Conference noted::equitation

1998.0. "Lois Yukins clinic/comments" by TOLKIN::BENNETT () Tue Oct 24 1995 12:47

    
    Moderators: if you want me to move this and the next topic
    back to the dressage topic - just say the word and I will 
    (just thought that previous string might be a
    good format for a few new topics regarding clinics.)
    
    	Lois Yukins clinic review
    
    I was able to get to a Lois Yukins clinic recently and was really glad
    I did.  Lois is a stickler for keeping the horse straight - (this was an 
    issue with quite a few of us).  
    
    My horses one-sidedness needed to be corrected in order to stride 
    more evenly.  Lois suggested I ride this horse using the same outside
    rein (which was the left, since he really enjoys barging through his
    left shoulder) and maintaining a soft right rein *even when traveling
    to the left*, with some counter bending.  (this was ok near the wall
    but got tricky when we got to the open side of the arena...).
    
    Lois shared with us some of her expectations as a dressage judge.  She
    said that she will score a horse who is ridden forward and through
    *higher* than a horse who is more round and on the bit (but who is
    being forced into a frame) - even if the more forward horse is high 
    headed or above the bit.  She feels too many riders cram the horse 
    together and ride from front to back -- and are ignoring the essentials 
    of dressage.  
    
    Lois worked with other riders to get their horses more forward and in
    front of the leg.  Forward ... straightess ... listening to the aids...
    all the basics that cannot be stressed enough (in my opinion). 
    Overall, I was very pleased and would ride with her again.
    
    - JB