Dressage Pointers: WHIPS + SPURS: How To Use Them As Exclamation Points

Описание: In this video, Katja talks about how we can use certain tools, such as whips and spurs, to support our basic aid system which consists of leg, weight and rein aids. She explains that the placement, use and timing of these tools should be seen as gentle enhancements, much like exclamation points, to emphasize the signals we are sending to the horse. Using the spurs continuously or without constant awareness of the intention we’re trying to convey will cause the horse to become dull and desensitized to our leg aids.

Neither whip nor spurs should be used as means to punish the horse which could easily lead to an increasing confusion, resistance or a state of learned helplessness in our equine partner.

You will also learn why riding with two whips can be helpful to guide the horse to understand which of his body parts we would like her/him to use with more engagement. Katja demonstrates this in a walk shoulder-in to illustrate the synchronized motion of the rider’s body in shoulder-to-shoulder mode that goes hand-in-hand with the lightest touch of the whip on the horse’s haunches. It is to be noted that the use of two whips is not allowed during dressage competitions (for official rules see link below) and that Katja’s demonstration is in reference to a friendly, non-competitive training environment. For more information and examples of basic spurs and whips please see links below.

Horse: Philly, 12-year-old Andalusian mare

Note: Viewers should consult a professional before adopting any of the training techniques shown in this video. Any activity you do with your horse is at your own risk and may produce varied results.

***Useful links:

***Basic spurs: Herm Sprenger Ultra Fit Extra Grip Round End Spur
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/her...

***Dressage whip: Fleck Nylon Covered Nickel Cap Dressage Whip
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Fleck...

***Great article 
https://dressagetoday.com/theory/karl...

***USEF Rules
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/sAH3n...

*** http://www.gentlesolutionsdressage.com

*** http://www.windhorsecoaching.com

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California-based Dressage trainer, instructor, clinician and life coach, Katja Elk, provides gentle training solutions for riders and horses of all backgrounds.
“My hope is to inspire riders and horses of all levels, ages and backgrounds to ride Dressage and to work on the ground together while creating a friendly, fair and joyful two-way conversation between both species. If the human establishes a reliable, trust-based leadership position the horse will feel safe enough to relax, learn and thrive throughout each moment of their collaborative efforts. This way, curiosity will turn into joy and motivation each time they come together. It is my pleasure and my mission to share what I have learned from the many human and equine teachers who continue to delight me with their patience, generosity and wisdom on a daily basis.”
Katja applies the concept of a friendly, trust-based, two-way communication system to riding Dressage, work in hand as well as groundwork such as halter-work, longeing/lungeing and long lining.
Additionally, Katja, a Martha Beck certified master life coach, works with people who are suffering from anxiety and depression and offers equine-assisted coaching retreats.

http://www.katjaelk.com