Thursday, November 30, 2017

Saddle Slip Quick Fix With Randi Thompson







Saddle Slip Quick Fix with Randi Thompson featured by Dressage Hub


This is an amazing awareness exercise that will change your balance in the saddle. All you need is a calm safe horse. The Saddle Slipping Quick Fix will improve your riding position and influence in ways that will take you (or your students) to a new level of success in their riding. Expect to be shocked when you realized that you are not keeping your riding position as balanced as you thought it would be. Remember as you practice this, or use it in coaching your riders, that the changes you feel are going to challenge you as more likely than not, your riding position has been out of balance for a long time. I teach this technique to professionals and they are all surprised at how far out of balance they had become. I would love to hear what happens when you try this Horse and Rider Awareness exercise. What did you discover?




Wednesday, November 1, 2017

How to Apply the Half Halt In Transitions








How are you using your riding position to prepare your horse for a half halt or transition? 



This is from Dressage Hub "From training level to Grand Prix the half halt is one of the most essential tools for the dressage rider or any rider for that matter. To be able to communicate effectively with your horse to prepare them for transitions, prepare them for the next movement, collect the gait and rebalance them there are very few movements in dressage that do not engage the half halt." In this video submission from dressage trainer Randi Thompson we look at the beginning steps of the half halt and how to teach your horse what it means. Taking the time to lay the foundation of the half halt will pay off immensely as you move up the levels with your dressage horse. You can watch more of Randi Thompson's videos in our Training Level and First Level Playlists at: Dressage Hub.com

Friday, August 18, 2017



The 2017 season of "Movers and Shakers of the Horse World" continues with the Equestrian Aid Foundations (EAF) Executive Director, Louise Smith, on Tuesday, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST time. Join us to hear life altering stories of hope and resilience and learn how EAF is keeping equestrian dreams alive. This event is FREE! Register to join in on the live call or listen to the replay later: Movers and Shakers of the Horse World- Equestrian Aid Foundation
“An equestrian's life can change in an instant so anyone who has ever been involved with horses can relate to Equestrian Aid’s mission,” Louise said, “We are ready to reach out to horse lovers across the country and, together, assist even more equestrians facing serious health challenges to overcome adversity and get back on their feet.”

Since joining EAF as Executive Director in March 2016, Louise continually provides expert leadership through her 20 years of experience in marketing, program development, fundraising, and administration. As a dressage rider and horse farm owner herself, she also brings a strong dedication to the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s mission, and a deep empathy with the challenges that their grant recipients face.
The Equestrian Aid Foundation has provided over $2.7 million in needs-based grant support and a promise of hope since its inception 21 years ago to breeders, farriers, grooms, riders, trainers and other members of the equestrian community who are facing life-changing or life-threatening health crises and need help to pay for basic living and rehabilitative expenses.
For more information on the important work the Equestrian Aid Foundation is doing, visit: Equestrian Aid Foundation

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Have you noticed that your students (or yourself) saddle seems to always be slipping to one side of the horses back? You are not alone.



Have you noticed that your students (or yourself) saddle seems to always be slipping to one side of the horses back? Or that one stirrup always seems longer than the other? You are not alone. This is a common riding challenge for riders of all levels. What can you do to help your riders get that saddle where it belongs? Try the tips in this article from the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association newsletter. (Pg. 16-18) You can click on the photos below and they will enlarge, or go to the GDCTA website to see the article in their newsletter at: https://issuu.com/gdcta/docs/newsletter_augv2 Make sure to watch the video that is included as you will be able to watch a rider go through the process.  

Friday, June 30, 2017




The 2017 Dressage Instructors Seminar will be hosted by the Tryon International Equestrian Center, home of the 2018 World Equestrian Games.  It will feature internationally known instructor trainers, Barbro Ask-Upmark, Education Manager for Tryon International Equestrian Center, Jodi Lees, USEF “S” Dressage Judge and Randi Thompson, CEO of the Horse and Rider Awareness Educational Programs.
Barbo Ask-Upmark states, “We are very excited to host this first Dressage Instructors Seminar at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. We are going to take the instructors who attend to a new level of success by offering them an all-inclusive educational experience, a CDI 3* dressage competition and the equine simulator, Tryon Maximus, that can show them how to ride and teach movements through Grand Prix!”
“To teach someone how to ride their horse is a huge responsibility and should not be taken lightly. To stay informed and updated with latest teaching techniques shows your clients that you truly care and want to give them the best.  We are thrilled to include the newest equine simulator, Tryon Maximus, as part of our program.  Each instructor participant will be a riding and teaching with Maximus,” says Ask-Upmark.
States Jodi Lees, “The Dressage Instructors Seminar was designed to enhance the effectiveness of instructors in both their teaching skills and in the management of their business.  We will have discussions about training, teaching and business concepts specifically pertaining to dressage instructors.”
“On day 3, we will focus on what the judge is seeing at the Tryon Fall Dressage CDI 3* at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina.  There will be a discussion on different movements that reveals how the judge comes up with a score and why.  It is for instructors to know what modifies the scores up and down so that they can focus on what is correct when teaching their students,” says Lees.
According to Randi Thompson, "We know what dressage instructors need to do to succeed in the horse business and are sharing the steps to success that will make a difference for them.  To be successful as a dressage instructor is much more than coaching riders or training horses, you need to know how to network with other professionals and also how operate as a business both professionally and legally.”
“Barbro, Jodi and I have joined together to share years of experience as successful professionals in the horse world with those who will be attending.   We are honored to be hosted by the Tryon International Equestrian Center and look forward to presenting the 2017 Dressage Instructor’s Seminar at their world class facility in Tryon, NC.” Says Thompson.
The 2017 Dressage Instructors Seminar will focus on:
  • Innovative Teaching Techniques: Hands on Practice with demo riders of all levels.
  • From the Judges Box at a CDI3*: Improve Your Students Scores! What the judge is looking for in the different movements and gaits
  • Horse Business: Expand, promote and protect your horse business
  • Ride and Teach with The Equine Simulator, Tryon Maximus
STAFF: (In alphabetical order)
 Barbro Ask-Upmark is the Education Manager at Tryon International Equestrian Center. She is a native of Sweden and relocated to the US in 1999.   Barbro has earned her USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and is a 5 star rider rating on Centerlinescores.com.  She has trained and ridden horses through Grand Prix.  Barbro has had a hand in developing the Equine Simulator and teaches instructors from all over the world on it at both the Tryon and Wellington Equestrian Centers
Jodi Lees is a USEF "S" Dressage Judge She has been competing for over 35 years and instructing for over 25 yearsJodi has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medals and her students have received many of the USDF recognition medals.  She owns and operates Rivers Edge Farms the in the Tryon, NC area.
Randi Thompson is the founder of Horse and Rider Awareness Educational Programs which include the Dressage Instructors. Randi has been coaching and certifying riding instructors in the horse world for over 25 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing.  In the world of dressage, Randi has trained National and Regional USDF winners through Intermediate 1 and a USDF Silver Rider Award Medalist
 The Dressage Instructors Seminar is Limited to Only 14 Instructors.  It is all inclusive and includes lodging at the Tryon International Equestrian Center for 3 nights, 3 breakfasts and 3 Dinners.  Those who would like to stay longer to watch the Tryon Fall Dressage CDI 3* can make arrangements to stay longer. 
 Sign up early to save your spot. Only $1,400.   Those who live in the area and do not need lodging.  $1,000. 
 For interviews and more information contact Randi at success@dressageinstructors.co or call:  828-697-4274.
Contact:
Randi Thompson
Horse and Rider Awareness

Email: success@dressageinstructors.co
https://www.facebook.com/dressageinstructors




Thursday, February 23, 2017

Dressage Instructors Webinar #3 Feb 2017







This is your replay of the Dressage Instructors Webinar Feb 2017.  We enjoyed chatting with you.
We had technical issues but were able to get most of them straightened out. You will notice the words we say don't always match our mouths... However, the information we shared is so valuable that you will want to watch this.

Join our Facebook page at:  Dressage Instructors on FB  


Sunday, January 29, 2017

Your replay! Jumping Instructors Webinar Jan 2017







Here it is! The replay of the Jumping Instructors Webinar #2. It was a challenge as we had technical difficulties first from the webinar itself then the sound. We had lots of fun and shared so much great information. In "From the Judges Box" we discussed the importance of teaching your riders how to do a courtesy circle. We also give you tips on how to do that. In "Teaching Techniques" We focused on "active learning" and how important it is for us to communicate what is happening with our students by asking questions. We show you how that process works! Finally, in Horse Business #101 We discuss marketing with social media. No website? No problem. Use your business page instead! Our Hosts were Paddy Downing-Nyegard and Randi Thompson. Our Moderator was Laura Kelland-May

Join the Jumping Instructors FB page at https://www.facebook.com/jumpinginstructors  


Sunday, January 22, 2017


NEW Jumping Instructors Webinar. Wednesday, Jan 25th!

Topics include: "From the Judges Box. It’s all about the Courtesy Circles” The Courtesy Circles are more important than most to the judge than most of the riders who are competing know. How do you teach your riders how to properly ride the courtesy circles for the hunter and equitation rings? What can you do so that your students can show off what they able to do with their horses?
"Teaching Techniques. Communication with Your Students"
It’s all about how we are communicating to our students. Have you heard of the Socratic technique for sharing information? Now you can discover how asking and answering questions will create a “thinking rider.” Asking the right questions will make a difference in everything you are doing to keep your students safe and to take you to the next level as a professional jumping instructor. Wait until you hear what we have to share about why communicating in this manner is so important to what you are doing as a jumping instructor.
"Horse Business 101"
Many horse professionals are now using a Facebook business page to market and promote their horse business. They find it working better for them than their website! Join us as we explore how you can use Facebook and social media can make a difference for how you are promoting and marketing your horse business.
Your Hosts
Paddy Downing-Nyegard is a USEF "R" Judge Hunter/Equitation/Jumpers (25 years). Paddy is well known in the hunter/jumper world where she has judged at shows that include: Devon, Harrisburg National, Palm Beach (Winter Equestrian Festival) Pebble Beach, the Arabian Nationals and more.
Randi Thompson is the founder of Horse and Rider Awareness. Randi has been coaching professionals in the horse world for over 20 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing. Randi is also the founder of How To Market Your Horse Business, Jumping Instructors, and Dressage Instructors . Website: https://www.horseandriderawareness.com
Moderator
Laura Kelland-May is a Canadian Sr. Judge (hunter/jumper/equitation/hack) and USEF "R" Judge. Kelland-May says, "There is a lot of information out there for jumping instructors. We’ve developed a series of webinars for jumping instructors that focus on, From the Judges Box, Teaching Techniques and Horse Business #101 tools. It’s a brilliant format because we cover topics that are important to jumping instructors as well as getting into the ever important business concepts to help them grow their business to a new level of success.
Join us in the FREE Jumping Instructors Webinar. We are going to share tips that you will be able to use right away to improve what you are doing in the horse business! Those who would like to invest more in their success can join us for our live Jumper Instructor Bootcamp Spring 2017.
Register for the FREE Jumping Instructors Webinar at: http://bit.ly/2jZhKus
Would you like to be a sponsor or have a special gift that you would like to share with other Jumping Instructors? Contact us today! We will be giving away free prizes during our webinars and the live Jumper Instructor Webinars and the live Jumping Instructor Bootcamp - Spring 2017

Go to our FB pageJumping Instructors on Facebook to see the replay today!

Or on the Jumping Instructors new Youtube channel at  https://youtu.be/RGsqmEpuqxI  

Saturday, January 14, 2017

This is Your Replay! Dressage Instructors Webinar #2 Jan 12, 2017




The official replay of the Dressage Instructors Webinar #2.

 In "From the Judges Box" we discussed the importance of instructors knowing how to teach their riders how to ride a straight line and exercises they could use. In "Teaching Techniques" We quickly found ourselves chatting about the importance of asking the right questions to make our lessons more interesting for our riders and as a way for us to determine all the time if they have control of their riding position and of the horse. Finally, in Horse Business #101 we go where many professionals in the horse world are afraid to go. Record Keeping. We share simple ideas that will get you started. Our Hosts were Jodi Lees Dressage and Randi Thompson. Our Moderator was Laura Kelland-May.   

Join Dressage Instructors on FB




Friday, January 6, 2017




Attention Dressage Instructors! FREE Webinar is January 12! Register today at: bit.ly/2iudYc4 Topics include: "From the Judges Box" Are you coaching riders who are competing in dressage? Would you like to hear from a judge about what they feel is important for you to know? Join us as we discuss easy solutions to improve to improve what your riders are doing for better test scores.
"Teaching Techniques"
It’s all about how we are communicating to our students. Have you heard of the Socratic technique for sharing information? Now you can discover how asking and answering questions will create a “thinking rider.” Asking the right questions will make a difference in everything you are doing to keep your students safe and to take you to the next level as a professional dressage instructor.
"Horse Business 101"
Record Keeping. This is a tough area for most professionals in the horse world. Join us as we discuss some of the basics that are important to your business. The records you should be keeping can also make a difference legally. What do you need to know and where should you get started.
Your Hosts
Jodi Lees Dressage is a USEF "R" Dressage Judge (waiting for upgrade to “S”) She has been competing for over 35 years and instructing for over 25 years.
Website: http://www.riversedgefarms.com
Randi Thompson is the founder of Horse and Rider Awareness. Randi has been coaching professionals in the horse world for over 20 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing. She has recently produced National and Regional USDF winners through Intermediate 1.
Website: http://www.horseandriderawareness.com
Laura Kelland-May will be the moderator. Laura is a Canadian Sr. Judge and Steward, and also a USEF "R" Judge.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/thistleridgeskillbuilders
Register today for your FREE Dressage Instructors Webinar! Those who register will be able to watch what we are doing, even if you are unable to attend as it will be recorded. Join us for the live Dressage Instructors webinar and you can ask questions! Click on this link: bit.ly/2iudYc4
Those who would like to invest more in their success can join us for our live Dressage Instructor Bootcamp Spring 2017, Tryon NC area.
Would you like to be a sponsor or have a special gift that you would like to share with other Dressage Instructors? Contact us today! We will be giving away free prizes during our webinars and the live Dressage Instructor Bootcamp.
For interviews and more information contact the Dressage Instructors Team.