It presents step by-step training programs and showing advice from recognized experts in hunters, jumpers, equitation, dressage, and eventing, along with money- and time-saving ideas on health care and stable management.
Germany’s Johann Hinnemann offered attendees of the 2018 Adequan® U.S. Dressage Federatioin FEI Trainers Conference in Del Mar, California, a glimpse into his training philosophies. With Steffen Peters and Kathleen Raine among the demo riders and Christine Traurig as Hinnemann’s assistant and translator, the event had a family feel. The rest of the demo riders and the mostly upper-level trainers watching and participating in post-ride discussions got a two-day immersion in Hinnemann’s methods. A former coach of the German, Dutch and Canadian teams, the German Reitmeister is a sought-after instructor and continues to ride, breed and develop young horses in Germany and California. “Submission is the most important goal in every stage of training,” Hinnemann began at the Feb. 6–7 conference held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. “A supple horse…
Germany’s Johann Hinnemann is not a fan of a few new-fangled things in the sport. Short girths and saddle blocks that lock the rider into place are among them. Of short girths, he questioned how it’s possible to maintain the saddle’s centered position on the horse’s back when the rider must lean over so far to adjust it. During his riding demonstration, he summoned help from the ground to adjust his horse’s girth. Hinnemann said he loves his own Passier saddle that “was invented just after the First World War.” He wondered aloud, “Is it possible to buy a normal saddle anymore?” By “normal,” he meant a saddle that allows the rider enough room to move as needed to get and maintain his balance, rather than be “just stuck in…
For dressage enthusiasts, there may be no sight more breathtaking than a stunning Grand Prix horse and rider passaging effortlessly down centerline at a major international championship. But it’s the countless hours of work and worry behind the scenes by devoted grooms that help make that happen. What does it take to keep elite equine athletes like Valegro and Legolas happy, healthy and performing at their best both at home and on the road? Dressage Today spoke with four top grooms from around the world to get a sneak peek at their work behind the scenes as well as share some of their tips for success with your own horses. Following are thoughts from Great Britain’s Alan Davies, America’s Eddie Garcia, the Netherlands’ Vanessa Ruiter and Germany’s Carmen Thiemann. Know…
