Current News Items
19.12.2009 - My Trip to the English “Search for a Star” Competition
02.12.2009 - Mid-Term Training Clinic
09.11.2009 - My Trip to the State College of Oldenburg, Germany
My Trip to the State College of Oldenburg, Germany
The Silver Spurs competition, organised by Joan Keogh, has encouraged an interest in dressage amongst young riders in Ireland. There are Irish Horse Board bursaries to be won in each section: Pony, Junior and Young Rider. I was lucky enough to win one of these bursaries to assist in my training. My trainer, Vida Tansey suggested going to Germany. That's how I ended up spending a brilliant two weeks in the State College of Oldenburg at Alexander Wortmann's course.
The principle of the course is to prepare you for the exam at the end of the two weeks. In Germany anyone who wishes to compete must attain a licence verifying their standard. It is compulsory for all horse handlers, riders and non-riders alike, to attain the Basis Pass. The first riding medal to be challenged is the Bronze medal class IV. This allows you to compete at Preliminary or Novice level and jump up to 1.10m. The Bronze medal class III allows you to compete at novice or elementary level and jump up to 1.40m. The Silver medal follows allowing you to ride up to Prix St. George and jump up to 1.60m. Afterwards there is "Silver with Gold", the Apprenticeship and finally the Gold medal which you receive when you win ten Grand Prixs.
A typical day started off with the assigned group doing "barn duty" at 7:30. At 8 o' clock the dressage lessons began. Once the lessons are finished we have our theory classes, which involve riding techniques and horse management. After lunch the first ride begins their jumping lesson. The lungeing exam was an option also, which you trained for after jumping. The day concludes with theory. During the weekends we visited some top German yards like, Warendorf, Kasselmanns, and Heinrichs. We also went to an U25's international jumping and dressage show. It was great to see what the standard of the other countries was like.
The main focus was the rider's position. From day one they were drilling the german principles of riding into our heads. In dressage there was a strong emphasis on deepening the seat and elasticity and correct position of the hands. Whereas in the jumping we were learning to have a light seat and balance.
The two weeks were so enjoyable. I made a lot of friends, from Hawaii to Texas. I found the visits to the yards interesting and useful as point of contact for the future. It was a great opportunity to learn from the people who are at the top of our sport, which is ironic seeing as they were the last country to embrace dressage as a sport (a surprising piece of information passed on to us by Mr Wortmann). I've already booked my place for next year and am looking forward to going back.
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