Klaus Balkenhol Seminar - page 3 of 4

"Even if the exercises are hard, keep smiling"

With Oded Shimoni and Glenstern, a seasoned Grand Prix horse, Balkenhol pointed out certain elements of the tack, such as the double pads used to keep the horse comfortable. During the trot work, he mentioned that the right tools, even sharp tools such as the whip and spurs are fine as long as the rider knows how to use them.

"The horse is never our slave," said Balkenhol. "Rather we serve the needs of the horse. Working with a horse should be filled with joy. Even if the exercises are hard, keep smiling." Shimoni demonstrated passage, then took a walk break. They continued with canter and demonstrated flying changes. In the first line of ones, Glenstern sped up in anticipation and didn’t accept the aids out of the corner.

Balkenhol said, "It doesn’t matter. Take your time, no stress. In everything we do, we need to know what the result will be. If it doesn’t work, change or prepare better the next time. The horse has to understand the rider and the rider has to understand the horse." Shimoni then demonstrated pirouettes, and exited in extended trot.