The Gifted Fund

Katrina Christy

USDF Region 7

The Gifted Fund

I had the opportunity to ride with Steffen Peters the first time in January of 2003. He made me realize that as a rider, we make the standards, not the horse. He gave me a lot of encouragement. I realized that my horse, Prodigio had the desire to please and was a willing partner. What more can we ask of our equine partners?

When I found out that I was the selected as the 2004 grant recipient of the Carol Lavell Gifted Fund, I knew that I wanted to work with Steffen Peters again.

I participated in a two-day clinic with Mr. Peters earlier this year. Again, he emphasized as a rider, we should have high standards. For example, when you ask for an extended trot-expect an 8 extended trot, not just a 6 or 7.

At that point, my horse tended not to be as light on the forehand as he should be for his level of work (Fourth Level). We first worked on engaging his hind-quarters by working on straightness exercises in the canter. I asked him to really reach with his hind legs as I rode him deeper and rounder. I had to make sure that I did not allow him pull me down. If he did, Mr. Peters explained that I should quickly correct by going forward at a medium canter and then back to a collected canter then go on. He also added that I must keep my weight in the heel to deepen my seat. I found that this really helped me sit better in the saddle. He also added that we as riders should not help the horse out with our lower leg. This can actually interfere with the movement of the horse. With canter/walk transitions, make sure that you really collect the horse 3-4 strides before asking for the walk. While doing all of this, Mr. Peters pointed out that you must ask yourself if you can maintain collection with lighter leg aids. This is actually the basis of pirouettes. Remember, no compromises!

At the walk we must insist on the strides to be regular- can't comprise. The strides should be longer with good rhythm. The horse must respect the leg. Make sure that he is supple, then leave him alone once good! Once the walk is clearer, then ask the horse to collect slowly.

In the walk/trot transitions we need to strive for true engagement, not just slowly down the gait. To do this I engaged the hind legs before every transition. Mr. Peters told me that the horse must respond to the inner leg. Also, make sure when giving a half-halt you can release.

Next we worked on straight lines down center line to prepare us for working on flying changes. Mr. Peters pointed out that collection and straightness is required for flying changes. Your horse must be in front of your leg. He recommended that I move my horse forward for a few strides then bring him back. Make sure you can give after the aid for the change. The flying change must be 100% straight! We moved on the walk pirouettes next. With the pirouette, the first stride in the pirouette you ask for haunches in. You want to just use reminder aids rather than supporting aids every stride. Tell your horse what you want, then leave him alone. Don't accept pushing him every stride. You want him to be more sensitive to the leg. The walk pirouette tells you if your horse is reliable to the aid. It helps with the canter pirouette. Remind him in a positive sensitive way then leave him alone. Mr. Peters pointed out that we should train movement rather than repeat (e.g. less aid, not more). Don't end up pushing every stride. Always analyze how much you have to aid.

Then we moved on to canter pirouettes. First of all he made me think about the walk. Straighten the bend then true bend. Then take care of basic quality of the canter. Again, straightening followed by bending helps with suppleness. Mr. Peters said that the horse brain has to figure out what I want, then his body. Again I had to engaged Prodigio's hind legs and make him supple in order for him to carry himself. I had to remind myself not to just slow down but that the horse must come under. Also, I need to keep my standards high at all times and the expectations to the aid (leg, seat and hand). With the schooling pirouette the goals should be engagement and suppleness. I kept thinking in my head that every transition must be set-up. We must always test to see if our horse is willing to carry himself. Mr. Peters pointed out that the more I get my horse to engage at the canter, this will in turn improve the trot. The horse must come back with engaged hind legs during the transition. He also said that when your horse yields to the leg he would most likely yield to the rein.

We also work a bit on half-passes at the trot. I was reminded that in the half-pass, you must have your horse supple and bent. A half-pass followed by leg yielding makes the horse respect your leg, which in turn helps with suppleness. The goal is to relax your horse by straightening and engagement. Mr. Peters warned me to not let my horse trick me into constant aiding in the half-pass. A good test is to take your legs off your horse to see if he can maintain engagement and suppleness. It's all about getting him to understand how to carrying himself.

On the second day of the clinic we started off by working on big walk pirouettes (haunches-in on the circle). Mr. Peters explained that the outside leg brings the horse around the inner leg. The horse will understand how much effort from the start. Then we worked on straight-line into ½ pirouettes- keeping in mind to test the suppleness by counter flexing the horse until he gives then you give. He emphasized that straightness is very important. He pointed out that from the beginning we as riders set the mind-set and the horse needs to give the effort.

From there we worked on canter departs making sure Prodigio did not get rigid in the transition. Little taps behind to collect and make sure you ask for suppleness so your horse doesn't lean into reins. Before the pirouettes, we asked for half-pass checking for straightness. I remembered that my horse must respond to the outside leg and listen with minimal aids. Also, the hind legs must stay engaged and the horse must remain 100% on the aids.

Other things that were ingrained in my head from the first day were that transitions from canter to walk must be supple. You may have to ask for half steps to help with the engagement of the hind quarters. Flying changes must be straight and forward from just leg aids (no help from the upper body). Half-passes must be supple not rigid in the contact. You can actually use the half-pass to make your horse more supple.

We ended up working on flying changes towards the end of the ride. I had to remember to prepare with only a half-halt (keeping the hind legs engaged), making sure that Prodigio remains in front of my leg and stays straight. I was reminded to stay center in the saddle. I tended to lean during the changes. This caused my horse to lean into the left leg, drifting during the change. Also, I had to remember to keep him supple as well. Mr. Peters said if my horse gets behind after the first change, it is okay to send him forward. I finally figured it all out. I realized there was a lot to think about during the tempi changes. You must really concentrate and really set up for the changes.

At the end of my ride Mr. Peters and I reviewed what we worked on during the two-day clinic. He reminded me that even when the horse is relaxing (e.g. long rein walk) he must remain attentive to the leg. I must keep testing to see if he is carrying himself and going forward. During the flying changes, they must be straight and the horse must listen to the aids. The riders seat is used for balance and must stay centered. Suppleness is the key for success -Always test!

The most important lesson I learned during this experience was to keep my standards high. I have to remember not to let my horse trick me into holding him up. I must keep testing to see if I can ride with lighter aids. In turn this will get him used to lighter aids. Focus on a balanced seat and remember to keep my shoulders parallel with his. Mr. Peters concluded by saying "What ever we put up with, they (your horse) will give. Keep raising your standards".

It has now been over 6-months since my two-clinic with Mr. Peters. I am happy to say that my horse and I have come a long way since then. My trainer, Carolyn Adams was able to watch my rides with Mr. Peters and take the lessons learned from the clinic and incorporate them into our training program. With her help, Prodigio and I are really developing into a dressage team. Now as soon as I get into the saddle, I think of the high standards that Mr. Peters told me that we should expect as riders. I believe my horse appreciates it as well. It is not so much of a guessing game anymore. Prodigio has learned to carry himself and has become much lighter on his forehand. He really seems to enjoy the work, which I think is very important. Of course dressage is a constant learning process. There are always goals to strive for.

This is a very exciting time for me. Prodigio is starting to develop into a true dressage horse and myself as a dressage rider. My goal is to allow my horse to develop in his full potential. It just goes to show that it is never too late for a horse or rider. You just need someone to believe in you. I consider myself very lucky because I have trainer that really believes in my commitment as a rider and my horse as a dressage partner. I very much appreciate the support that the Dressage Foundation and Carol Lavell have given to the Adult Amateur rider by providing the generous grant. As an Adult Amateur rider, it can be a challenge to balance work, family and riding. The grant allowed me to take a few days and really focus on my riding. This turn has been a huge step in our success as a dressage team. I have always believed in my horse and just want to give him a chance to shine.