing Forum

Where: Hartpury College, Equine Centre

Once again, Hartpury College will open its state of the art facilities to eventing enthusiasts from Grassroots to 4* level. This year promises an all-star line up of riders, trainers and performance experts. There will be four key speakers throughout the day and in some cases, demonstrations involving well known riders. After each of the four sessions, there will be a chance for the audience to ask questions.

Sandy Phillips kicks off proceedings at 10 am with a focus on eventing dressage and reveals what the judge is really looking for. As a member of the US Olympic dressage team, Sandy competed in three World Championships. When she moved to England and married Captain Mark Phillips, she rode for the British team at the Europeans and the World Championships. Now she flies around the world as an FEI 3* and 4* Judge for Eventing and Fei4* Judge for dressage.

Eric Smiley will be discussing how the sport has changed and might progress in the future. Eric who competed for the Irish team and at many 4*’s, is also one of the founders of the IEF. With an FBHS after his name, he is one of the most highly qualified trainers in the eventing circle.

After lunch and a chance to network and gossip with your fellow eventing anoraks, Performance Psychologist, Charlie Unwin will take to the stage. Charlie will be highlighting the importance of mind management and explaining how we can train our minds to improve our performance, even under the pressure of a competition environment. You can discover more about what Charlie does in our blog: Mind Games.

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Frederik Bergendorff rounds off the forum, with a talk on “Preparing for the Top”. Frederik is the new Swedish Event Team manager and coach who helped his team to a bronze medal at the 2017 Europeans in Poland.

Tickets are cheaper to buy in advance but there will be some reserved for on the door. Prices start at just £45 for the whole day.

http://www.internationaleventingforum.com/2018-theme/tickets/

Written By Ellie Kelly

General

Riding tools and tips from our professionals

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One major riding tool your trainer is trying to teach you

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Hi, I’m Stephen Hayes, FEI Dressage Rider and trainer from Great Britain, based in New York and Florida, USA. This is an article I’ve felt brewing for a while now, having taught many clinics around the world I feel like I’ve had a really good share of many different types rider, there is the brave and bold, the shy and timid, the rider that has a little devil on their shoulder constantly tearing them apart, the rider who attends my clinic already knowing everything there is to know about Dressage (even the best of the best will admit there is lifetimes of more knowledge to be learnt), there are the diamonds in the rough, the adult amateurs who put their heart and soul into every second in the saddle, the die hard professionals, riders triple my age and being an amazing role model. There isn’t a day that I’m not trying to improve my teaching style and methods, but there is always a couple of subjects which replay time after time in each clinic. Here is just one!‘BUT IM NOT SUPPOSED TO USE MY INSIDE REIN? I FEEL LIKE IM BEING ROUGH WITH MY HANDS, AM I PULLING HIM? I NEED TO BE LIGHTER WITH MY HANDS, BUT I CANT GET HIM ROUND ENOUGH HE’S TOO STRONG’Then I go on to explain the followingContact is such a massive and wide ranging word in dressage, and that’s why Dressage is so beneficial to all Equestrian sports. Contact is such an important and beautiful aid that many riders are not taking full advantage of or on the other hand abusing. Contact is very similar to a loaded gun, used correctly and in a positive and productive way it’s a VERY useful tool. Used in a negative way, then a loaded gun is no longer a useful tool. I’m sure we have all seen a situation where the contact is being abused, that’s easy to notice, but I’m going to talk about the opposite end of the scale, which are much more humane scenarios to the horse, but are still not beneficial to the horses physical and mental well being as the rider is still not truly connecting with their horse through the reins.

I have seen riders so brainwashed to avoid using their inside rein that their literally riding around the arena in constant counter flexion. A riders inside leg absolutely creates bend but if your not at all touching your inside rein… ever… Then how the hell can we expect the horse to be truly flexed around a circle/pirouette/half-pass the list goes on. The inside rein is an ingredient that you NEED, direct the neck to correct flexion, and let your inside leg be a boundary like he’s walking around a lamp post, use the inside rein in conjunction with your inside leg and outside half halt. It’s a balancing act of the three aids. Of course don’t abuse the inside rein but certainly don’t avoid it altogether.

There is SO much to cover on contact, I could have you here all day but one last thing. Giving and taking of the reins, the whole concept of a release of a particular rein or both is a reward. I see people giving and taking every milli second. Do you give your dog a treat if he’s dragging you around the park? Do you give your dog a treat if he’s jumping up at you if your asking him to sit? Are you feeding your dog a treat every second as he’s sitting down or do you let him sit and wait there are few moments till he’s earned the reward. You see where I’m going with this?

​You are your horses teacher, the ‘give’ is when your horse has yielded to the contact and is chewing and suckling the bit. Not when he’s ripping your shoulders out their sockets. That’s not to say Im asking my riders to stay on the end of the rein like a brick house, of course not, you have to be productive. I want my riders massaging and manipulating the corners/bars of the horses mouth through a consistent contact, until the horse decides to unlock and let go of his jaw/poll/neck while moving forwards and sideways from his riders leg aids. That is then your window to reward, he’s going to love the feeling of being relaxed and loose in his poll, throat lash area and neck, thousands of endorphins are being released while doing so, and in return you push forward your hands from his wither for a moment. That’s the real idea of a give. That’s how he will learn to want to soften to your hands, he’ll eventually understand that your hand is guiding him to a better place, now your hand has become a friend, and it’s being productive to your horses mindset. He will no doubt begin to follow your lead. Unfortunately horses don’t read a book at night on ‘how to become more supple’ they have NO idea unless we show them the way, and one way in conjunction with other aspects is through your HANDS. So don’t be afraid of the contact, it’s a beautiful thing once being used correctly.

Written by Stephen Hayes
Photo credits Amanda Diefenbach
Stephen Hayes riding Alfonso owned by Caroline McConnel

Continue reading →

Stephen Hayes Dressage Producer
Dressage

UK Dressage Producer: Stephen Hayes (UK/USA)

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Classical principals from across the pond – Some lucky Uk riders have benefitted from Dressage Clinics with  Dressage Producer Stephen Hayes this summer.

Now back in the USA Horse Scout offers congratulations to Stephen Hayes. Stephen Hayes, a Horse Scout Sponsored Rider, had a triple Grand Prix success, in New Jersey, on his ride Klouseau  owned by karen Blanks.

Already Employed by Karen Blanks (Herself a dressage producer) to ride another of her horses Stephen undertook the ride of Klouseau; and with only a few weeks lead time Stephen worked hard to create a good working relationship and was impressed with the horses down to earth temperament.

Uk Dressage Producers will be interested to see Kolouseaus’ breeding. His Dam Kastanie X11 bred eight times to Charlie Chaplin (Embryo Transfer) producing a mixture of State Elite mares, grand Prix and International dressage horses. Kastanie XII herself and State Elite Trakehner. Her sire Arogno was a successful State Elite Stallion who bred proven international performance horses in all three disciplines.

Popular on the continent, the USA and with UK  (woodcroft Stud) Producers, his sire is Charlie Chaplin (or E.H. Charly Chaplin) a well thought of Elite Approved Neumunster (1987) Trakehner Stallion with offspring in the USA and also closer to home. He was a prodigious Grand Prix horse winning over 46,000 Euro with his progeny (12012) netting over 100,000K between them.  An eye catcher in the arena with his large white blaze he carries the coloured gene.

Stephen Hayes is an international Dressage Producer and has a profile on Horse Scout.

Stephen Hayes is a young but influential rider set to take the world stage.  To find out more about Stephen read our Horse Scout Professional Bio Blog on his back ground here.

If you are interested in taking a clinic with Stephen then click through to his profile page on Horse Scout and follow his facebook page for information of when he will be visiting Britain again.

Matt Hicks - Dressage and Eventing trainer
Dressage

Professional dressage trainer Review: Matt Hicks

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With the Hartpury Festival of Dressage now being packed away and the riders on the road home. Its time to reflect on what you want form your own dressage training.

Expert Tuition with a Professional Dressage Trainer Matt Hicks; the ‘gentle man’ who has a deep understanding of a horses way of going and how to improve both horse and rider.

Matt Hicks has a keen eye for the difficulties the horses under his watchful eye are experiencing and can interpret the influence (for good or bad) of the rider may have on a horses way of going.

Matt Hicks’ experience in the schooling arena proves his expertise as a Dressage Trainer.

Matt Hicks has experience to pass on built on his own experience through a varied riding career both eventing and in the dressage arena.  He trained initially with the late Debbie Johnson (Landford Stud) gaining experience in the event world to CCI3* before focusing on dressage in the 2002/3 seasons building his practice, equestrian career and knowledge base over the next 8 years before taking on the glorious Hurstbourne Equestrian Centre with his partner in 2011.  The advantage of being tutored by a professional rider with a string of top class horses is that, for clients who need an understanding of the next level, Matt is keen for his pupils to experience how a movement should feel by allowing clients to have School Master Lessons on an Advance dressage horse.

Matt has taken full advantage of the facilities and his wonderful stable staff going from strength to strength taking six major titles between 2012 and last year both Nationally and Internationally.

His success and his fabulous competition rides are supporting his claim to equestrian prowess and experience in the Grand Prix arena The lovely Excalibur, who has 287 BD points to date is owned jointly with Ms Annie Bacharach and campaigned at FEI Inter 2 . This season Matt Hicks has already, already taken 6 points and a steady stream of the ribbons. This expressive 10 year old is by the Warendorfs Ehrentusch himself a grand prix horse who has 17 progeny competing in the international dressage arena.

In Sheepcote Walnut an AES gelding from the proven performance dressage lines bred by the Pincus family who had several successes on their horses at the recent Hartpury Festival of Dressage.  Sheepcote Walnut is By Sheepcote Wurlitzer Owned by Serena and David Pincus who is by Weltmyer/Worldcup , and was successfully ridden at grand prix by David. His other progeny competing at grand prix include Sheepcote Whistle. The Pincus’ are undoubted experts in their field with successes for Sheepcote horses at this weekends Hartpury Festival of Dressage.

His other ride on the syndicated El Zorro, whose antics are all part of his up beat approach to his job! Is by the KWPN Amsterdam by Argentinus out of Touch of Class (by Tin Rocco x Barsoi xx) a dressage stallion who stood in Spain his dam Toline was also a KWPN horse. El Zorro is highly successful and Matt Competes him at FEI PSG having started his competitive career in 2009 he has now amassed an impressive BD 363 points to date.

The Duke (X), a handsome grey is now competing at Medium and is aimed at the Winter Championships. Ali Hincliffe (Matts right hand girl!) campaigned him last year.

And the nine year old Flemming offspring, Balance, out of KWPN mare Kaylee. A hansome Bay owned by Matt Himself, who, I believe, is competing at Advanced and Medium Advanced with Matt.

As a professional Dressage Trainer Matt Excells with the youngsters in his stable.

A young stallion (2011) Gaudeamus by Florencio 1 (Sensation) x Ulfia x Jazz (WBSFH top 5 Dressage Stallion 2013 and 2014) owned by Matt with Mrs Ali Hill and Mr Terry Hill.

The Hugely successful Chameur by Florencio 1 (sensation) x Elite KWPN Trendy also by x Jazz 2010 Champion KWPN Spring Stallion 2012 PAVO Cup winner (Edward Gals’ ride Glock Zonik is by Chameur) reflects the possibility of Gaudeamus as a stallion for the future.

The combined Florencio x Jazz bloodlines are extremely popular, and successful; the progeny exhibiting the grace, elevation and power of their breeding lines. White socks are definitely a feature of the line along with an elegant head and intelligent look.

At year older Fiderschwung by Fidertanz (Grand Prix Dr.) by Fidermark I (Grad.Prix Dr.) x Sandro Hit 1 lines (WSBFH top 8 2013 and 7 2014) again owned by Matt along with Mrs Sandra Thomas  an elegant chestnut with the build so liked by Matt strong through the shoulder and second thigh with a well set refined neck and the modern longer back which give these horses their ground covering advantage. Fiderscwung has started his competitive career and gaining a respectable 4th place at his BYHN5OQ last month.

His third Young horse Skyscraper is by Secano (2006 Holstein Champion) Cor De La Bryere lines x Donna.  An attractive well made iron grey Oldenburg with characteristically long legs on top of lovely black feet. A young horse with a lot of growing to do yet but an interested look in a calm face with well set ears and nostrils, he looks like he will make a nice picture for the judges in the arena in time, for his owners Ms Annemarie Dolan and Mr Mathew Metcalfe

Matt Hicks as Hicks Equestrian is a BD Accredited Coach, a professional dressage and eventing trainer and an International Dressage Rider who operates for his friendly 5* competition yard Hurstbourne Equestrian Centre which is on a large private estate.

Matt has both long and short term clients horses at livery for training and all levels are catered for

General

Horse Scout Stallion Review: Woodlander Stud Stallion: Fransje.

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The heart melting young stallion Fransje standing at the Woodlander Stud is a beautifully bred bay KWPN / Dutch Warmblood.

Graded with AES, Oldenburg and WBS_UK his listing on Horse Scout describes his sire, United, as one of many successful licensed son’s of the international Grand Prix horse Krack C, whose other son’s include Redford, Tolando, Tuschinski, Trento B, Zhivago who was Champion of the 2011 Z level KWPN Stallion Competition at Den Bosch and also the amazing Vivaldi.

His Dam line (Tirette) brings accredited keur and preferent mares and the Tirette is by the International Grand Prix stallion Silvano N was individually placed 6th at the Sydney Olympic Games and was crowned the 2002 Dutch Dressage Champion,.

Woodlander Stud are please to say that Fensje was approved by the Oldenburg Verband with particular mention of his movement and mechanics. 2014; saw his first foal crop where he added huge movement and elasticity.

In 2014 he also completed his 70 day test at Schlickau and is now life approved for Oldenburg.

Proven Progeny       For One Night Only (Fransje x Mondriaan x Ulft)

You can find Fransje’s profile on the Horse Scout website by using this link to his stallion profile page here

Professional Rider

How to compete using a “Class Ticket”. Tried and Tested, Job Done!

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Yesterday Horse Scout Blogger spotted that you could get a free class ticket on the British Dressage facebook page but “What are class tickets?”

By buying a class ticket, you can enter one British Dressage class without being a member or having a registered horse. You can use class tickets to compete and will be eligible to win rosettes and prize money, but will not receive BD points or qualification, except for Area Festivals and Combined Training Championships. If a rider using a class ticket wins a qualifier other than those specified above, qualification will pass to the next eligible competitor. You can buy a class ticket from the British Dressage Web site. These are also available in the competition section of this website. You will need to pay the usual class entry fee and abide by British Dressage Rules rules.

British Dressage say: Much more than just a ticket to compete!

If you are already competing in unaffiliated dressage competitions and want to get more involved in this fantastic sport then British Dressage is the place for you! Much more than just a ticket to compete, BD, the National Governing body for the sport in the UK, is a nationwide club for all things dressage, offering training, competitions, information and social opportunities for all. Your horse can earn nationally recognised BD points and you can qualify to take part in prestigious Championships or Festivals.

Most of all affiliated dressage is accessible. Complete competition schedules and lists of training days arrive on your doormat every two months as part of BD magazine. The BD website also carries this vital information (and much more!), and staff at the BD office are on hand during office hours to answer any queries you have. From where to go and what to wear, to competing internationally and representing your country – British Dressage is working to help you get the most out of your sport.

Getting Started

All affiliated shows are open to the public and the major championships are excellent opportunities to see the best at all levels and particularly the nation’s dressage celebrities competing for prestigious national titles. You may also want to go along to your local affiliated venue to check out the facilities and the competition!

You can get a taste for affiliated competition without becoming a full BD member by using class tickets available through the BD shop or by entering Prelim classes.

Class tickets cost £8 each and each ticket allows you to enter one affiliated dressage class without being a member or having your horse registered. You can win rosettes and prize money but you will not receive BD points or any qualifications. You can also use Class Tickets to gain the score sheets needed to qualify to enter an Area Festival.

More information about class tickets here

Professional Rider

Looking for Livery near London? Mandy Day and Edward Brook at Caldecote Farm Livery

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Horse Scout Blogger has been keeping an eye on the new listings.  If you are looking for training with top professionals or for livery with great hacking and facilities near London; then look no further!

Caldecote Farm is a professional equestrian centre for all aspects of horse management including livery and competition training. Owned by show jumper Edward Brook and dressage rider Mandy Day, who pride themselves on providing all the services you would expect from a pedigree equestrian centre, including the breaking, schooling and sale of top quality horses.

Easy located, Caldecote Farm is just 14 miles from Central London. Set amongst 50 acres of pasture with stunning views over the Hertfordshire countryside and North London, Caldecote Farm is perfectly positioned within a network of local bridleways. Our own bridge provides access to some fantastic hacking – including the grounds of Munden House Estate, Elstree aerodrome and along the banks of the River Colne and Otterspool Water Meadows.  Heck out their profile here.

A bit about Edward Brook:

Edward Brook started riding horses seriously at the age of 15 and gained his BHSII by the age of 19, making him one of the youngest people at the time to achieve this qualification. He soon realised that he found show jumping the most exciting of all the riding disciplines. He is a highly respected rider on the circuit – competing both internationally and nationally. He has also ridden horses for many owners. He is always on the lookout for young stock in the hope of finding a new star, and has produced horses from three years old to a Grade A standard, ready for selling.

Edward managed Patchetts Equestrian Centre for five years, and helped to make it the place it is today before buying into Caldecote Farm. Like Mandy, he has a passion for teaching and is a Level 3 credited coach for the BSJA, encouraging his pupils to get the most out of their horses in a sympathetic and motivating way. He has helped train Mandy up to Prix St. George dressage.

He is keen to help his pupils from Pony Club through to J/A, from the novice rider to the more experienced; young riders to the more mature.

…and Mandy’s Bio:

A professional competition rider and trainer based in Hertfordshire, London. Trained by Grand Prix rider Lisa Hopkins. Successfully competed at all levels up to Inter II, qualifying for regionals and nationals. Very successful with 4-5 year olds, making all the young horse finals last year. Love training and seeing great improvements in all her clients. Mandys competitive forecast for the coming season: Young international 4 year old qualifier Shearwater, 4 year old qualifier Badminton horse, 4 year old qualifier PSG & Inter 1 Keysoe.

Mandy Day has a strong personal connection with Caldecote Farm. She bought it 3½ years ago after using the livery herself for 20 years, which gives her a unique perspective and a real understanding of what a horse owner wants. Not only does she live on site with her partner Edward and daughter Georgina, she is in the yard throughout the day.

Having competed successfully in show jumping and eventing, she now focuses on dressage and can help with all riding disciplines. With her own two horses, she has competed in the first season at Prix St. Georges – in addition to qualifying for the Advanced Medium Open, PSG Freestyle, Advanced Medium Freestyle and the Wellington Advanced Medium Freestyle.

She enjoys competing at a higher level, as it gives her clients a chance to see her in action.  She also loves teaching and passing on the knowledge she has learnt over the years, encouraging riders at different levels to reach their full potential.  She is a firm believer that attaining a sense of self-confidence is a large part of riding well. To contact Mandy directly follow this link here.

Caldicote hold their own Summer Championship show with intro, prelim, novice and elementary classes once a month May through August with the championship being held on 28th September.

They also have Reggies Bar & Bistro on site.  A wonderful Bistro overlooking the lake with panoramic countryside views. Click here for more info in this fantastic little place.

Professional Rider

Horse Scout Bloggers’ Professional Profile Review: Olivia Oakeley.

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From pony club star to international success as Young Rider European Team member in 2012,13 and 14. Now an International dressage rider with 5 European Championships and a BEF World Class Squad member since 2010; Horse Scouts’ newly listed Professional Freelance trainer Olivia Oakeley was bought her fabulous 16hh Dimaggio gelding called Donna Summer, a big moving five year old who had only been backed for three months, when she was just 13. For a 13 yr old child this was a huge ask and many people doubted the purchase! Together, ‘Rio’ and I trained hard and both of us have worked together to show what we can achieve. In 2007 we became Under 21 Novice National Champions and represented BYRDS South West at Home Internationals in Scotland (Novice) and Wales (Medium) where we were Reserve Champions in both competitions. During the next couple of years, Rio and I continued to work hard alongside my school work.

on Olivias’ website bio she goes on to say:

In 2009 after I finished my GCSEs, I was lucky enough to go to Carl Hester’s yard for two weeks, working in return for lessons. Carl asked me to stay on as his working pupil and so at 16 years old having attained 7 A’s and 2 B’s in GCSEs, I left home. Rio and I continued to improve and show success by becoming Advanced Medium Regional Champions. Following that we went on to become Reserve Advanced Medium National Champions. By this point we had been noticed by the British Under 21 selectors and we were put onto the U21 Progress Squad with a view to competing at Junior level in International competitions. We continued to gain good marks in the Junior Team test and were selected to compete for Great Britain at Addington CDI in April 2010. We came 5th in the Team test and were the highest placed British combination. From there, we were sent to Moorsele, Belgium where we came 11th in the Team Test and improving to 11th in the Individual Test.

The peak of our success was in 2010, when we were selected for the Junior European Team in Kronberg, Germany. We were to be the pathfinders of the team and ended up with an international personal best of 67.24% in 16th place in the team test and the 2nd highest placed British rider with the Team coming 5th. 2011 brought great news as Donna Summer and I were selected for World Class Potential Start Squad. This is huge recognition for us both and we will endeavour to keep on improving and being successful.

In 2011, I was selected for the Junior European Team and then the Young Rider European Team in 2012, 2013 and 2014 where I had three personal best scores all over 70% and finished in 5th place. My goal is to be on future Senior Teams. Alongside my competition commitments, I am a freelance rider and trainer whilst also riding for Lordswood Dressage and I still train with Carl Hester. I have been on the BEF World Class programme since 2010.The peak of our success was in 2010, when we were selected for the Junior European Team in Kronberg, Germany. We were to be the pathfinders of the team and ended up with an international personal best of 67.24% in 16th place in the team test and the 2nd highest placed British rider with the Team coming 5th. 2011 brought great news as Donna Summer and I were selected for World Class Potential Start Squad. This is huge recognition for us both and we will endeavour to keep on improving and being successful.

In 2011, I was selected for the Junior European Team and then the Young Rider European Team in 2012, 2013 and 2014 where I had three personal best scores all over 70% and finished in 5th place. My goal is to be on future Senior Teams. Alongside my competition commitments, I am a freelance rider and trainer whilst also riding for Lordswood Dressage and I still train with Carl Hester. I have been on the BEF World Class programme since 2010.

Operating ofrom her glousestershire base, Olivia Offers a freelance training programme for your horse.  Click here to make an enquiry.

Professional Rider

The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sports Excellence (AASE) programmes at Hartpury .

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The Uk has an amazing scheme in Hartpury, aimed at 16-19 year olds. A perfect way for young and aspiring elite athletes to prepare for life in professional sport.The scheme will be offered across three different disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Para-dressage.   The open day is fast approaching. 

In comparison; this morning Horse Scout retweeted an editorial piece on American young riders.  

“Teenage Snowbirds? Just Part of Being a Young Equestrian” It made for interesting reading and a great concept.  Bringing young American riders together, in a competitive arena, with a 12 week annual season of coaching and training rounds.  The cost was eye watering with keen parents spending upwards of $23,000 over the season of weekend training. Admittedly this did include everything, stabling barns (One string included upwards of 70 horses: only in America I thought as I read that!)  coaching and entry fees, accommodation and travel etc.  All this with an element of the Jones about it, as may be, but the concept seemed to be a brilliant one and for those who want to become top professionals then this is obviously an opportunity to progress.  The UK has its own answer to this though.  On the British Dressage website today I read about a scheme in Hartpury.  The open day is fast approaching so if you want to take part in this then get your skates on.

Hartpury’s multi-million pound facilities and international level coaching give select Dressage and Eventing riders the perfect opportunity to develop their skills, learn how to manage all aspects of a professional riding career, and continue their education. Through the AASE scheme, young riders who have a real chance of competing on the international stage will be professionally supported and trained to achieve their goals. Who is eligible? 

The scheme will be offered across three different disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Para-dressage.

You must

  • Have 5 GCSE’s A* to C, including Maths and English.
  • Be aged 16 and over by August 31st 2015, and under 19 years of age by the same date.
  • Be resident in England

Eventing AASE criteria for 16 – 18 year olds

The following criteria must be achieved

  • Top 25% of starters in a CCI1* – from 1st July 2014 to close of application date
  • Top 25% of starters in the 2015 National U18 Championships
  • Long listed for the 2015/14 Junior European Team
  • Long listed for the 2015/14 Pony European Team
  • Top 25% of starters at the 2014 U18 Regional Team Championships
  • Top 25% of starters in the 2014 Pony Club Open Championships

The qualifying (MER’s) results are as follows

FEI Qualification CCI1*
75 or less in the dressage
16 or less in the show jumping
clear  in the cross country
36 or less in the cross country time penalties

Pony Club Championships
50 or less in the dressage
16 or less in the show jumping
clear cross country with no more than the 36 in the time penalties

DRESSAGE
Riders should be competing consistently at Medium level and above and achieving 65% or more. (Applicants should have a minimum of four results at the level required in the 12 months prior to application).

Riders will also be considered on younger horses (up to 7 years of age) who demonstrate the potential to compete successfully at International level and are already competing consistently at Elementary or above and achieving 70% or more.  Please note freestyle scores do not count towards minimum criteria.

PARA EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE 
Riders must have a current classification and should be consistently and currently scoring 62% in their relevant grade at BD Para Dressage Competitions.  Please note freestyle scores cannot be counted

On top of this, applicants, aged 16-19, will need to display a willingness to learn and the desire and commitment to succeed.

What do you gain from it?

By doing the Advanced Apprenticeship in sporting excellence you will give yourself the best chance to succeed in your chosen discipline. Apprentices will combine their riding with units aimed at preparing them for all aspects of their future career. Those selected for the course will have aspirations to compete internationally and will be guided throughout to make sure this dream can be achieved.

Apprentices will also have access to a range of specialist, professional services including physiotherapy, strength & conditioning and sports psychology.

How and when do I apply?

Open day – Thursday 9th April  

We’re holding an open day for potential applicants on Thursday 9th April. Those attending the day MUST have or be close to meeting the above requirements in their chosen discipline. If you meet, or are close to meeting, the criteria then you can sign up here.

  •          Applications open – February 2nd 2015
  •          Open day – Thursday 9th April
  •          Applications close – May 29th
  •          Selection and notification – June 2015
  •          Programme induction day – Saturday September 5th
  •          Programme starts – September 2015.

If you meet the entry criteria (under the Who is eligible? section) then please download both forms on the left and fill in all the fields before returning by either:

  • Scanning and emailing to admissions@hartpury.ac.uk
  • Faxing a copy to 01452 700629
  • Posting it to Admissions, Hartpury College, Hartpury, Glos, GL19 3BE
British Dressage

Classical principals from across the pond – Dressage Clinics with Stephen Hayes this summer

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USA based Professional rider Stephen Hayes –has recently created a profile on Horse Scout.  Horse Scout Blogger noticed, on his face book page, that he is back in the UK from 25th July until 7th August and is available to run clinics for you

Stephen Hayes is a British 23 year old, who has worked and trained with some of the worlds best in dressage, he has trained with Olympic team riders and FEI judges who have judged all the way to WEG, Europeans and Olympic Games. Stephen, a well respected British rider is known for his way of riding and also his way of teaching riders. Stephen has been in extremely high demand to host Dressage clinics within the UK and with upwards of 60 clinics to date.  He is based at the spectacular world class facility in Florida and New Jersey with Piaffe Performance . Stephen rides and trains a number of horses and clients from young to highly advanced and enjoys the journey and progression more than anything else.

Stephens Bio:

I’ve always had a love and desire to one day work in the United States, ever since I first visited the country on holiday with my family back in 2001. So in December 2012 age 21, I made a huge decision to move out to the States to ride, teach and compete on one of most successful yards in America, Piaffe Performance. It’s situated in New Jersey during the summer months (45 mins from NYC) and Wellington, Florida known as the ‘Capital of the equestrian world’ during the winter show season, (10 mins from West Palm Beach). For me this move has been the best decision I’ve ever made, I work with an incredibly talented team of riders and grooms and have a wide range of enthusiastic clients which I coach on a daily basis. At Piaffe Performance I ride a range of horses from the young and uneducated all the way to Grand Prix horses. I’ve also had the opportunity to compete at many a show, one of the most recent was at ‘Dressage at Devon’ arguably the biggest show of the year in the USA, I competed one of the horses I ride daily in the higher advanced medium class, against other very high profile riders including some who had been in previous Olympics, what an incredible experience. During my time in America I’ve met and trained with some of the most respected riders, trainers and judges in the world and been to some amazing places outside the dressage world, previously I trained in Barcelona, Spain Beatrice Ferrer Salat, one of the finest dressage riders in the world, who has competed many a time in the Olympics, there I learnt how to really understand what feels correct when riding a horse and how to ride and train the upper level movements. I had the opportunity to ride amazing horses and occasionally horses like Olympic qualifiers; words can’t describe how unreal that was to be able to do that. Not only were the horses out of this world but the actual yard was the most prestige and luxurious I’ve ever seen in my life and in any magazine, the horses we’re literally treated like Kings. My experience in Spain was more than just educational, I was working hard and long days and in return had intense training from Beatrice, and I could never thank her enough for what she did for me as rider. I went on to train with Vicki Thompson-Winfield for 9 months in Surrey, a previous GB rider for the Olympics, another very valuable experience for me.

If you are interested in taking a clinic with Stephen then click through to his profile page on Horse Scout