Post by Calaminty Jane on Nov 1, 2013 8:39:07 GMT -5
Hi Everyone,
Last week, I spent a full day participating in Conrad Schumacher's Trainer's Workshop at Nancy Lavoie's farm in Ashby, MA. The next day I watched Arthur Kottas teach at Bare Spot Farm in Acton, MA...two very intense days, that's for sure!
Aside from the many discussions of theory, as they apply to actual riding & training, the big take away from my two days was the consistent kindness of both men. They were tough in their coaching, but always focused on what was the right thing for EACH horse and rider on that particular day. One must design work each day based on what the horse reveals, and the rider, too.
There was much attention paid to warming up, with Schumacher noting that mares often need more time to warm-up. One routinely has to assess and remember the intensity of the previous day's work and allow more time the next day, if the work was harder. This seems like common sense, but when we get new movements working or improved ways of going, it is very easy to get too ambitious and assume the horse can perform at that newer, higher level the next day as well. The science of muscle recovery tells us that slow and steady the next day, will help eliminate the toxins that may have built up in the muscles from more challenging work on the previous day. Both men move horses around a lot, each and every day, and in every session, developing circles of varying sizes, demanding accuracy of the bending in lateral work, designing square patterns and making numerous transitions in and out of gaits, as well as within gaits. This way, no one gets bored - the horses, the riders or the spectators!
Two grand days out - beautiful horses, focused riders and terrific instructors.
Educatedly Onward!
Holly.
Last week, I spent a full day participating in Conrad Schumacher's Trainer's Workshop at Nancy Lavoie's farm in Ashby, MA. The next day I watched Arthur Kottas teach at Bare Spot Farm in Acton, MA...two very intense days, that's for sure!
Aside from the many discussions of theory, as they apply to actual riding & training, the big take away from my two days was the consistent kindness of both men. They were tough in their coaching, but always focused on what was the right thing for EACH horse and rider on that particular day. One must design work each day based on what the horse reveals, and the rider, too.
There was much attention paid to warming up, with Schumacher noting that mares often need more time to warm-up. One routinely has to assess and remember the intensity of the previous day's work and allow more time the next day, if the work was harder. This seems like common sense, but when we get new movements working or improved ways of going, it is very easy to get too ambitious and assume the horse can perform at that newer, higher level the next day as well. The science of muscle recovery tells us that slow and steady the next day, will help eliminate the toxins that may have built up in the muscles from more challenging work on the previous day. Both men move horses around a lot, each and every day, and in every session, developing circles of varying sizes, demanding accuracy of the bending in lateral work, designing square patterns and making numerous transitions in and out of gaits, as well as within gaits. This way, no one gets bored - the horses, the riders or the spectators!
Two grand days out - beautiful horses, focused riders and terrific instructors.
Educatedly Onward!
Holly.