Vol. 16, Issue 11
www.azdressage.org
NOVEMBER 2016
Arizona Dressage Association
A Carrot in Exchange for a Journey
by Susan Crinnian
Thanks to the ADA Scholarship Award earned through a carrot, I was able to clinic three times with David Wightman. My goal, as most of us, was to continue to move up the ladder with my Dutch Warmblood, Titan. I wanted to move from Third Level to Forth Level which means moving from performing one flying change to tempis. In the journey up the dressage training pyramid, all previous training mistakes will come out both in the horse and rider as they advance to the next higher level. Addressing these mistakes and misunderstandings will optimize the journey with minimal wrong turns and dead ends. One option that augments the dressage journey is participating in the many clinics that the Arizona Dressage Association provides us in Arizona along with a variety of trainers. During our weather “favorable” months, we can have as many as three clinicians in Arizona in a month. Even if you don’t ride in a clinic, auditing can be a valuable educational opportunity. Much is to be learned by observation and listening. Maximizing exposure as both a rider and an astute observer will foster greater understanding in the foundations and details of riding to maximum potential. Arizona is so fortunate that David is willing to travel to Phoenix for clinics. David Wightman is a high performance Grand Prix rider with success coaching riders nationally and internationally. At the end of three clinics, and many hours of practice, I am almost ready for Fourth Level, Test 1. We have a few straightness and corner concerns to address and Titan and I will be on our way. In addition to David, Arizona is fortunate to have many great trainers who David Wightman Continued on Page 6