News

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Training Tip Tuesday... Working the foundation of the Training Pyramid today. It is good practice to return to the basics periodically to test the horse's rhythm and suppleness. Without those, the remaining parts of the pyramid are not possible.

Ride 10-meter voltes in each corner with a change of direction across the center of the ring. In the voltes, it is important to pay close attention to your geometry and that the horse is bending from poll to tail around the inside leg. If you are not sure if your geometry is correct, you can always count each quarter of the circle to see if you get the same number of strides. If all 4 quarters count the same, then you have an accurate circle.

Maintain the horse's rhythm as you leave the volte to the middle of the long side and turn onto the line between E&B. Remember, the turn onto and leaving this line are like riding a corner and there should be a straight line as you travel across the ring. The change of bend can take place over 3 strides, so as not to upset the balance of the horse. Straighten the horse over "X" and begin the new bend the stride after "X."

This may seem like a really simple exercise, but it's complexity is in the details. This can be performed in all gaits. You can do flying changes over X if your horse has them - testing the straightness of your change. You can add transitions or a halt at "X." Try to be 100% accurate in your geometry, voltes, corners, bend and straightness. It's much harder than it seems.

You might try a lengthening down the long side or across the diagonal after you have ridden the exercise correctly to see if you have more impulsion and stretch.

If you struggle to maintain a straight line, try placing the letter across the arena from you between the horse's ears and look straight ahead as if you are looking past the letter (not at your horse).

Let us know how it goes. Happy riding. #dressagetraining #dressage
... See MoreSee Less

Great job Sofia and Morgan at the PVDA dressage show yesterday - with Morgan even cracking 70% to win her class! We are so lucky to have Rascal and Lance (back) at Bascule teaching a new batch of teensImage attachmentImage attachment

Great job Sofia and Morgan at the PVDA dressage show yesterday - with Morgan even cracking 70% to win her class! We are so lucky to have Rascal and Lance (back) at Bascule teaching a new batch of teens ... See MoreSee Less

New Point 2 adult medium air vest with 2 cartridges $425.  PM if you want to try it on!Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

New Point 2 adult medium air vest with 2 cartridges $425. PM if you want to try it on! ... See MoreSee Less

Ageless Tales had a beautiful buckskin colt last year.  She was a wonderful mother!  We put her back into work when we decided to reduce our broodmare herd.  She’s just been amazing to work with, so focused on trying to please.  She will make someone a terrific partner.  PM if interested!

Ageless Tales had a beautiful buckskin colt last year. She was a wonderful mother! We put her back into work when we decided to reduce our broodmare herd. She’s just been amazing to work with, so focused on trying to please. She will make someone a terrific partner. PM if interested! ... See MoreSee Less

12yo 16.2 bay Tb mare. Looking for her new home. Very reasonable for this sound and healthy mare. She’s amateurs friendly on the flat and working towards being the same over fences. Easy keeper, lives out, good feet! Motivated to find her a good match! PM for more info ... See MoreSee Less

LOAD MORE