Sunday, February 12, 2006

Impressions and Input of the 2006 USDF FEI Trainer's Conference Featuring Hubertus Schmidt
Jan 15-16 Loxahatchee, Fl.

With Amateur Rider Susan Gohl

The first cold Sunday morning felt more like Chicago as more than 300 of the qualified participants gathered at the beautiful High Meadow Farm of Walter and Mary Anne McPhail in Loxahatchee, Fl. With blankets and coffee we anxiously watched the first professonal demonstration rider--Todd Flettrich. Throughout the day---until 5 pm---we hung on the every word of Hubertus Schmidt. The second day it was the same scenario. Twelve riders each day----mostly upper level horses with the exception of a six year old Rhinelander gelding, First Fabio. The lovely bay stole our hearts as we watched movement almost never seen--so spectacular and balanced. He was ridden by Dr. Cesar Parra.

The theme of the conference was "Developing Power Through Relaxation". Each horse had his own strong and weak points. My vote for best riding went to Linda Alicki and Oded Shimoni. Both were on sale horses and I know with prices way up into the six figures!!!!! Super horse also---with rider problems---was BE SE--a twelve year old Dutch Warmblood. Our local gals, Allison Sader-Larson and J.J. Tate did quite well.

To summarize the remarks of Herr Schmidt I have listed the most often voiced comments of the two days.

• Horses need lots of long and low---do not forget going forward.
• Put a 45 minute limit on actual schooling after maybe 10 minute warmup.
• Do not always work the same movements at each session--
• Do not irritate the horse with force but repeat mistakes in calm manner until they are fixed. (For instance, one horse, after the halt, went right into the rein back. Hubertus made the rider repeat until the horse was able to stand for five seconds and then do the rein back.)
• Not much use for quarter pirouettes--only half or full pirouettes in schooling.
• Loosen and give on tight side of horse---not so much bending right and left.
• Keep hands down.
• Look always where you are going---keep a straight line.
• Half passes-- must be forward and parallel.
• Work both directions in training .....always.
• In double bridle be sure to keep snaffle tighter.
• In extended canter on daigonal---change one stride BEFORE corner
• Do not irritate the horse with force--use the whip to "tap" only.

We all had heard many of these pointers before but the expressiveness of Hubertus Schmidt was without equal and his sincerity and love for the horses.He was very straight forward and believes that spectacular movement cannot be compromised by inaccuracy.

We came away smarter AND inspired and I also saw that many pros are making mistakes ..as I do with my AA status!

A wonderful two days at White Fences!!!!