|
. |
|
Kay Meredith Dressage |
|
Educational Clinics and Seminars |
|
COMPETITIVE EDGE SEMINAR This is a seminar which can be set up to include riders and auditors OR as a lecture series only. The emphasis is to educate competitors to a greater understanding, especially from the judges' point of view, in the areas of:
PURPOSE This includes an in-depth discussion which follows the interaction of Purpose up through the levels, with Question and Answer segments as to how to determine when a horse has or has not fulfilled the Purpose of the cuffent level of competition before going to the next level. This is a common problem, yet is solvable when the rider understands where the deficiencies in training are most noticeable. If a seminar includes riders and auditors, examples can be shown and discussed when a horse is properly prepared for the next and when more work is needed to be successful at the next level.
DIRECTIVES In this segment of the Competitive Edge Seminar riders are taught to study the Directives of each movement of tests in which they compete. Included here is also the importance of knowing where COEFFICIENTS are as well as the many segments of each test (such as corners, etc) where scores are made when in the past it was simply a corner.
GAINING OR LOSING POINTS Many points are lost in inaccuracy of riding individual movements due to the competitor ignoring the geometry required as to the movement in question. We spend time here addressing this important issue of geometry and how to gain points by understanding what the judge is expecting to see. Scores are also lost in the transitional phase of one movement to another, i.e. going from a medium phase to a working or collected phase of a gait. Included is a detailed discussion of defining the difference between collection, medium, and extended phases of walk, trot and canter. This is a deficiency often seen by judges. The inability of a horse to perform the requirements of two-track and lateral movements correctly is a serious problem where many points are lost. A detailed discussion of what is too much bend, what is too little, and what is correct bend is an important part of this seminar. Participants will be encouraged to offer any individual problems which they might like to discuss. Questions regarding a lack of understanding of comments on tests will also be welcome since the desire of every judge is to properly communicate with the rider. We truly do enjoy giving well-earned scores which show a degree of understanding of the purpose of the test in question.
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT CLINICS These clinics can be designated to include any, or all of, the following elements of competition. By definition the emphasis would be on participating riders with auditors welcome to take part in Q&A. This includes private or semi-private sessions dealing with individual needs of the horse/rider combinations, emphasizing work with the horses' strengths and weaknesses to design a program of training to achieve maximum performance. Points covered in the Competitive Edge lectures are also discussed.
FREESTYLE EVALUATION Emphasis on: Suitability to level and capabilities of the horse Discussion of choreography: structure and ability of horse to perform the lines of travel and movements included in the ride in a comfortable and logical way. Discussion of suitability of the music insofar as the horse and level are concerned.
RIDER POSITION Emphasis on: This phase is a discussion of the necessity of a correct position on the part of the rider in order to properly influence the horse. This is continued with the horse, rider and clinician as to how to improve performance through a more correct position.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG HORSE This important segment of the clinic/seminar possibilities includes a discussion of developing a structured program that sets forth the steps of progressive training rvhich results in a horse that is confident, supple, and willingly displays the early elements of the pyramid of training. The biggest problems we see as judges are horses that are frightened, tense, and resistant because they are unprepared, either mentally or physically, to perform what is expected of them.
REHABILATATION OF TENSE HORSES Time is spent developing a methodical evaluation of a horse that is tense and resentful in his work. This is followed by a session of pinpointing possible causes and designing a training program to regain the horses' mental and athletic possibilities.
Kay Meredith 4025 Cuchalain, Road Raleigh, NC 27616 Phone: 919-261-0270
|
|
Kay riding Domino |