A friend of mine forwarded me an interesting article about position in dressage. It asks: What is a perfect position? Edward Gal rides in perfect balance but sometimes his feet stick out like airplane wings. Does that make him less perfect? I don't think so. He has the best seat in the dressage world, fluidly staying with the movement of the horse no matter how big it is or where it goes.
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| Edward Gal on Totilas. Photo from Wikipedia |
The article mentions Stephen Peters as well; his tact and elegance and understanding.
You can find the article
here. Let me know what you think. When I get back on Winston, I'm going to think more about moving in harmony with him and less about the airplane wings in my boots.
Here here! "At one with the horse" to me shows great dressage, not immovable (is that even a word) and stiff. Can't wait to see how you and Winston come together when you start focusing that direction. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. That was an interesting, light-hearted article. I used to get torn apart for my airplane wings, so I am happy to see such an admired rider sporting the same flaw, if you even want to call it that anymore. ;)
ReplyDeleteI had to throw convention to the wind when my teacher started correcting my "traditional" position. I believe that I am a much better rider for it. My horse seems to agree, although I do not see it catching. Lots of dressage instructors still teach the rider to put the lower leg WAY too far back. I had to relearn to bring it forward under myself. Maybe if we were winning gold medals others would notice!
You might be interested in a 20min documentary on Totilas and the differences between the two riders (edward gal and the new guy...)
ReplyDeleteIt's called 'What Happened to Totilas" and is on Youtube. REALLY interesting.
For me, it's "pretty is as pretty does". Meaning an effective rider with a happy horse is what counts.
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