How to Train Your Foal to Load into a Trailer with Ease: Video with Callie Klein
With early training of consistent pressure and release, any foal can learn to load in a trailer with ease and confidence.
The Importance of a Pre-Ride Check with Your Horse: Video with Callie Klein
Doing a Pre-Ride Check with your horse is always a good idea so why not take the line off and see how your horse really feels about being with you. A few circles engaging the horse's active mind will get you connected for a great ride!
What is Classical Dressage?
Classical dressage evolved from ancient movements and training for the battlefield. Classical riding is the art of riding in harmony with, rather than against, the horse.
A painting of the Spanish Riding School in 1783
Correct classical riding only occurs when the rider has a good seat and a correct and well-balanced body position, moves with the horse’s motion, and applies and times the aids correctly.
The origins of classical dressage and collection lie in the natural ability of the horse and its movements in the wild. In fact, most modern definitions of dressage state that the goal is to have the horse perform under saddle with the degree of athleticism and grace that it naturally shows when free.
Horses naturally use collection when playing, fighting, competing and courting with each other. When trying to impress other horses, they make themselves look bigger, just as other animals do. They achieve this by lifting the forehand, raising the neck and making it bigger by flexing the poll, while at the same time transforming their gaits to emphasize more upwards movement. When fighting, the horse will collect because in collection he can produce lightning speed reactions for kicking, rearing, spinning, striking with the front feet, bucking and jumping.
This natural ability to collect is visible in every horse of any breed, and probably inspired early trainers to reproduce that kind of behavior in more controlled circumstances. This origin also points out why, according to most Classical dressage trainers, every healthy horse, regardless of its breed, can perform classical dressage movements, including the Haute Ecole jumps, or Airs above the ground, even though it may perform them a little differently from the ideal performance due to the build of its body.
The ultimate goal of dressage training is to develop a horse to its ability as an athlete: maximum performance with a minimum of effort. The training scale (as set for in the German riding instruction) is to physically develop the horse in a consistent manner with longevity in mind. Dressage is fitness training and needs to be treated as such, with thought, compassion and patience.
Content adapted from Wikipedia
What is Natural Horsemanship?
Natural Horsemanship
A human approaches a semi-wild horse in a non-threatening stance
Natural Horsemanship is a collective term for horse training techniques which share principles of developing a rapport with horses, using methods derived from observation of the natural behavior of free horses and rejecting abusive training methods.
Natural horsemanship practitioners often describe their approach as being a radical departure from “traditional” techniques, which are often portrayed as being based in the use of unnecessary force. Users and practitioners relate benefits both in relation to horse behavior, and also to the idea of a true partnership. High-profile practitioners of natural horsemanship such as Pat Parelli and John Lyons provide their methods through educational books, television appearances, live shows and other media.
The idea of working in sympathy with a horse in order to obtain cooperation is not new, with documented instances as far back as the two part treatise On Horsemanship by Xenophon (c. 430 – 354 BCE), which amongst other points, emphasized operant conditioning and emphasized reassurance over punishment.[1] Later classical dressage practitioners such as Antoine de Pluvinel (1555–1620 CE) and François Robichon de La Guérinière (1688–1751) also emphasized gentle techniques. However, gentle training methods have always had to compete with harsher methods, which often appear to obtain faster, but less predictable results. In particular, the cowboy tradition of the American west, where the economics of needing to “break” large numbers of feral horses in a short period of time led to the development of a number of harsh training methods that the natural horsemanship movement specifically has set out to replace.
The modern natural horsemanship movement, though not originally described as such, developed primarily in the United States Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain states, where the “buckaroo” or vaquero-style cowboy tradition was the strongest. Brothers Tom and Bill Dorrance were early modern practitioners, who had background in the buckaroo tradition. They had a particularly strong influence on Ray Hunt, who in turn became a significant influence upon Buck Brannaman and many others such as Pat Parelli, who was also influenced by Dorrance and Hunt but also came from the rodeo world.
In Europe a number of variations are practiced that developed independently of the American model, influenced by Spanish or Hungarian horsemanship traditions as well as the teachings of Classical dressage. Some include work rooted in the use of human body language to communicate effectively to the horse.
Adapted from Wikipedia
Does Your Horse Have Safe Manners? Video with Callie Klein
Simple test is to observe his behavior when entering and exiting the stall, or any gate!
What is Western Dressage?
Come experience what all the fuss is about! Western Dressage is classical dressage training for the western horse. All breeds are welcome, all riders, all levels, all levels. Learn to apply classical training principles as a foundation for any discipline.
Western Dressage is Taking Off !
More information coming soon.
Las Vegas and Henderson Public Equestrian Parks
Horseback Riding at Bradley Equestrian Park
Have you ever wanted to just load up the horses and take them to a park but weren’t sure where to go and what to expect when you arrived?
This article contains basic information about a some of the Public Equestrian Parks in Las Vegas and Henderson. For more details about a specific park, visit the park website or call the park’s managing entity. Most of the information you need is available on the website. The parks are owned or managed by different government entities or management groups but it helps to know as much as you can so you can plan your day for success!
Horseman’s Park
5800 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89122 - 702-455-8206
Horseman’s Park is located in southeast Clark County with easy access from US 93/95, I-515 off the Flamingo Rd Exit. The largest public equestrian park in Clark County, in the Southeast side of town, Horseman’s Park boasts 38 acres of space with all the amenities needed for a major event. Many of the horse shows are held at Horseman’s Park throughout the year. It is a one-stop, all-inclusive facility, designed for a Professional Event from Rodeos, to Team Roping, to Jumping, to Barrels, to Vaulting, to Bull Sales.
The Main Arena, with a seating capacity of 2800 and ADA accessibility, the Flamingo Arena, (with seating for 400) a cutting arena, two practice arenas, corrals and livestock pens, wash racks, restrooms and showers, oversize parking, picnic area with open turf, show offices, announcer’s stand, 320 stalls, RV parking with electricity are both available for your event.
Special pricing is available for Youth or Community Events. The Park offers nearby lodging, and even offers overnight boarding for travelers.
Western Trails Equestrian Park
7500 Cameron Street, Las Vegas, NV 89139 - (702) 455-8200
Western Trails Equestrian Park is located in southwest Clark County with easy access from I-15 off the Blue Diamond Exit. The park sits on nine acres of manicured arena, a round pen, a dressage court and bridle paths that wind around inside the park. There’s an amphitheater in this park too! Park hours are 6 am to 11 pm on a first-come, first-served basis. It truly is a clean, comfortable, wide open park.
Check out the Western Trails Neighborhood Park Facebook Page to see what they are all about!
Bradley Bridle Park
8225 N Bradley Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89131 - (702) 229-6718
Bradley Bridle Park is very convenient if you live in the North side of town, and is easily accessible from I-215 and Bradley Rd Exit. The park is on the corner of Horse and Bradley Rd. This is a great park with desert area close by for those who love the trail! Bradley Bridle Park is owned and operated by the City of Las Vegas.
You can make reservations for equestrian special events and to reserve a picnic pavilion but otherwise, it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Bradley Bridle Park has a large arena with lights and bleacher seating, two roundpens, one lighted, a covered stall, restrooms, a perimeter trail, and three shaded picnic areas.
Floyd Lamb Park
9200 Tule Springs Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89131 - (702) 229-6718
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs is a large day-use only facility on the Northwest side of the valley easy access off Durango and the 95. This is a nice park if you are interested in riding on the trails around the park or into the desert, but does not have riding arenas, round pens or stalls. Tables and grills are located throughout the park, some covered cluster sites are available for small groups. All areas are on a first-come, first served basis.
Groups of 25 or more require advance reservations for use of group use areas. Park gate hours are 8 am to 8 pm May thru August, and 9 am to 5 pm September thru April. Park Fees are: Daily Per Car: $6 including car and horse trailer.
Equestrian Park South
1200 Equestrian Dr., Henderson, NV - (702)267-4000
Equestrian Park South is a large park in Hendersonm, is located off Boulder Hwy, Equestrian Drive and Magic Way. Operated by the City of Henderson, this is a really nice and clean park with fabulous views of the desert and mountains. Boasting 170 acres, 1.8 mile dirt horse path, a paved biking/walking trail, with parking for horse trailers, open grass area and restrooms, this is a wonderful equestrian facility.
In addition, the park features three adjoining loops, a 1.4 mile equestrian trail to the north which connects Saguaro Park, Equestrian Park South, Equestrian Park North, Equestrian Trailhead, and River Mountains Loop Trail. The hours are 6:00 am – midnight.
I hope this information has been useful.
Wherever you decide to ride, be safe, have fun and above all, enjoy your time with your horse!
Callie Klein, Riding Instructor
What is Centered Riding?
Centered Riding is a proven and effective unique way of teaching and applying the classical principles of riding, using body awareness, centering, and imagery developed by Sally Swift. It encompasses all seats and styles of riding.
"The ultimate goal of Centered Riding is not to be a discipline unto itself. It must go forward in its purest and least complicated form so it can be integrated into all disciplines of riding." Sally Swift (1913 - 2009)
Centered Riding teaches you how to help your body do what you need to do to ride well.
Centered Riding techniques help promote suppleness, stability, and clearer aids, making riding more comfortable for both horse and rider. As you learn and experience the principles through your horse’s motion and responses, you and your horse “tune in” to each other and work together in harmony. These techniques can increase confidence and enjoyment and release tension in horses and riders, making training easier.
Centered Riding is based on a knowledge of human and horse anatomy, balance, movement, and on understanding how the mind affects the body and how both affect the horse. It used centering and grounding techniques from the oriental martial arts, along with body awareness, mental imagery and sports psychology. Through increasing body awareness, inhibiting old patterns, and replacing them with a more balanced, free, and coordinated use of self, both horse and rider can move more freely and comfortably, and develop their best performance.
Centered Riding Basics
Who can benefit from Centered Riding?
Centered Riding applies to all kinds of horsemanship and any type of horse or rider, helping riders to achieve their own and their horse’s best potential by removing fear, pressure, and unnecessary tension and helping riders understand how to use their bodies better. Centered Riding techniques have been used by riders, trainers,, and instructors of all levels, from beginners and pleasure riders to Olympic competitors. Centered Riding is used extensively in therapeutic riding, and has helped many riders cope with old injuries or chronic conditions Most of all, it is fascinating and fun!
About Centered Riding Instructors
Centered Riding was developed by Sally Swift, author of the best-selling book and videotapes. Today, it is taught by Centered Riding instructors around the world. Instructors become qualified by completing a Centered Riding Instructor Course, and are required to prove their techniques in bi-annual certification courses.
I am proud to be the only Certified Centered Riding Instructor in Nevada.
To learn more about Centered Riding go to https://www.centeredriding.org
Benefits of Attending a Western Dressage 1-2-3 Clinic
Guest Post by Susanne J. Rowe
Western Dressage: Classical Horsemanship for Today's Rider
On an overcast winter day a group of horses and riders gather in Sandy Valley. The scene is reminiscent of the Old West—the horses wear hefty leather saddles and their riders wear blue jeans and cowboy boots. But this is no rodeo. The Sandy Valley group is participating in a Western Dressage 1-2-3 clinic sponsored by the North American Western Dressage organization. Today’s clinic will include plenty of riding and end with a videotaping session.
Western Dressage is based on the principles of classical horsemanship—remember those dancing white Lipizzaner stallions?
Why would today’s cowboys be interested in dancing horses?
Western Dressage techniques improve the horse and rider’s performance by teaching the horse to collect, or bring his hindquarters underneath him, in preparation for a change in direction or speed. The horse becomes more responsive to the rider’s signals, or aids, such as yielding to leg pressure or shifts in the rider’s weight. Riders benefit, too, by learning to clearly communicate their wishes.
Callie Klein of Cloud Nine Ranch LLC is presenting today’s clinic at Sandy Valley’s BJC Arena.
Klein is a recognized professional with the North American Western Dressage association and developed the curriculum for the Western Dressage 1-2-3 clinics. Klein is also a graduate of the Western Dressage Association of America’s Train The Trainer™ program and her extensive background in Natural Horsemanship informs the way she instructs. “I teach about the natural ways that horses communicate among one other, how horses understand humans, and how you can develop communication and create harmony with your horse—on and off the saddle.”
Sharon Fiato is attending the clinic riding her colorful gaited horse, Chip. Fiato’s goal is to improve her partnership with Chip while developing Chip’s flexibility, balance, and overall athleticism. Western Dressage techniques work to improve performance with all horses regardless of breed, size, ability, or previous training.
The Western Dressage 1-2-3 clinics are uniquely organized. After only a few hours of instruction, the horse and rider learn several patterns. These patterns are known as “tests” and have increasing levels of difficulty. Each pattern includes changes in direction and transitions in the horse’s speed. Locations in the arena are marked and cue the rider where to perform each part of the test. Then the pair is videotaped performing their chosen pattern. The videotape is sent to a judge who is certified with the North American Western Dressage association. Within a week, the judge finalizes a score sheet for each horse and rider’s performance and assigns a number, or grade, for that test. The rider can use the grade and judge’s feedback to work towards improving performance. All results are kept confidential unless the rider chooses to compete for a North American Western Dressage achievement award.
Klein enjoys teaching students Western Dressage principles and techniques.
“My clinics are really fun and a valuable platform for learning. Our virtual shows are an awesome low-key opportunity to get a certified judge’s feedback without the pressure or high cost of attending a show.”
The relaxed atmosphere helps riders increase their confidence, try something new, and most of all have fun with their horses. Each three hour clinic includes group instruction, work both off and on the horse, and the virtual test video session with a certified Western Dressage judge’s score and comments.
Learn more about Callie's Western Dressage 1-2-3 Clinics.
Western Dressage Interview
A few years ago, I was contacted by one of the bloggers, Michelle Binder, for the USEF website and their blog called Equestrian Weekly. I was so honored that she took time to meet me to write an article for the blog about bringing Western Dressage to the Las Vegas community. We had a great time together, sharing the importance of Dressage as a positive training pattern or roadmap for every horse. Both of us have a background in Natural Horsemanship and Dressage. We found we have a lot in common. Since this interview I have become a Western Dressage Professional, teaching students and trainers the foundation of Dressage and how it can help their horses. There are many avenues to learn more about Western Dressage and North American Western Dressage is very active in promoting with a positive community. Check out www.northamericanwesterndressage.com.