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 years. Jodi 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

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  

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0tOSpKHkCs)

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

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.

1st level 3. Susan and Beau Sept 6 TIEC 68.5%

Show results. Congratulations Susan and her "boys" who competed this weekend at the Tryon International Equestrian Center Dressage. Now on to the Regionals!"

We had another adventure as Susan and her horses continue their winning ways at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, our last show before the Regional Dressage Championships. As always, we enjoyed spending time with old friends and meeting new ones. This video is of Susan and Beau riding under "S" judge Linda Zang. Linda is known as being a "tough judge" and so we expected to not do so well when Beau stopped twice during the test. (who knows why....) Imagine our surprise to be awarded a score of 68% + by her! Susan also competed her FEI horse, Darrien and scored a 64% with judge Maryal Barnet "S" Judge. Out next show with be the Regional Championships in Conyers (Atlanta) where Susan will be competing Beau (Mission Point) in the 1st level 3 and 2nd level 3 Championship classes.. She will also be showing Darrien in the Prix St George and Intermediate 1 Championship Classes. Susan has done an amazing job this year with both of the "boys" and continues to inspire people everywhere with her journey with them.

Warming up with the Steps to Connection. S4 Riding instruction

What if... you could finally understand what is meant by warming a horse up in connection?  Is this even possible?  Watch what Trudy does with Ani in this warm up at the walk"

Try this as you are riding your horse this week.  When you warm up, test your skills and how your horse is listening to your aids by asking them to connect with you as soon as you start riding.  This may be new to you or your horse (as it is with Ani) but as you can see,  Trudy was able to do it this day.  We continue with this series in the walk and canter work so you can see how this might work for your horse or students.  

This was a big change for Ani as in the past Trudy would spend most of the warm up on a long or loose rein.  Now they are moving up a level and playing with the concept of connecting sooner.  Have you tried this yet?

Adjusting your horses balance and connection with Cavaletti #2 S4 Ridin...

"Wow! Breakthrough session. It has been a while since we have used Cavalletti (ground poles) with Susan's horses. Watch the amazing changes that happen with Beau in this session!"

It is always good to keep changing what we are doing with the training process.  This makes everything more interesting for both the horse and the rider.  On this day, when I asked Susan what she wanted to focus on she said "adjustablity"  As soon as she said that I knew what we needed to do.  Cavalletti and ground poles. If you decide this is for you (just say yes)  you are going to feel like you cannot ride at first.  You will probably not be able to keep the rein connection at all as you will discover your hands have not been as steady as you thought.  You might also find that it is very hard to keep your horse "under your seat" and connected.  That is what makes this technique so amazing as it will help you to fill in some of the "missing links" of what you are doing in your riding.  Now you can watch the amazing changes that happen as Susan rides Beau through the poles.  Their balance and connection go to a new level!  Yippee! Of course, Susan makes this look easier than it is.  

Have you used ground poles or cavalletti in your training program yet?  Can you see the changes that happened with Susan and Beau?

Welcome to Randi Thompson Live. Randi has been in the horse industry for 40 years and has been teaching riding instructors, clinicians, trainers and riders easy, safe and fun techniques to connect them with their students Her Horse and Rider Awareness® techniques have been tested on 1000's of students and horses of all styles of riding and breeds of horse world. Randi has been featured as the keynote speaker at the largest equestrian trade shows in the US as well as speaking for events outside the horse world.

Adjusting your horses balance and connection with ground poles and Cavaletti #1

"Would like your horse to be more "adjustable?" Watch what happens when Susan challenges Beau to stay connected while going over cavaletti . They move to a new level!"


When I asked Susan what she wanted to work on she said "adjustability" That is a term that horse people use to explain when a horse is "on the aids/on the bit/in front of the aids, round, packaged. Now you can watch Susan and Beau focus on ways to keep adjustable as they add cavaletti. Stay tuned for Part #2. I will share it tomorrow. At first I was not going to share this 2 part film series because of the filming. The camera is looking all over at times... However, after reviewing them I can see that that there is so much great information. By the end of Part #2 Susan and Beau move to a new level and I was able to film that process for you to see.

Is your horse "adjustable?" Have you tried adding cavaletti i to your training program? Tell us how they work for you.

The Steps to Connection on a hot, nervous horse, or in fact... ANY horse

"Is your horse connected?  What does that really mean? Would you like to know the Steps to Connection that can make a difference in what you are doing with your horse at the walk and trot?  Watch this video!"

Sometimes, all you really need to understand what you are doing in your horse's training process is to have the steps broken down so you have a better understanding of what you need to do.  In this video Trudy is riding Melody and focusing on keeping her connected and relaxed.  I am learning new ways to share what I am doing on video with you..and the riders, and am exploring new ways to describe what you are seeing at the same time the rider is taking a lesson.  

After watching this Horse and Rider Awareness video do you have a clearer idea about how you can use the Steps to Connection with your horse?  We love to hear your feedback.

The Rainbow (in your horses neck) at the trot. You will love this technique!

"The Rainbow...  An easy way for you to know if your horse is connecting the way you want it do.  Check out this easy to use technique to see if your horse has a "Rainbow" at the trot today!"

For most of us, keeping our horses balanced and in connection is important. We like the way it feels when our horses connect with us at that level.  An easy way to be able to "see" (yes, sometimes we do look down) is by keeping a "Rainbow" in your horses neck.  Of course, it is much more than that... However, this is an easy technique that will let you know when your horse is really on the aids/in front of the legs/on the bit, round, packaged, the beginning of self carriage.

The next time you ride, check to see if you have a "Rainbow" in your horses neck.  Let us know how it works for you!  

"Connecting your horse at the canter. The Rainbow/outside rein and leg"

"Would you like to improve your horse's canter?  Watch this video to see what Trudy is doing with Ani.  Which tip makes the biggest difference for what you are doing with your horse?

Now you can watch what I do with Trudy as we focus on improving  Ani's canter. In this session we focus on keeping Ani connected (on the aids/on the bit/round/in front of the aids/packaged) at the canter" This is level of connection in the canter is still new to Ani and so it is the perfect video for anyone who wants to improve their horses canter. Check out the wonderful changes in Ani's canter than go out and try these techniques on your horse.

Are you ready to try this on your horse? We love to hear your feedback!

Leg yield to keep a horse connected on the outside rein and leg. Trot

"Have you always wanted to know how to ask your horse to stay connected on the outside rein and leg? Watch what happens as Trudy uses leg yields to keep Ani more connected and balanced"

This is an exciting time for Trudy as she is now taking Ani to the next level in her training.  It is time for Ani to stay on the bit/on the adds/in front of the legs/round/coming through/packaged... To do this she is using the leg yield so that Ani stays connected on the outside rein and leg. This is a term horse trainers use when a horse is being balanced between the riders legs and reins.  The good news is that we have been filming the process just for you!  Now you can see what might happen with your horse (or a client/students) when you are ready to ask for more connection on the outside rein and leg.

Are you ready to try this on your horse?  You will love how using the leg yield will show both you and your horse what it really can mean to be "on the outside rein and leg"

Are you asking your horse for a headset... or a mindset?

"It's really not a headset.  It's a mind set. The mystery of how to get your horses head in the right place"

Why do we position our horses heads a certain way (or at least try to...) We do this so we can support our horse so that it can stay more "connected" as we balance it between our leg aids and the rein connection"

 How a horse understands this process still amazes me.  Now that Ani is further along in her training Trudy has found that she likes the feeling of Ani staying more connected with her.  On this day Trudy asked me to isolate what she is doing with Ani so that she can keep her more connected with her back up and a "rainbow" in her neck. 

Can you see how Trudy is keeping Ani more connected by working on the Steps to Connection?  Have you tried this on your horse?  We love hearing your feedback so please let us know how this works for you.

Softening the jaw to get the right head position. What does that mean? S...

"What if... you want your horse to keep its head in a certain position.  This is common for those who are competing or riding dressage.  Do you feel like your horse is still locking up or leaning on the reins when you pick up the reins connection?  You are not alone.  This is a mystery that takes some riders years to understand.  Now you can watch what I do with Trudy so she can isolate how Ani is responding to what she is doing with the reins. 

On this day Trudy asked if we could focus on that "rainbow" that happens in a horses neck when they are soft to the bit (rein connection) and on the aids/in front of the aids/round and so on.  Trudy has been watching horses at the dressage shows and now that Ani is more comfortable with that level of connection is ready to ask her to stay balanced between her reins and legs even more.

In this video we are at the halt and you can see how I break everything down for Trudy.  (We have done this in the past, but now Trudy has a different idea about what this really can do)

How does your horse respond to the rein connection?  Are you ready to try this technique on your horse?  Let us know how it works for you.

Canter. What are you doing with your hands? S4 Riding Instructor

"What if... you really have a feeling that it is time to ride your horse in more of a connection at the canter. You know, the kind where you feel that your horse is staying soft to the reins and is "balanced" somewhat between your leg and rein aids. Now you can learn the Secret of the Trainers. It's all about your riding position!"

Trudy has brought Ani a long way in her training. This is their warm up canter and on this day Trudy asked me to isolate what she is doing to keep Ani connected. Before this week Trudy had been working on this but now she is feeling serious about asking Ani to stay softer to the rein connection at the canter. Its a big step and now you can watch how important Trudy's riding position and length of rein is to that process.

What did you learn from watching this Horse and Rider Awareness video? Are you ready to ask your horse to stay more connected at the canter yet? Please share your feedback as we love to hear what is happening in your training process and how these videos are making a difference for you.

Secrets of the trainers. Riding position for circles and curves. Walk tr...

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"What if... you finally had a system you can use to make sure that your riding position is in the right place on circles or curves?  Now you do!  Check out this video and watch what I do with Trudy"

It's no secret.  You have heard this so many times.  It is your riding position and how you use your aids that is how you are able to connect and influence your horse. Yet, how to do this is a mystery.  Or is it?  What if all you need to do is watch someone else (we are volunteering Trudy here) go through a process that can also work for you?

Try this Horse and Rider Awareness process and let us know how it works for you.  We love your feedback and look forward to hearing your results. 

Secrets of the trainers. Where should your hands be for the canter? S4...

"Would you like to know an easy way to make sure that your hands are in the right place? As an added bonus you will also be able to keep your reins the right length.. even in the canter!"


Have you ever wondered why the pro riders seem to have a more consistent riding position especially with the length of their reins? It's because they have learned to keep their hands in the same place! This sounds so easy, but is not as easy as it sounds. To keep your hands in that magic spot you will be shortening and lengthening your reins a lot. You will also need to keep adjusting your seat position. Now you can watch what happens as Trudy practices her hand position on Ani. 

The next time you canter your horse. Check to see what happens to your rein length. You might be surprised to see how often your hands are moving around instead of staying where they should be. As always, we love getting your feedback so please share your results with us.

Halt back walk transitions and more. Retraining an anxious schoolmaster ...

"Has anyone told you that you will never be able to re train your horse or that you can't teach an old horse new tricks?  Watch what happens as we retrain this schoolmaster (a hot nervous horse)  to stay relaxed and connected in his walk work"

This video shows when Darrien began to finally start relaxing and waiting for Susan's aids.  This was not easy for him as he has the tendency to be nervous/anxious when ever Susan asks him to do... just about anything.  His reaction in the past has been to disconnect by dancing around and pulling Susan out of the saddle with the reins.  Now you can see that he is slowly starting to understand that the training process is not so bad. Here we are simply doing the walk exercises.  Susan's goal seems so easy (she makes it look that way) as all she has to do is keep Darrien connected (on the aids/on the bit/round/in front of her legs/packaged) and relaxed.  During this session we discovered that Darrien really does not understand how to stay on the outside rein and leg at the walk (which meant he was not really staying their at any gait) and it was a great opportunity to focus on that feeling.

Those of you who have been watching the progress of Susan and Darrien have seen a lot of changes and know what a break through this is.  It really has been like starting a green horse over in so many ways.  Have you ever retrained a horse?

Canter. Can you get your horse "on the bit" in the warm up?

"Does your horse "lock up" to your aids (or ignore you) in the canter when you ask it to take up contact?  What can you do when your horse says it does not want to connect with you, even in the warm up canter?"

Susan continues to improve Darriens response to the aids. In this video we are warming him up at the canter. How does your horse respond to your connection in the canter warm up?  Has it reached the point where it is somewhat willing to connect with you or are you still trying to find that place?  The good news for you is that all riders who train their own horses will go through this phase.  That is why we are sharing the training progress of the Horse and Rider Awareness riders and their horses with you.  So you can see what really happens. 

It has taken us over a year to get him to relax and listen to what she is asking him to do.  In this video we focus on what length of rein we need to keep him "on the bit" and as relaxed as possible in the warm up.  This may seem like a simple concept for some riders, but for others, getting their horses to this point in their training is a huge achievement.  Darrien has just started accepting a "willing" contact on the reins these past few months. This was from the past training that he came with. Now he is finally starting to responding by softening to Susan's aids while staying connected from her legs into the rein connection. Last year at this time Darrien was still in his double bridle which is common for an FEI dressage horse and in fact, the only way he was safe at that time.  This year, as you can see, we have him in a snaffle.  In fact, Susan is competing him in Prix St George and Intermediate 1 in it.

Behind the Vertical. Retraining a schoolmaster

"Have you heard that your horse is "behind the vertical? What does that mean? What can you do to correct this common training challenge?"


A horse that is behind the vertical (with its head position) could be doing it for many reasons. It may think that is what it should be, or it might have been taught to do this by someone who thought that it was the right "look". Other times, this position is a result of the incorrect use of draw reins or side reins. Either way, when it happens the horse is not usually connecting to the rein influence. They are going "behind the bit" and setting their head and neck instead of staying soft to the riders rein connection. It becomes an artificial position and a habit that takes a long time to correct. As a result of this position the horse often does not have its back up and is not stepping up from behind. Those who have been watching the training progress of Susan with Darrien have seen a lot of positive changes since they became a team last year. At that time Darrien was still in a double bridle and was not comfortable with the rein connection at all. His lower neck muscle was twice the size of the top of the neck. Now you can see that Susan is riding him in a snaffle and Darrien is now "rounding up" more. His neck has a rainbow, his back is up and he is getting more comfortable with stepping up into the rein connection.

Does your horse have a tendency to go "behind the vertical?" If so, you are not alone. What did you learn from watching what Susan is doing with Darrien?