dressage whip

Your online source for dressage whip information

Learn-to-Ride-Horses.com

		The promise of this horseback riding ebook is simple: Read it, follow the many tips, tricks and techniques and you will quickly and easily learn the basic skills needed to ride a horse. It's a home Horseback Riding Lesson. Learn Horseback Riding Skills From The Comfort Of Your Own Home...Guaranteed!!!

dressage whip tip of the day

Why All The Fuss About Relaxation
Author: Bill Dunigan
Why All The Fuss About Relaxation?

Bill Dunigan

If you have ever taken many riding lessons I'm sure you have heard the word "relaxation". It seems to be a staple in every instructors vocabulary. Have you ever wondered why so many teachers, trainers, and top riders place so much importance on it? Sometimes they are refering to relaxation on the part of the horse and other times it's the rider being encoureged to relax more. What is it about this one aspect of riding horses that makes it so universaly important?

Something that we must realize before going any farther in this discussion is that there is a difference between riding a horse and working a horse. If we are simply out for a trail ride or using the ring just to enjoy the beautiful day on horseback, we are riding. On the other hand if we are preparing for competition, trying to progress to the next level of accomplishment in our chosen diciplin, or practicing what we learned in the previous lesson, then we are working our horse. When we are just riding we are not doing anything in particular to bring about specific results within the horse. However, when working our horse we have a real purpose, That purpose is to systematicaly and effectivly bring about improvement in the physical and mental condition of the horse.

When our horses are tense their mussles, tendons, ligaments, and joints are not able to be as fluid in all of their actions as they need to be. Since we are trying to progress and improve, we need the horse able to performe to the best of it's ability. If our horse is not relaxed while trying to accomplish this then there is no way to truly make the kind of progress we are looking for. Not only does it make it impossible for us to atain the desired results, it makes our horse more susseptable to injury. When the horse is tense their movements become suddon and abrupt. This can cause them to strain or pull something quite easily without us ever asking them to do something difficult, or unusual. Remember, even though they are very large animals they are in many ways quite fragil. When we take over the controls and start telling them when to stop or go, how to move, which way to look and bend, etc. we had better be correct, or we put them at a disadvantage when it comes to saving themselves from injury. The more relaxed we can keep them the easier it is for them to take care of themselves when working. That relaxation enablems them to remain fluid in their movements. This is crutial if we want to avoid injuries.

The relaxation keeps the horse mentaly able to understand and acept what we are wanting them to do. When they are not worried about self preservation from injury they are better able to cooperate with us. They must be able to trust us. If every time we attempt to work them we end up with a nervious, excited, frustrated horse then something is wrong. If this is often the case than they will have a very difficult time trusting us. They are creatures of habit, and have excellent memories. Why should they trust us to give them a good experience today if the last time was as unpleasant for them as it would have been for us. They will trust us when we have earned it, and not before.

If we are doing things correctly, each time we work our horse should be better than the last time. We are building on the previous work. Each workout lays the foundation for the next one. Of course, if we don't have the relaxation to begin with than it's not very likely that we will have the progress. The twe go hand in hand. You can't separate them.

Now, what about us as the rider. If we are tense, uptight, worried, whatever, that transfers directly into our horse. If you are worried about something and unable to shake it than it might be better to lunge that day rather than ride. Be realistic about it. How are you ever going to make progress if you upset the horse. Now I'm not talking about letting the horse get away with things, or spoiling, or just taking the easy way out. If you really feel that you are not doing anything to cause tension in your horse, get some other opinions. Most of us are not vary good at self critiquing. None of us has the time or interest in spinning our wheels for nothing. If you are not making progress, something is wrong. With the amount of time, money, and effort it takes to bring along a horse these days, you and your horse deserve to do it right and make progress. Don't hesitate to get the help you need. One of the most common things I see over and over again is a parent who rides and has children who ride. They are more than willing to do anything to enable their child to improve but simply are unable to justify spending the money on themselves. What kind of example are they setting for the child? One that says it's ok to flounder around making mistake after mistake going nowhere. Think about it that way for once and you just might be able to do something about it. Remember they learn much better from example.

So you see relaxation is a crutial element for both horse and rider regardless of the chosen diciplin. All of the top trainers and riders value it because they know from experience how difficult it is to get maximum cooperation, positive performance results, and remain injury free without it. This is not a new concept. It is something that has been an indespencible part of training horses handed down through the centruies. When so many who have gone before us place so much emphesis on this particular aspect of training, why would any of us feel that it isn't that important. We all need relaxation in both horse and rider for hunter/jumper, dressage, barrel racer, roper, etc. It is the foundation that enables us to build everything else. Without a solid and stable foundation
nothing can stand the test of time. Build on a firm correct foundation and your work will enable you to show steady growth and progress with a much happier and relaxed horse.

You have permission to copy and reuse this article provided there are no changes made to the article and credit is given to the author and the link to his website remains in place. Please notify him by email if you are going to use this article. You may contact Bill Dunigan through his website: http://www.BarrelRacingClinic.com

About the Author

Bill Dunigan has been teaching and competing in excess of 40 years. He has taught and competed in Barrel Racing, Hunter/Jumper, Eventing, Dressage and served as President of a local Dressage Association. During this time, he Fox Hunted four days a week with two different Hunt clubs, one of which he served as Joint Master. Bill qualified six years in a row for the World Championships with the National Barrel Horse Association.

...

Up to the minute dressage whip news

[CaRP] XML error: > required at line 4

More Links about dressage whip
patterns dressage
arabian dressage
dressage training
dressage saddle
konig dressage boot
dressage walk aids
dressage 1984 olympics gold horse
dressage show information
dressage top hat clearance
passier dressage
dressage clinician paul
advanced dressage horses for sale
dressage extentions
horseback riding in branson, mo
courbette dressage bridle
ct dressage assoc.
1984 olympics dressage results
friesian dressage
dressage translations dutch english
build dressage arena
online videos of dressage horses
horseback riding los angeles
san antonio horse riding
horse riding person
horse riding in england

Other sites that have info about dressage whip

1. Arcaro's Saddlery Whips Page
... 59 No. 3776: DRESSAGE WHIP. Black 40" shaft with a woven PVC thread cover. Black plastic ferrule and end cap. Your Price: $8.60 No. 3777: DRESSAGE WHIP. Black 40" shaft with a braided PVC thread cover ...
http://www.arcaros.com/whips.htm

2. Adams Horse and Pet Supplies
... States and Canada Home | About | Contact | Return Policy | Shipping Info Whips-Dressage Kool Dressage Whip Colorful dressage whips suitable for riders of all levels. Comes in one size, 39. *Special ...
http://www.adamspetsuppli ...ore/index.php/cat_246

3. New Page 1
... I tried closing off her area so I could round pen her, but she was not afraid of me nor the dressage whip. So I got out the saddle blanket and halter and sacked her out..."big deal," she said. I had ...
http://www.versatilehorses.com/testimonial.html

4. Dressage Whip with Silver-Gilt mounts. London: 1854
... Paintings Porcelain-Pottery Scientific-Medical Silver/Silverware Watches More Categories ª Dressage Whip with Silver-Gilt mounts. London: 1854 View Other Images Antiques > Silver/Silverware ...
http://showcase.goantique ...ip-silver,974110.html

5. Forming an Understanding: The Nature of the Horse
... In order to communicate, pressure is put on the horse, whether it is a mare shaking her head, guidance from a halter or a dressage whip, and when the horse moves in the right direction, the pressure ...
http://www.okinhealth.com ...ssbach-princeton.html

6. loverogregler
... 3.5.2 Whip For the dressage tests, the dressage whip is allowed only in the warm-up arena. Riders may use it during the test only if the Chairman of the Jury allows it expressis verbis. This must be ...
http://www.org.ntnu.no/ri ...ppe/loverogregler.htm

7. Arm Binder
... 23856|~360~405~ ~ Bit Gag~~~~360~406~ ~ Bit Gag Head Harness~~~~360~407~ ~ Full Face Bridle~~~~360~408~ ~ Leather Arm Binder~~~~360~409~ ~ Delux Crop~~~~360~410~ ~ Dressage Whip~~~~360~411 ... http ...
http://www.officedir.com/Binder/armbinder/

8. EquestrianFriends.com
... A stiff, four foot dressage whip will also be necessary. (No, we are not going to beat the horse into the trailer. The whip is used as an extension of our arm, giving us a way to physically apply ...
http://www.equestrianfriends.com/articles/

9. Adams Horse Supplies
... Pet Supplies Saddle Trial Policy | CAIR Panel System | Easy Change Gullet Whips-Dressage Kool Dressage Whip Colorful dressage whips suitable for riders of all levels. Comes in one size, 39. *Special ...
http://adamshorsesupplies ...ore/index.php/cat_246

10. Post Eagles
... Items for Team Practices: Approved helmet (ASTM/SEI) Dressage boots or tall boots Small spurs Dressage whip (no longer than 110 centimeters) Gloves Breeches Post Riding clothes (as ...
http://www.posteagles.com ...5/news/about_dressage

11. EquestrianSingles.com
http://www.equestriansing ...icle.asp?articleid=17

12. FOX Equestrian Pricelist
... 00 Whips and Spurs Dressage Whips CC-W424P Woven Rubber Handle Dressage Whip 9.95 CC-W423P Leather Twist Handle Dressage Whip 10.20 CC-W301 Economy Dressage Whip 6.50 Lunge Whips CC-K985 Lunge Whip 9 ...
http://www.foxequestrian. ...php?for=For the Rider

13. When Worlds Collide
... neck; if itís an aggressive invasion, such as a body slam combine a firm smack (if you have a dressage whip, use it) with a loud, furious shout, just as a horse would kick and squeal. This isnít ...
http://www.bubbaburger.com/wrr/collide.html

14. Whip Bullwhip Indian Leather Foot Whips
... 0.01 Related Products: Arabian Halter Show Whip Driving Dressage, Bastien Indian Huron Snowshoes, Bicycle Chain Whip Cog Cassette Lock Ring Removal, Black Bullwhip Bull Whip String Popper, Crops Whips ...
http://www.fit4martialart ..._whips_a62058_310.php

15. English Tack -
... Back to top ^ Working & Training Dressage Whip by Weaver Leather Polyester cover. Nicely balanced, nylon woven black/white handle for great grip action. Meets USEF guidelines. 5" lash Extra Long ...
http://www.valleyvet.com/ ...be26-befd6dd44c38cat1

16. Questions Submitted
... one. As she degresses, give her one-quick-hard-release jerk on the lead shank and have someone behind her very lightly wave a dressage whip with a white plastic bag on it just little enough that it ...
http://horse.lifetips.com ...-submitted/index.html

17. Clicker training your horse
... One additional piece of equipment that will help later is a ìtargetî, this can be a dressage whip, a special stick or even a traffic cone, although the latter can be unwieldy in some situations you ...
http://www.petshrink.com/ ...ining your horse.html

18. Training Whips
... dressage training whips, in-hand whips and lunge whips. Also check out the Polo-crosse whip ... ... Products Braided Nylon Dressage Whip Black 100cm Valley Country's price: AUD$9.90 Includes 10% GST ...
http://shop.valleycountry ...egory183/category186/

19. osCommerce
... 5.00 ADD Dressage Whip" title=" Dressage Whip " width="100" height="940.6862745098"> Dressage Whip[65-5120] $7.34 ADD Cattle Show Stick with Handle, Black" title=" Cattle Show Stick with Handle ...
http://www.weaverleather. ...2df4fd2923a47bd17f1d9

20. New Items at Dressage Extensions
... 39.95 NEW - Vario Dressage Whip No. 16171 - $49.95 NEW - Fleck Safari Whip No. 16221 - $32.95 NEW - Easy Snap Lunge Whip No. 1630 - $16.95 NEW - Fleck Schlag Lunge Whip No. 16391 - $$43.95 NEW - Fleck ...
http://www.dressage-ext.com/Newitems.asp?cat=01

21. State Line Tack - Whips & Crops No-Slip Grip Dressage Whip by County - 39 inch
... 0.00 No-Slip Grip Dressage Whip by County - 39 inch Well balanced, nylon woven thread covered ... ... contact us | shipping info | guarantee 731190 No-Slip Grip Dressage Whip by County - 39 inch $16.99 ...
http://shop.statelinetack .../2534374302039662.htm

22. Dressage Whip - The Gifted Horse - Horse Supplies
... Privacy Notice Shipping Info Contact Us Printable Catalog Gift Certificate FAQ > > Dressage Whip [396-111251] $16.95 $13.95 Click to enlarge New! A well-balanced, comfortable dressage whip ...
http://www.thegiftedhorse ...sage-whip-p-2775.html

23. Versatile Gun Dog Owner Checklist
... but no nylon or fabric Puppy collar with ID tag Training lead - 6 to 8' lead with hand loop Dressage whip or other very light switch (probably will only ever be used 1 to 3 times) Spray water bottle ...
http://www.altmoor.com/catalog/versatiles.html

24. Inventory
... 25.95 Professional Dressage Whip by Fleck Our Price $39.50 Sprenger KK Ultra Snaffle Bit Our Price $93.95 copyright ©2004 Foxy Horse and Hound Admin| Stats| Email 4241 S. Cheney Spokane Rd. Suite "B ...
http://www.foxyhorseandho ...d111134ed29c9326279ca

25. Thaiequestrian | ¡§¡¢Ë¡È·ÀËßª»¬
... ¬µËÕ¡È¡ËÕºÈ¢ËÕ· È ¡È¡°®¡Ë°È° · È·ÈßÕÕ°ªÁ· È È (JUMPING WHIP) ·· È¬« (DRESSAGE WHIP) 7. SPUR ¥Õ¬ ªÁ§ËÕß¡Õß§¡ÈÕß È ÀµÕ¡È¥¬ «¡ÕßÈ¢¢Ë¡È ...
http://www.thaiequestrian.com/discovery/equip.php

26. Blocker Ranch Online Catalog
... 29.95 Quantity Black Blue Red Yellow Click on above image to enlarge Ultralite Horsemans Caneô This is a dressage whip with a cane handle. It makes for a very light and handy training tool. $29.95 ...
http://www.blockerranch.com/Pages/catalog2.html

27. Product Descriptions - The Tack Room
... com Kyra Dressage whip Passage/Piaff, These black quality whips have already become classics. They come in two models with different functions. One with a long flap, The Piaff, for more deliberate ...
http://www.wyotackroom.com/descript.htm

29. Riders Equestrian Equipment Supplies UK.
... Tray + Tack Tray Cover + Tack Bag + Hippo-Tonic Grooming Kit Box Whips + Show Cane + Brass Top Dressage Whip + County Jumping Whip + County Hot Stix + Sparkly Riding Whips + Junior Whip Home Page ...
http://www.riders-equestrian.co.uk/toc.html

30. sport
... 4.11 GBP Cottage Crafts Leather Twist Handle Dress Whip Pack 20% Off --- Padded leather, twisted handled dressage whip with metal cap. 14.80 GBP Team Braids An economical way to make team sashes ...
http://www.nonsolofitness ...ng/shop_cat.asp?cat=4