Dressage Mentor Reunion!

The second Dressage Mentor Reunion is going on RIGHT now and we’re having a blast!
We have had so many different activities already!…yummy dinner at the fancy, shmancy Players club, “survivor-type” challenges (The first place winner won a position analysis with Ruth Poulsen), demo rides, Jim Masterson and his Masterson technique, pain relief with Isabelle Aube, and a leg wrapping demo.

Today the Dressage Mentor Reunion starts at the horse show where I’ll critique the rides through headsets! Then on to more lessons, position analysis, EQui-Chi with Kris Garrett, and Thermography demo.

Sunday, we’re back at the horse show to critiques both rides and warm-ups. Then off to my farm for two more lessons (One with an Olympian who I’ve taught since she was a kid!), and then a saddle fitting demo with Jochen Schleese,

We’re having a blast at the Dressage Mentor Reunion in this 75 degree, sunny , Florida weather!!!!!!

Jane Savoie’s Happy Horse Tip #6-Improve Your Seat in the Canter

Happy Horse Tip #6-Improve Your Seat in the Canter

Think about how your seat moves when you’re cantering. Notice how your hip angles open and close. Start with your upper body on the vertical, and then open your hip angles and let your upper body rock a bit BEHIND the vertical. Then come back up to the vertical with shoulder over hip over heel.

Visualize arrows extending down from your seatbones. Whichever way those arrows are pointed, is the direction you’re sending the hind legs. If you lean forward and close your hip angles, you push the hind legs out the back door.

If your upper body is on the vertical and you rock behind the vertical, you open your hip angles. As a result the imaginary arrows extended down from your seatbones point forward. You’re saying to your horse’s hind legs, “Come along, come along, go with, go with.”

Dressage Trainer Jane Savoie and Human Condition’s Peter Raymond Unite to Create EQ Equisense SmartTack

Dressage trainer Jane Savoie and Peter Raymond, President of Human Condition LLC, joined forces at EQ-Equisense to create the world’s first SmartTack for Equestrians.

After extensive research and development, Savoie and Raymond announced today that their revolutionary new product EQ-Equisense SmartTack is now available for purchase by dressage centers and universities.

Savoie saw the need for a system like SmartTack because she recognized the unique challenges facing riding instructors and students—the ability to teach and learn that elusive quality called “feel”.

Jane explains that, “Subtle imbalances in a rider’s position are not always clearly visible to the human eye. Yet they clearly have a negative impact on riding and training. Plus, riders get frustrated by their lack of natural “feel” which results in unbalanced and crooked bodies as well as confusion about how to use aids correctly. EQ SmartTack addresses both of these issues.”

Raymond, a leading innovator in immersive simulation technology describes EQ SmartTack as, “tack retrofitted with sensors in the seat, flaps, stirrups, and reins. The sensory data is transmitted wirelessly to an iPad or Apple computer for instantaneous interpretation. Data may also be captured for later review and analysis.

The most exciting aspect of SmartTack, however, is that it is designed not only for static position analysis but also for use while actually riding your own horse. The system gives an instructor instantaneous feedback about a rider’s position and pressure in the saddle and on the reins while riding.

By providing a “magnifying glass” to examine often imperceptible elements of a student’s balance, position, and use of the aids, corrections are immediate and accurate. This system skyrockets a student’s learning curve while also making learning fun.”

Supported by solid research conducted by Dr. Hilary Clayton at the McPhail Equine Performance Center at Michigan State University, the EQ SmartTack System merges cutting-edge technology with proven teaching and training methodology.

To learn more about how you can bring Jane Savoie and Peter Raymond’s EQ-Equisense SmartTack to your dressage facility or university, go to www.eqtrained.com.

Dressage Trainer, Jane Savoie, Unveils Her Revolutionary Horse and Rider Training System by EQ-Equisense

Dressage trainer, Jane Savoie, is excited about her new company EQ-Equisense’s breakthrough approach to riding and horse training for all equestrians.

EQ Equisense Systems and three-time Olympic coach, Jane Savoie, debuted this unique training system for dressage horses and riders at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Developed with the help of the world-renowned McPhail Equine Performance Center, EQ’s line of products changes the face of equestrian sports forever.

Savoie says, “This exciting marriage of training and technology skyrockets a rider’s learning curve far beyond traditional teaching methods because it relies on science rather than flawed subjective human analysis and bias.”

EQ training moves leaps beyond traditional horsemanship and delivers to riders an unprecedented set of tools and technology to improve their own skills as well as their horses’ training. The EQ motto is: If you can see and feel it, you can fix it. EQ helps you see and feel it. EQ Certified Training Centers are opening globally and a mobile clinic begins a multi-event tour in the Spring of 2011.

The EQ Sensored Tack actually senses how a rider moves. It give an instructor a better “magnifying glass” so she can really see below the surface right down to the root of training problems. The EQ Sensored Tack can be used either on an Equicizer for position analysis and diagnosis. But it also can be used on the rider’s actual horse. Data is transmitted wirelessly to the EQPro system where the instructor can analyze the nuances in the riders position and use of aids.

EQ is also launching EQ Live–the premier equestrian destination for riders in all disciplines and all levels of experience. With EQ Live, you can learn, compete, and connect with other people who are passionate about horses. With a range of iPhone apps, DVDs, and online riding simulations, you can tune up your skills day or night, whether at your stable or in your living room.

Experience the most revolutionary advancement in the horse industry for diagnosing, evaluating, and improving your riding skills by visiting dressage trainer, Jane Savoie‘s Equisense website www.eqtrained.com. Check it out at: http://social.eqtrained.com/videos/view/video—_80.html

Thousands “Stampede” World Equestrian Games to Experience EQ Training Tack

EQ Equisense Systems stunned the competitive riding community at this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ by unveiling its debut products, the enhanced EQ Sensor based Reins and Saddle.
The “enhanced” saddle and reins use biomechanical feedback together with computer processing and a graphic user interface to detect imbalances and unevenness in the rider’s seat, legs and rein. Armed with this information, instructors can now actually “see below the surface” and correct mistakes that are too subtle for the naked eye, while riders instantly “feel” how to correct chronic mistakes. As a result, training time is slashed from the traditional months and years to days and weeks.

Quite obviously, Equisense made instant believers out of the thousands in attendance at the Games, held at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, September 25 – October 10, 2010. Novice riders, professional trainers and world-class competitors alike couldn’t wait to try these new products, and stood in line as long as five hours for a personalized position analysis from a certified EQ trainer.
In fact, demand was high for the full spectrum of Equisense products, the first of which will be available in early spring. Attendance records show the EQ-Equisense Booth was the most popular destination at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) by far.

“We knew EQ’s debut would be huge,” said Olympic coach and Equisense co-founder Jane Savoie. “But we were overwhelmed by the response. Our booth was mobbed the entire 16 days. Security actually had to be called in because the crowd that gathered was creating a fire hazard…”
Though clearly impressed by the turn-out, Savoie was more confident as to why, remarking, “Riders are all hungry to learn how to ‘feel.’ They want to learn how to sit straight and balanced not only so they can be more effective riders, but to keep their horses happier and healthier longer too. By combining science with solid training techniques, we’re able to skyrocket a rider’s learning curve.”

Public reaction certainly bore this out. Riders were astounded at how easily they could improve their positions, and how the corrections stuck with them when they returned to try out the enhanced tack another day. “Within five minutes I learned so much,” said one woman who tried the system. “It was a jaw-dropping experience.”

Data shows that people thronged not just to EQ’s booth space but its cyberspace offering as well, as seen by nearly 15,000 unique visitors and over 24,000 page views from September 1st to October 1st.
Given such the overpoweringly positive response to debut products, many would ask what Equisense plans for an encore. Company representatives were eager to reveal plans to introduce EQLive, EQ Training Centers for students, EQ Pro for certified trainers, and the EQ Roadshow that will bring the full EQ experience to riders around the world.

Whichever products come to the fore, it seems both EQ-Equisense and its customers are in for the ride of their lives.

EQ Equisense Systems is the fusion of two highly successful entities: Jane Savoie International, Inc.–run by world-renowned dressage competitor, mentor, author, Olympic coach, and creator of the first interactive Web-based coaching program; plus the EQ technology team-developers of breakthrough immersive simulation, training and communications solutions.

For more information visit EQtrained.com.

Contact:
Peter E Raymond
Product Development
Email: praymond@EQtrained.com
T: 631.731.4915
Eq-Equisense Enhanced Saddle and Reins

Jane Savoie’s EQ-Equisense Debuts Her Enhanced Tack at WEG

If you couldn’t make it to WEG, enjoy this short video on how Jane Savoie’s EQ enhanced tack can help you “feel” how to sit straight, square, and balanced.

http://www.youtube.com/user/janesavoie#p/u/0/Pmwilf0-xAs

For more information on how you can be trained on this tack or even become a certified EQ trainer yourself, go to: www.eqtrained.com

10 TIPS TO HELP YOU SIT THE TROT

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “Can you give me some tips to help me sit the trot better?”
So here are some quick tips to help you with this all too common challenge.

1. First and foremost, your horse needs to be on the bit. If his back is hollow, stiff, or tight, you’ll find it impossible to sit comfortably. (And, in turn, you’ll make your horse uncomfortable too!)
To put him on the bit, use the “connecting aids”. Start in the posting trot on a circle and do the following:
–Close both legs as if you’re asking for a lengthening.
==As your horse starts to surge forward toward a lengthening, close your outside hand in a fist to capture, contain and recycle the power back to the hind legs.
–Keep giving those aids for about 3 seconds.
==If your horse starts to bend his neck to the outside, give some squeezes and releases with your inside hand to keep his neck straight.
–After 3 seconds, soften back to maintenance contact with your legs and hands.

2. Slow the trot down. Ride “sub-power” and when you can sit easily, increase the impulsion for just a few strides at a time. Then slow down again.

3. Put your horse on the bit in posting trot. Once he’s round, sit for just a couple of strides. Start posting again before you feel like you need to grip with your legs. Reorganize your body, relax your legs, and sit again for just a couple of strides.

4. Cross your stirrups over the front of the saddle. Post without your irons until your legs are tired. If they’re tired, you can’t grip so you’ll sit deeper.

5. Focus on your hips. Notice how they open and close in the walk. Mimic that motion when you’re in sitting trot. You can even exaggerate the motion by pretending you’re sitting on a swing and you’re moving your hips to make the swing go higher.

6. Pretend you’re a belly dancer. As you swing your loose hips, use a buzz phrase like, “Do the hootchie kootchie” or “Swing, swing, swing”.

7. Hold the front of the saddle with your inside hand. (Or use a “grab strap”.) Use that hand to pull you deeper into the saddle so you can learn the feeling of sitting close to your horse and moving “with” him in sitting trot.

8. Attach a small strap (like the bottom strap from a flash noseband) to the outside D ring on the saddle. Pull straight up to pull yourself down deeper into the saddle. This also helps to keep your hands forward in the “work area” so you don’t pull back.

9. Relax your knees and thighs by taking then an inch or so off the saddle for a moment, letting them drop, and then placing them on lightly again.

10. Take longe lessons. This is the best way to develop an independent seat so you can sit the trot easily. Don’t use any reins or stirrups. Let the person longing you handle steering and controlling the speed. Do exercises where you move one part of your body while you keep the rest of your body still. (Arm circles, scissor kicks etc.) Also, just practice sitting deeply on your horse in his traveling gaits as well as through upward and downward transitions.

To learn more about sitting the trot, check out: www.programyourposition.com

Help Your Horse By Sitting Evenly On Your Seatbones

You can help your horse stay in good balance by sitting evenly on your seatbones.

Here’s a cool image to help you make sure you’re part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

Imagine you’re sitting on top of a basketball.
If you lean forward, the basketball shoots out the back.
If you lean back, the basketball shoots out in front of you.
If you lean to the right, the basketball pops out to the left.
If you lean to the left, the basketball pops out to the right.

If you’re sitting straight and evenly on your seatbones, you can keep the basketball directly on top of your horse’s back. For more position tips go to www.programyourposition.com

Sit the Trot Better and Don’t Lose Your Stirrups

The Incredible Shrinking Leg (or How To Avoid Losing Your Stirrups!)

Ruth and I have been giving a bunch of seat and leg position riding lessons lately, and we’ve discovered some interesting things about the correlation of the pelvis, lower leg, and losing your stirrups.

Does this ever happen to you?

Do you lose your stirrups in the sitting trot?
Does your horse slow down in the sitting trot or when you work without stirrups?
Does your knee come out over the front of the saddle when you’re in the sitting trot or canter?
Does it seem that the more you use your leg, the slower your horse goes?
Do you lean forward no matter how hard you try to bring your shoulders back?
Is your bum smacking the saddle in the canter rather than sliding along your tack?
Is it hard to get up into a standing or 2-point position and keep your balance?
Is it just impossible to keep your heels down below the stirrup bar?

All of these problems could be related to the following position issues.
1. Your pelvis is not in a neutral position.
2. You’re gripping or pinching with your knee.

Here’s how the cycle unfolds.

When your pelvis is NOT in NEUTRAL, it can’t work as a spring or joint to follow your horse’s movement. Most of the time with the problems described above, the pelvis is in a too closed or tight position. As a result, in order to keep your balance, you feel that you have to pinch with your knees to stay in the saddle.

This causes problems.

When you pinch with your knees, your whole leg actually draws upward away from gravity (the ground) and shortens your contact with the seat in the saddle. (When I say “seat”, I’m not only talking about where you sit, but also I’m including your upper thigh all the way down to the top of your boot.) The less length of leg you have around your horse, the less stable you are.

When you pinch with your knees (which also closes your thighs), you actually give an aid for your horse to slow down. Remember, your upper leg should close for downward transitions, and your lower leg should close for upward transitions. Your horse won’t know what to think when you close your ENTIRE leg! This is why when you grip harder in the sitting trot to try and stay balanced, your horse slows down.

By now it’s a catch 22 because the slower he goes, the more you’re squeezing to try and speed him up. And yet the more you squeeze, the slower he goes! You’re squeezing yourself right off the top of the horse. (Like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube).

Pinching with your knees with a closed pelvis also inhibits your body weight from dropping into your heels where it should be. With a pinched knee, you stop the ability of your weight to actually get to your heels. (It’s like putting a “stopper” at your knee like a stopper in the bath tub. Gravity can’t pull your weight down to your heels. The “stopper” at your knee is blocking the weight from going down to your heels just like the bathtub stopper keeps the water from running out of a bathtub.)

Pinching with your knees also leads to losing your stirrups. When your leg is not as long as possible, your weight can’t drop down to the stirrup bar. When your weight is not down on the stirrup bar, your heel comes up and you lose your stirrup.

So there you have it. When you get your pelvis into neutral and elongate your thighs, you’ll solve many problems. Below are a few pictures and images that you can use to help with this issue.

Pelvis too closed Pelvis in Neutral Pelvis too open

Elongate your thighs by thinking “gardening knees”.

For more information and solutions for improving your riding position so you don’t lose your stirrups go to www.programyourposition.com

Tips To Help Your Put Your Heels Down When Horseback Riding

Can’t get your heels down when horseback riding? The problem may not be your heels!

I’ve been asked a lot recently about why riders have such a hard time keeping their heels down. A heel that is not “down” may not have anything to do with the heel itself, but rather the knee and the calf muscle.

Many times the heel is not down because the calf needs to be stretched. A soft calf allows for the heel to drop below the toe when the foot is resting on the stirrup bar.

When the heel is “down”, it drops just below the stirrup bar. The more important thing, however, is how FLEXIBLE the calf and ankle are and how they absorb the movement of the horse.

The ankle plays an important role in absorbing the movement of the horse under your body. It’s a shock absorber. If you have too much pressure on your toe, your calf muscle and knee are stiff and rigid.

On the other hand, if you force your heel too far down, the back of the calf and knee also becomes stiff. The front and back of your calf as well as your knee should feel soft and springy.

If you feel like your heel is up, chances are you’re gripping with your knee as well. You need to point your kneecap down to lengthen your thigh and drop the whole length of your leg.

The following is a simple exercise that will help stretch your calf to keep it soft and springy. Once you’ve found the correct place for your upper and lower leg around your horse, “anchor” that feeling both mentally and physically. Through anchoring, your muscle memory and subconscious mind take over and automatically make positive position corrections!

Step 1
Stand facing the wall about 3 feet away.

Step 2
Take 1 step forward with your left foot.

Step 3
Place your hands on the wall in front of you. Bend your elbows slightly. Point your shoulders, hips, and feet directly toward the wall.

Step 4
Bend your left knee slowly. Control the amount of stretch you feel in your right calf muscle. Both heels stay on the ground.

Step 5
Keep your right knee (back leg) straight, and hold still for 15 seconds.

Step 6
To stretch the other calf muscle (soleus) in the same leg, slowly bend your right knee, making sure to keep your right heel on the ground. Hold 15 seconds.

Step 7
Slowly push yourself back to starting position.

Step 8
Switch legs. Repeat both the straight knee and bent knee stretches on the other leg to completely stretch your calf.

Attached are a few images that will help you visualize your new position!

Now that the physical side of training your body so you can keep your heels down when horseback riding has begun, it’s time to begin the mental training and conditioning. Look for more information on your mental training at www.programyourposition.com

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