Hasslerdressage.com: Region 1 Dressage Workshop: Improve Test Figures and Overall Throughness

Region 1 Dressage Workshop w/Scott Hassler
How To Improve Test Figures and Overall Throughness

March 14, 2009
Text and photos by Emily Covington

With the mid-Atlantic winter mostly behind us and the spring buds on the trees promising warmer days ahead, Hassler Dressage opened all the doors for our first event of 2009! On March 14, the rain held off as we welcomed over one hundred auditors to our Riveredge West Training Center for the Region 1 Dressage Workshop: “How To Improve Test Figures and Overall Throughness.” The half day clinic featured Scott Hassler working with a variety of talented horses and riders, professionals and amateurs alike, all hailing from USDF’s Region 1. It was also gratifying to see that a good number of these super horses were all bred right here in the United States!

As a bonus to the clinic, we were proud to offer a Silent Auction to benefit Region 1. Auction goodies included a weekend training package with Susanne Hassler, including a stay at the Guest House, a Dressage Review session, (one of HD’s brand new training services!), and a selection of Hassler Dressage Training DVDs. We also offered lovely equestrian artwork from Delaware artist Shawn Faust, a gorgeous handcrafted pillow by Hassler Dressage’s own Martina Thiel-Pobloski, a Mocha Java coffee gift basket by HD’s roastmaster Paul Melzer, and elegant, one-of-a kind saddle covers from StableWare Saddle Covers. In addition to the Silent Auction, we were pleased to offer breedings to our super lineup of stallions starting at steeply reduced rates.
When the bell rang late afternoon to signal the close of bidding, we were so pleased to be able to offer our services and gifts to new friends and old, as well as offering proceeds from the auction to our own Region 1.

To finish off the day with an exciting glimpse of the future, we offered auditors a tour of the Hassler DressageTraining Center at Riveredge! The construction has come a long way in a year and one can now see and feel the beauty and magnitude that this incredible facility will offer. The welcoming yet majestic architecture, with simply stunning details and craftmanship everywhere, promise a future of inspiring and educational events to come.

Please enjoy the following photos and ideas from the clinic. We’re excited to share more events with you in the year ahead.

Canadian Geese

Spring is heralded by the arrival of Canadian geese to Riveredge West, who welcomed our guests on the brisk March afternoon.

Auction Scene
Perusing the Silent Auction goodies!

Karen Monks-Reilly warm-up

First of the day to go was the talented four year old KWPN gelding, Aesthete. With owner/trainer Karen Monks-Reilly, they are shown here warming up in the outdoor arena.

Our guests settle in to enjoy the afternoon.

Aesthete indoor - Preserve the Gift

Karen Monks-Reilly riding Aesthete

As a gifted athlete, with great energy for his work, Scott spoke of Aesthete’s wonderful uphill and elastic feeling. He advised riders to take care of such a horse’s talent and willingness by asking questions only when he feels good in his back. Care should be taken not to simply “ride the enthusiasm”.

As the first horse, Aesthete also provided the opportunity for Scott to discuss working the horse’s gaits in both directions. He suggested that we consider not only walk, trot and canter, (the three gaits) but consider the differences in both directions. For example, the trot left may be very different than trot right in terms of balance, strength or suppleness; essentially two different trots to train. The rider evaluates these strengths and weaknesses, and can take advantage of where the horse’s strengths and confidence on the “better” side, ride supportively and sympathetically on the weaker. This lovely pair show they are on the way to continued success.

Ulla and Steinway - Mental and Physical Preparation

Ulla Peterson
Ulla Petersen on Steinway

A polished pair, Ulla Petersen and Steinway have shown with success in the young horse classes. The five year old black son of Sandro Hit owned by Nancy Holowesko is a beautiful example of a horse well prepared physically and mentally for his work. After their warmup, Ulla suggested they begin with canter work first, since this is the more demanding work for Steinway at the moment. Scott praised Ulla’s sense of fairness to her horse, to utilize his best energy for the work that might be harder. Together, they work on collection, and Scott reminded us that collection must happen from an already balanced canter, when the horse is in good self carriage; not when the horse is already strong or resistant. We were also shown by Ulla that after a correction is made, the rider must have patience, wait until there is no tension before continuing on with the work. In this way, the horse gains confidence, even in difficult work. This is a super pair to watch in the future.

Kelly and Fiona - Search For More

Kelly McGinn riding Fiona

A fun pair to watch, Kelly Mc Ginn rides Mike Linardi’s talented seven year old Oldenburg mare Fiona. This supple moving mare radiates enjoyment and eagerness in her work. As they move from First level work to Second level, there are many things that come easily. Scott spoke about the rider being able to “search for more” when the horse feels good, and checking in with the horse after difficult work. If the horse maintains elasticity, a nice swinging back, good connection, confidence, then we know we can return to that kind of work. If not, then we need to address and help the horse before challenging her again. Kelly, Fiona and Mike clearly enjoy their training partnership.

Scott Hassler
Scott enjoys the pair’s progress

Nicole and Willow - From Concept to Mature Understanding

Scott teaching Nicolle VanderVliet atop WIllow

Nicole VanderVliet arrived at Hassler Dressage just two weeks earlier as Working Student! Demonstrating great nerves in such a new situation, she rode her own lovely Oldenburg mare River Willow. Nicole said she is focusing on developing increased suppleness and throughness on the seven year old, in addition to confirming their Second/Third level work. Scott introduced half steps to the mare during the clinic by assisting from the ground. He stressed patience and tact in this work, so the horse is never afraid. In the beginning, he just wants the mare to understand the concept of what he wants. In time, that will develop into a mature understanding. The half steps utilize the mare’s ability at collection to get her stronger in the back, which will help her develop the suppleness and throughness that Nicole is seeking.

Brandi and Fenice - Riding Proactively

Brandi Benedict on Fenice

This is a harmonious and talented pair. Fenice is schooling Third and Fourth levels and has had great show ring success at 2nd level. Fenice is gifted with very expressive and scopey gaits, and has benefitted from the patient yet effective training style of Brandi. Some unexpected nerves earlier in the ride for Fenice gave the audience a learning opportunity as Brandi rode through this with patience yet in a proactive manner. Scott spoke of riding in general proactively, rather than simply reacting to how the horse is feeling in the moment. Also, he emphasized how important it is when a horse is insecure to coach him through it, rather than riding too passively. The guests could see how well this worked in motion, and as Fenice increasingly relaxed and trusted his rider, the auditors saw his beauty come through in his self expression. This was a lesson that was sure to go beyond this particular day, but would build on an already strong foundation of trust between horse and rider.

Group ride: Susanne, Ashley, Eliza

The last group illustrated well three very different types of horses all working at a more advanced level. Scott spoke of the strengths andweaknesses of each pair, and how important it is to recognize that one must go beyond thinking in terms of training to each level, but adjust the training for each horse. For example, some horses can have strengths in certain work that is well beyond the level that is intended for showing. Other horses have a sensitive nature that must be appreciated so as not to rush their innate talent. These three riders show successfully how to improve and build on each horse’s individual strengths. With throughness as a goal in the show ring, Scott showed that there are many ways to get there.

Susanne Hassler riding Birkman

The always harmonious Susanne Hassler on the experienced Swedish gelding Birkman. Susanne uses collection to help him find his balance in movements. She makes it look effortless.

Ashley Freshette on Lugano

Hassler Dressage’s own Ashley Frechette rides her nine year old Rheinlander Lugano. Described as somewhere between Third Level and Prix St. George on any given day, this horse shows extreme talent for collected work. The sensitive Lugano has been brought along carefully by Ashley and under Scott has developed his expression, swing and confidence.

Eliza Sydnor on Graffini Grace

Eliza Sydnor has been in training with Scott for three months away from her home base in North Carolina. Here she rides the lovely nine year old mare Graffini Grace. They are working together towards the USDF Developing Horse tests, a program aimed at showcasing and developing future Grand Prix talents. Her fantastic, uphill changes were a real highlight.



		Region 1 Dressage Workshop w/Scott Hassler How To Improve Test Figures and Overall Throughness March 14, 2009 Text and photos by Emily Covington With the mid-Atlantic winter mostly behind us and the spring buds on the trees promising warmer days ahead, Hassler Dressage opened all the doors for our first event of 2009! On March 14, the rain held off as we welcomed over one hundred auditors to our Riveredge West Training Center for the Region 1 Dressage Workshop: “How To Improve Test Figures and Overall Throughness.” The half day clinic featured Scott Hassler working with a variety of talented horses and riders, professionals and amateurs alike, all hailing from USDF’s Region 1. It was also gratifying to see that a good number of these super horses were all bred right here in the United States! As a bonus to the clinic, we were proud to offer a Silent Auction to benefit Region 1. Auction goodies included a weekend training package with Susanne Hassler, including a stay at the Guest House, a Dressage Review session, (one of HD’s brand new training services!), and a selection of Hassler Dressage Training DVDs. We also offered lovely equestrian artwork from Delaware artist Shawn Faust, a gorgeous handcrafted pillow by Hassler Dressage’s own Martina Thiel-Pobloski, a Mocha Java coffee gift basket by HD’s roastmaster Paul Melzer, and elegant, one-of-a kind saddle covers from StableWare Saddle Covers. In addition to the Silent Auction, we were pleased to offer breedings to our super lineup of stallions starting at steeply reduced rates. When the bell rang late afternoon to signal the close of bidding, we were so pleased to be able to offer our services and gifts to new friends and old, as well as offering proceeds from the auction to our own Region 1. To finish off the day with an exciting glimpse of the future, we offered auditors a tour of the Hassler DressageTraining Center at Riveredge! The construction has come a long way in a year and one can now see and feel the beauty and magnitude that this incredible facility will offer. The welcoming yet majestic architecture, with simply stunning details and craftmanship everywhere, promise a future of inspiring and educational events to come. Please enjoy the following photos and ideas from the clinic. We’re excited to share more events with you in the year ahead. Canadian Geese Spring is heralded by the arrival of Canadian geese to Riveredge West, who welcomed our guests on the brisk March afternoon. Perusing the Silent Auction goodies! Karen Monks-Reilly warm-up First of the day to go was the talented four year old KWPN gelding, Aesthete. With owner/trainer Karen Monks-Reilly, they are shown here warming up in the outdoor arena. Our guests settle in to enjoy the afternoon. Aesthete indoor - Preserve the Gift Karen Monks-Reilly riding Aesthete As a gifted athlete, with great energy for his work, Scott spoke of Aesthete’s wonderful uphill and elastic feeling. He advised riders to take care of such a horse’s talent and willingness by asking questions only when he feels good in his back. Care should be taken not to simply “ride the enthusiasm”. As the first horse, Aesthete also provided the opportunity for Scott to discuss working the horse’s gaits in both directions. He suggested that we consider not only walk, trot and canter, (the three gaits) but consider the differences in both directions. For example, the trot left may be very different than trot right in terms of balance, strength or suppleness; essentially two different trots to train. The rider evaluates these strengths and weaknesses, and can take advantage of where the horse’s strengths and confidence on the “better” side, ride supportively and sympathetically on the weaker. This lovely pair show they are on the way to continued success. Ulla and Steinway - Mental and Physical Preparation Ulla Petersen on Steinway A polished pair, Ulla Petersen and Steinway have shown with success in the young horse classes. The five year old black son of Sandro Hit owned by Nancy Holowesko is a beautiful example of a horse well prepared physically and mentally for his work. After their warmup, Ulla suggested they begin with canter work first, since this is the more demanding work for Steinway at the moment. Scott praised Ulla’s sense of fairness to her horse, to utilize his best energy for the work that might be harder. Together, they work on collection, and Scott reminded us that collection must happen from an already balanced canter, when the horse is in good self carriage; not when the horse is already strong or resistant. We were also shown by Ulla that after a correction is made, the rider must have patience, wait until there is no tension before continuing on with the work. In this way, the horse gains confidence, even in difficult work. This is a super pair to watch in the future. Kelly and Fiona - Search For More Kelly McGinn riding Fiona A fun pair to watch, Kelly Mc Ginn rides Mike Linardi’s talented seven year old Oldenburg mare Fiona. This supple moving mare radiates enjoyment and eagerness in her work. As they move from First level work to Second level, there are many things that come easily. Scott spoke about the rider being able to “search for more” when the horse feels good, and checking in with the horse after difficult work. If the horse maintains elasticity, a nice swinging back, good connection, confidence, then we know we can return to that kind of work. If not, then we need to address and help the horse before challenging her again. Kelly, Fiona and Mike clearly enjoy their training partnership. Scott enjoys the pair’s progress Nicole and Willow - From Concept to Mature Understanding Scott teaching Nicolle VanderVliet atop WIllow Nicole VanderVliet arrived at Hassler Dressage just two weeks earlier as Working Student! Demonstrating great nerves in such a new situation, she rode her own lovely Oldenburg mare River Willow. Nicole said she is focusing on developing increased suppleness and throughness on the seven year old, in addition to confirming their Second/Third level work. Scott introduced half steps to the mare during the clinic by assisting from the ground. He stressed patience and tact in this work, so the horse is never afraid. In the beginning, he just wants the mare to understand the concept of what he wants. In time, that will develop into a mature understanding. The half steps utilize the mare’s ability at collection to get her stronger in the back, which will help her develop the suppleness and throughness that Nicole is seeking. Brandi and Fenice - Riding Proactively Brandi Benedict on Fenice This is a harmonious and talented pair. Fenice is schooling Third and Fourth levels and has had great show ring success at 2nd level. Fenice is gifted with very expressive and scopey gaits, and has benefitted from the patient yet effective training style of Brandi. Some unexpected nerves earlier in the ride for Fenice gave the audience a learning opportunity as Brandi rode through this with patience yet in a proactive manner. Scott spoke of riding in general proactively, rather than simply reacting to how the horse is feeling in the moment. Also, he emphasized how important it is when a horse is insecure to coach him through it, rather than riding too passively. The guests could see how well this worked in motion, and as Fenice increasingly relaxed and trusted his rider, the auditors saw his beauty come through in his self expression. This was a lesson that was sure to go beyond this particular day, but would build on an already strong foundation of trust between horse and rider. Group ride: Susanne, Ashley, Eliza The last group illustrated well three very different types of horses all working at a more advanced level. Scott spoke of the strengths andweaknesses of each pair, and how important it is to recognize that one must go beyond thinking in terms of training to each level, but adjust the training for each horse. For example, some horses can have strengths in certain work that is well beyond the level that is intended for showing. Other horses have a sensitive nature that must be appreciated so as not to rush their innate talent. These three riders show successfully how to improve and build on each horse’s individual strengths. With throughness as a goal in the show ring, Scott showed that there are many ways to get there. Susanne Hassler riding Birkman The always harmonious Susanne Hassler on the experienced Swedish gelding Birkman. Susanne uses collection to help him find his balance in movements. She makes it look effortless. Ashley Freshette on Lugano Hassler Dressage’s own Ashley Frechette rides her nine year old Rheinlander Lugano. Described as somewhere between Third Level and Prix St. George on any given day, this horse shows extreme talent for collected work. The sensitive Lugano has been brought along carefully by Ashley and under Scott has developed his expression, swing and confidence. Eliza Sydnor on Graffini Grace Eliza Sydnor has been in training with Scott for three months away from her home base in North Carolina. Here she rides the lovely nine year old mare Graffini Grace. They are working together towards the USDF Developing Horse tests, a program aimed at showcasing and developing future Grand Prix talents. Her fantastic, uphill changes were a real highlight.


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