FRENCH CLASSICAL DRESSAGE CLINIC A ROUSING SUCCESS

Halloween weekend in La Pine was the setting for Kathy Dussers first French Classical dressage clinic in Oregon! Snowy Range Riding school hosted the clinician who lives in Denver, Co......with half the participants riding at the School, on School horses and half at Starry Nights Boarding Stables, owned and operated by Dave and Linda Reid. Participants came from as far away as Ellensburg ,WA, Hillsboro, OR and Bend, OR. in addition several La Pine dressage enthusiasts. to ride with Kathy . One gelding, came all the way from Holland!
Participants were taught in a relaxed yet formal environment. The focus was on establishing the basics for each horse and rider, relaxation, rhythm, the correct cadence and use of the snaffle bit in a manner that helps the horse find and hold his own balance. There was a kindness and a forgiving of the horse in order to progress. Slowing the horses rhythm down encourages greater suspension and elasticity, as well as relaxation, and balance. Kathy is terrific at explaining the order of things to the student in a clear and concise way that makes sense, to both hear, and do. Lateral work was encouraged in the walk while warming up, as well as at all 3 gaits. Lateral work (sending the horse sideways as well as forward) is used as a way to gymnastisize the horse, make him stronger, more relaxed and supple, as well as on the riders aids. Correct use of the bit and making" the horses mouth, meaning teaching them to be soft on the bit and accept the hand rather than resist it, was also explained to each student.
Whether a student was starting with basics of developing their seat and hands and going in straight lines and circles while maintaining the contact and keeping a horse put together, on the bit, or advancing a horse, such as the Andalusian Stallion DW Companero who was working on piaffe, passage, Spanish walk, collecting the canter for pirouettes, and refining the shoulder in, Kathy was able to help each and every participant. The auditors all walked away with some great ideas too! Each one of the 9 riders experienced some magical moments with their horses over the course of 3 days of solid fun and learning, learning to ride in a beautiful, classical light way, that is equestrian art.

We are planning to have Kathy Dusser to Central Oregon every three months, so keep checking this page or give me a call for the schedule.

-MJ