As a devoted dressage enthusiast, I have learned from many perspectives since 1988: German dressage with non-gaited horses, French dressage with gaited and non-gaited horses, and dressage as applied to the naturally gaited horse. These facets of dressage form my unique approach to developing naturally smooth gaits.
My dressage journey has been influenced by many amazing people.
Jennie Jackson is a true gaited dressage pioneer. She is the first and only person in history to have trained and ridden a Tennessee Walking Horse to the highest levels of dressage with her remarkable stallion, the late Champagne Watchout. Jennie has played a pivotal role in teaching me how to achieve quality smooth gaits through dressage. Her expertise has not only improved my Tennessee Walking Horse’s performance but has boosted my confidence as a rider.
Larry Whitesell and Jennifer Bauer have also left a lasting impact on my training journey. Their teachings on relaxation, balance, and lightness for naturally gaited horses have been invaluable. They have helped me understand the crucial difference between domination-based training methods and training based on respect and meeting the horse’s needs. Larry’s classical French dressage background pointed me to the teachings of renowned French dressage Masters Philippe Karl and the late Jean Claude Racinet through their books and videos.
Another influential figure in my training journey is Susan Norman, who had the privilege of being a working student under both Philippe Karl and Jean Claude Racinet. Susan introduced me to essential French dressage concepts such as “hands without legs” and “legs without hands.” This emphasis of separating the brake pedal from the gas pedal opened the door to riding with lightness that I had been searching for with my gaited horses. Susan also instilled in me the philosophy of “asking” rather than “making” the horse perform.
Under the guidance of Nichole Walters, another student of Philippe Karl, I learned the importance of in-hand work and teaching a horse how to accept and follow a snaffle bit contact. Through a series of flexion exercises, both from the ground and in the saddle, Nichole taught me how to develop meaningful communication, balance, relaxation, and connection with the horse. She also introduced me to unique dressage exercises like the flechi droit and jambette.
Most recently, Linda Kaye Hollingsworth Jones, who also studied under Philippe Karl for seven years, has been instrumental in combining the fine language of French dressage with me and my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse, Makana. Linda emphasized the significance of having an intentional program tailored to the horse’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. With her guidance, I have been able to develop a strong partnership with my gaited horses based on trust and respect.
Dressage is a language
All of these experiences have shaped my belief in the power of dressage as a language with the gaited horse through the hand, leg, seat and weight aids. Whether my horse and I are in the arena, exploring the trails, jumping fences, negotiating trail obstacles, or maneuvering sneaky cows, the principles of dressage guide our communication.
This approach focuses on achieving harmony and relaxation, fostering a relationship built on respect for the horse’s well being. By prioritizing relaxation, balance, forward movement, rhythm, and connection, I am able to develop quality smooth gaits and enhance the horse’s overall strength, flexibility, and long-term soundness.
Dressage as a program
Dressage is not just a set of techniques; it is a progressive journey that considers the horse’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Starting with in-hand exercises, I gradually transition to saddle training with a focus on a balanced riding position and effective use and timing of my rein, leg, seat, and weight aids, ensuring that the horse progresses at their own pace. This intentional program allows for the development of a consistent partnership based on effective communication.
Dressage has purpose
Dressage has become the cornerstone of my training philosophy for naturally gaited horses. It is a language that transcends disciplines and enables me to communicate effectively with my horse where ever we go and what ever we do together. With a focus on meeting the horse where the horse is at and leading the horse into relaxation, balance, forward movement without rushing, rhythm, symmetry, and collection, dressage enhances the quality of smooth gaits and the full range of motion over time. Dressage also enables long term soundness and fosters a partnership of harmony between me and my horses.
Enjoy the journey to longer strides and smoother gaits!
