Questions and Answers to
Help with Your Dressage Training

 

Question: 
I
have a big, 17.2 hand, large bodied warmblood gelding that just runs through me in the lateral work. An example is in the shoulder-in, I can keep him moving forward, but I can't move his shoulders off the rail. I get my inside seat bone into him to move him laterally, but those shoulders just don't budge. In leg yields, the same thing. He runs through the outside shoulder with his haunches trailing terribly. Do you have any suggestions on how to control his shoulders? When I half halt he will stiffen. I'm a small woman, 5'5", 110 lbs., and I think he just sort of takes me for a ride! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Marie
Cleveland, Ohio

Answer:  

You may want to consider putting him in training for a few months to make your life a little easier. If that is not an option for you, then there are two things that I would suggest. First, I would work on transitions to get him more on your aides. Then in the lateral work use those transitions to your benefit. When he takes over, stay in the movement but go to the walk and then back to the trot. Make him wait for you. Good Luck. 

Michelle 

 

Question: 
Dear Michelle,

I am a big fan of yours and Rudolf Zeilinger. I have all of his tapes and watch you all the time on the '96 Olympics. I totally agree with your training practices and try to reinforce all of it with my horses. I'm in my late thirties and finally have a really nice horse to work with, I had him when he was fifteen months old. He just turned four and I started riding him. He's a Hannoverian and very smart. He's accepted me on his back but is a bit stubborn about going forward. Once I get him in the trot, he will just stop on his own. The last three weeks I've incorporated help with two people at either end of the ring with lunge whips to get after him, because he does get defensive. He's not nervous at all. Maybe too relaxed, but he is not lazy either. He runs around a lot on his own. I haven't started using the whip yet in case he gets an attitude with that. I work him 3 days a week, a half an hour at a time. He is getting a little better but do you have any suggestions that will keep him going on his own? Thanks so much.

Jackie 
Sandwich, MA

Answer:  

Dear Jackie,

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question. Start with the basics. He has to understand from the beginning to go forward. I might suggest wearing a small pair of spurs to encourage some type of reaction from the leg. The other option is to carry a whip. This way, if he doesn't give you a response, you are able to reinforce the concept. As long as you use these things in moderation, you will be fine. If problems continue, give us a call and come down for a month or two for training so that we can get past this and on with other things. 

Michelle

 

Question: 
Dear Michelle:

I have a Hannoverian Warmblood, Glazier. He sometimes likes to rout. I have tried many ways to try to correct this problem, but none have seemed to work. Do you have any suggestions?

Brittany 
Charleston, S.C. 

Answer:  

Brittany,

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question. Routing is a common problem with the connection in some horses. My advice to you is to focus on allowing Glazier to find the connection himself. You will need to encourage him to become more active from behind so that the energy that is created leads to a true connection and to a quiet receiving hand. Initially, work to get him more responsive to your leg. Be cautious that you don't confuse speed with activity. Eventually, as he becomes stronger behind he will learn to carry himself in an acceptable frame without routing on the hand. Ideally, you are working with a professional that will also be able to help you through making some positive corrections while getting him more forward. Good Luck.

Michelle

 

Question: 
Dear Michelle,

Any thoughts on the use of side reins and cavelettis for a young horse (four year old Hannoverian)?

Daisy 

Answer:  

Dear Daisy,

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question. I typically use lunging only to get the "bucks out". Or, with a difficult horse, I will use sidereins. I do not believe it is possible to get a horse working over his back with sidereins because of the lack of activity in the hind leg. It is best to do the training from the saddle. The use of cavelettis can be a fun thing for both horse and rider. A necessity, no. Also some jumping can be a good experience, if that is something that you enjoy. Good Luck with his progress.

Michelle

 

Question: 
What is a really good book to use/read to teach correct dressage from the beginning? 
Thanks so much, Jennifer 

Jennifer 
Benecia, CA

Answer:  

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question. I recommend the following books:
  • Principles of Riding: The official handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation 
  • Advanced Techniques of Riding: The official handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation 
  • Dressage with Kyra

I would also recommend Rudolf Zeilinger's videotape series. 

I hope that you find them informative. 

Michelle

 

Question: 
Dear Michelle, 

I am fifteen years old and I do competitions. My big dream is to become like you to have my own stable and go to the Olympic Games. The only problem is the money. To do provincial and national competitions, I would have to be rich. It's for that that I want commanditaires (Like you can see, I don't talk English really often and I don't know how to say "commanditaries"), but I don't know how. I suppose you have some and I'd like you to tell me what to do to have it. I really appreciate your help. 
Sincerely, Sarah 

Sarah

Answer:  

Dear Sarah,

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question. Finances are always a concern for athletes involved in any sport, especially equestrian sports. However, there are always opportunities for talented riders who are willing to work hard to achieve success. My advice to you is to make the most out of the resources that you do have. Get the best training that you can afford. You might also consider a working student program. 

Having a horse is not a necessity. Many places prefer if you go as a working student, that you don't have a horse. What is important is the quality of the training. Eventually you will have proven your abilities and opportunities such as training grants and sponsorships will be a realistic avenue for you to pursue. Keep in mind that money is a tool, it may make your journey easier but it is not a determining factor. I am living proof of that. Good luck and much success. 

Michelle

 

Question: 
I am looking for more information on the Schulteis system. Can you help me? Thanks so much. 

Tracy

Answer:
 

Good Question. This is one that has been asked many times. Any riding system is going to vary from trainer to trainer. I can tell you what the most important things for me are: 
  • The energy from the hind leg forward to the bit and the elasticity it creates. 
  • The horses must be happy in their work.
  • Accepting that every horse is different and many need to be ridden differently from others, yet never losing sight of the points previously pointed out. 
  • and finally, how the rider's seat affect's the horse both positively and negatively.

The specific ABC's are something that has to be figured out by learning and understanding the system.

Michelle

 

Question: 
Dear Michelle: 

I am an experienced rider with a hunter jumper background and am interested in learning dressage, especially to give my most recent young horse a very solid foundation. Right now he is 2 years and 3 months so he isn't ready to be ridden yet, but I was wondering what type of groundwork you would consider appropriate for a horse his age. He is ½ app and ½ TB so he's a type that tends to mature earlier compared with warmbloods. I am currently looking for a trainer in my area but during my conversations/ interviews with them, I have found a lot of conflicting opinions on what kind of training program is appropriate. (i.e. whether or not to lunge, long line, or back the horse). With your credentials, expertise and depth of experience in classical dressage, I imagine you'd be a great resource for how to sort through the confusion! Janelle

Janelle 
Los Altos, Ca

Answer:  

Without having seen or being acquainted with your horse I can only generalize. At two years and three months I concentrate on ground manners, leading, walk and trot in hand, grooming, washing, and asking them to pick up their feet. This work is sufficient for now. Depending on his maturity level, lunging with a saddle and bridle (first with a bridle only) is where I would begin. You want to be sure he understands the basics: large circles, accepting the lunge whip, etc. then start with the saddle. Only short workouts to start, and then when he is good with these concepts, go ahead and sit on him. Start with leaning over his back and going on from there. This will take a little while. Then build his confidence with intervals of walk and see how he is and add a few minutes of trot. A lot depends on how physically mature he is. You can always back him and then give him some time to develop and then start him for good. Good Luck.

Michelle

 

Question: 
Dear Michelle,

There are several riders here who rode with Lyndon Rife for a number of years. Since he has moved, we've been hearing different versions of your training philosophy and practices from different people. Phrases like "pretend you're sitting on a cloud " and using various minute anatomical changes in the rider's position to affect the horse comes to mind. Could you please briefly state your philosophy and tactics so we won't be confused by statements attributed to you by others? Thank you very much for your time and consideration. 

Linda 

Answer:  

Dear Linda,

Thank you for your ask Michelle question. This phrase is not one that I would personally use. I find that it does not give you any direction. One thing I always try to emphasize to the professionals that I work with is the importance of their own interpretation of my philosophy and system. We all have different experiences, different horses, different strengths and because we are all different people we will have different results. No two riders will ever be the same even if they are educated in the same system. However, the principles remain the same. The examples that you have used may have been appropriate for the circumstance and situation in which they were stated. If you are interested in having a better understanding of the terminology and examples I personally use, I would encourage you to see me ride or teach or audit and participate in a clinic. Or, perhaps, plan a visit to my home base. I am certain that you will hear familiar phrases and leave with a better understanding of these concepts. You will also be able to see why I encourage my riders to sit a certain way, and how it affects the horse that they are sitting on, for example.

Michelle

 

Question: 
Dear Michelle:

I would like to know if you do any cross training to prepare for dressage. Do you run or lift weights in addition to riding? I am interested in increasing my strength and agility in the saddle. What do you recommend? 
Thanks so much.

Patti 
Monroe, Georgia

Answer:  

Dear Patti:

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question. I believe that cross- training is a beneficial pursuit for athletes in any sport. I encourage my riders to be well- rounded athletes. As with any athletic endeavor a sound fitness and nutrition program is important. Because I spend so many hours in the saddle each day, I personally do not get to the gym as often as I would like. Riding is a wonderful avenue for building strength, however, it does not do as much for cardiovascular fitness. I would encourage you to pursue a fitness and stretching program and am confident that you find it to be beneficial for your strength and endurance in the saddle.

Michelle

 

Question:   
Dear Michelle,

I have more of a compliment than a question. I recently took part in your clinic at York Equestrian Center. I would like to thank you for a wonderful and enlightening lesson. You are a wonderful instructor and I am looking forward to you returning to Canada. I have nothing but the best of wishes to you, your students and your farm.

Take care and thank you again!!

Michela
London Ontario Canada

Question:   
Michelle,

I have a seven year old Dutch Gelding by Ferro. Lately, I have been having this problem where I pick up the reins and he immediately stops and backs up. I do eventually get him forward with a couple of swift kicks. I have had everything checked teeth, back, and equipment. Please let me know what you think the problem is. I think he just tries to avoid rounding his back because after, he works pleasantly.

Thank you,

Juliana Thomas
Hudson, Quebec, Canada

Answer:

Juliana,

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question. Your horse needs to be walking significantly forward in front of the leg. You have to react quickly, before he backs off, to send him forward. It is okay if he trots or canters off initially, bring him back to the walk and ask again. The second you begin to feel him want to stop, send him forward from the leg or whip. What is important is that he makes the effort to go forward. Good Luck!

Michelle

 

Question: 
I have an eight year old warm blood gelding who has had really bad training in the past. . He was ridden front to back, and he was run cross country in a double twisted wire bit. When I brought him home, I couldn’t even pick up the reins without his nose going all the way to his chest. I’ve worked on gaining his confidence back but anytime that he gets nervous, tense, or worried, he immediately reverts back to curling behind the bit. I have this problem at shows… he had horrible show experiences, too. Do you have any suggestions or advice to help me with this problem? He is a very willing horse with nice gaits, and I think that he has a lot of potential, so I am willing to stick it out through these difficult times. Thanks!

Sue
Knoxville, TN, USA
3/15/2001

Answer:  

Dear Sue:

Try a larger (medium) loose ring snaffle. Work at getting him connected from back to front. He has to make the contact. As you can imagine its going to take time and patience, however the more he is in front of the leg the better he will get. I am sending you training information directly to your e-mail address. 

Michelle

 

Question:  
What are your competition plans for this year? Where will you be going? Best wishes!

Susan
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
3/07/2001

Answer: 

Dear Susan,

Thank you for your Ask Michelle Question!

We have a very busy competition schedule this year. We are just finishing up the Winter show season in Florida. Many of my students are showing here and doing quite well. I have been concentrating a lot on coaching but I am eager to return to the competition arena myself. I have some very nice horses in training that I plan to campaign in the future. I have also found a horse for myself that I am trying to put together the financing that will enable me to purchase him. I have enclosed a list of all the shows that I will be attending this year. I hope to qualify riders for the USET Festival Of Champions again this year. I also have riders trying to qualify for Junior championships and the North American Young Riders Championships. Coaching is keeping me pretty busy for now!

Michelle

 

Question: 
I am an adult amateur training my six year old Trk/SWB. I started him by myself and have been taking clinics with various people. We placed fourth in the nation for the Trakehner Futurity. I was wanting to know where in Florida you might be giving some clinics and to see what your rates are. 

Thank you for your time.

Trish
Lake City, Florida, USA
3/07/2001

Answer:  

Dear Trish:

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question.

I conduct clinics throughout the United States and Canada. My clinic schedule is posted on the calendar page. I spend the months of December through March in Wellington, Florida, for the winter equestrian festival. Riders wishing to work with me from Florida usually travel to Wellington for their training. However, I will conduct clinics in other locations in Florida, but I do not have plans for that this year. Clinic rates vary depending on the organizer. They usually divide the costs among the participants. Any one who would like to organize and host a clinic for next year or inquire about training or lessons while I am in Florida may contact me by email. I wish you all the best with your horse.

Michelle

 

Question: 
I was wondering if you had any advice for riders/trainers interested in reaching the Olympics? Did you have a system to get there or did it just happen? Do you believe that American riders MUST travel to Germany to get a full Dressage education?

Tracy
Okemos, MI, USA

Answer:  

Dear Tracy:

Thank you for your Ask Michelle question.

No, It didn’t just happen. It took focus, determination, hard work, and humility. The time in Germany under the right circumstances is a great experience. I think the best advice I can give you is to be the best rider that you can be, and by following that path you will go where you want. 

Whether you train in Germany or America, the emphasis must be on the quality of the training. You must find a method that you can believe in and also do some research on the instructor that you are interested in training with.

Michelle

 

Question:  
I hope that you will be able to assist me in getting information for my business plan. I am a student at Lake Erie College, and I am taking an Equine Business Class. I have formed a sort of business plan exploring what it would take for me to work in Germany for several years, and return to the US and start my own venture. I have already studied in Germany for a year, and I am fluent in the language. I interned over the summer with a German rider in the states. He informed me that to go abroad and get more riding experience I need to be a more accomplished rider. However, I am looking for a broader experience than merely the riding. I would like to not only understand theory but also the industry in Germany. I want to make contacts, and find my niche. I have some ideas as to how I can prepare for this, but I would enjoy your input. How you feel I could best approach going abroad, what things can I do to ensure that I get the maximum out of my stay there. 

What opportunities might be available to me when I return? Any ideas, suggestions, or personal experience you might be able to give me I would most definitely appreciate. In addition, if you know of anyone else I might contact, please let me know. 
Deepest Thanks, 

Sarah
3/15/2001

Answer: 

Dear Sarah,

The only way to get to know the industry is to get involved in it. Therefore, I suggest that you contact the German riding school and the German Federation in Warendorf, Germany. Your instructor/ trainer gave you honest advice. Good luck to you!

Michelle

 

Question:  
Hello. My name is Auddy and I am doing a project for school and I chose you as my role model. I need information about you (I already got some) that I need. If you could please help me finish this project please e-mail me this information.

  • Your birthday
  • Hometown
  • Schooling
  • Outside Interest
  • Family
  • And any other information you wouldn’t mind sharing. 

I thank you so much and would please like you to answer my questions. Thank you so much. 

Sincerely, Auddy


Answer: 

Dear Auddy,

Thank you for your ask Michelle question. 

I was born on February 25, 1969 in Laurie, Maryland and shortly after moved to Roswell, Georgia. I attended high school and have since completed eleven years of training in Dressage. My outside interests include fishing, gardening, and dancing. I'm single, with close family ties with my mother and father and two sisters. I'm fluent in German and have a border collie dog named Markie. 

Michelle

 

Question: 
Hello. I'm interested in how you prepared your outdoor arena and your thoughts on the footing. I have an 85x220 outdoor arena here in Cincinnati and I train for the hunter, jumper and eventing competitions. I also don't like my current footing. I'd appreciate any information you could e-mail me.
Thanks in advance, 

Lynda
Cincinnati, OH, USA
11/03/2000

Answer: 

Lynda,

Thank you for your question. We are happy with our Precision EQ footing. I've asked Brad Thatcher to respond to you since he installed the arena and footing himself.

Regards, Michelle

Answer:

Lynda,

I am very happy with Precision EQ footing. It does not require water for proper consistency, it stays in place, less grooming is required, grooming is only smoothing, as there is no need to "fluff" it up. I completely reworked my arena base, putting in a self drainage layer of gravel. Rain falls right through the Precision EQ, and percolates through a layer of #8/10 to another layer of # 7 stone where it then drains out to the sides. Your long narrow arena lends itself well to a self draining design if you run the crown down the center line. I asked Precision EQ to send you some literature. If you don't have budget to rework the base, you can add Precision EQ to the existing footing material, add some C33 sand and probably get good results. If your maintenance staff can help you, the best way is to add a little at a time if you don't do a complete rework. That way you can evaluate how it works for your particular conditions. Get drainage problems solved before you start, as they wash away your progress.

Be sure to review the USDF footing pamphlet "Under Foot". It is available for about $10 from USDF. It does not have the magic answer for your arena, but the discussion is useful to teach you what to look for. I hope this helps. I'm happy to answer questions. 

Regards, Brad

 

 

| ASK MICHELLE | AWARDS | TRAINING | SPONSORS | STUDENTS | CALENDAR | NEWS | SALE HORSES |

Phone: (770) 663-4075
Fax: (770) 663-8809
E-Mail: michelle@applewood-farm.com
Designed and Developed by
Communication Design Solutions
© copyright  2001 - 2003
Communication Design Solutions,
all rights reserved