LONG-LINING MASTER: Bo Jenå of Sweden works with the Danish Warmblood Sanchez (Blu Hors Romanov x Camelot), owned by Jody Stoudenmier (FL)
a longtime employee of Flyinge stallion station in Sweden. i have known Jenå for many years, and we have been lucky to have him at our farm for regular clinics, so i am quite familiar with his work. Given how difcult and diferent it is to maneuver the horse from the ground, it was deceiving to watch Jenå work his horses in leg-yields, over cavaletti, and at all gaits with the greatest of ease. He eventually introduces a little piafe from a “small” trot and almost romances the horse into the next movement. What looks so easy when done well seems like a whole new world to a novice, and the only similarity to riding is that you are holding the reins.
The GDFNA Panelists
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unique feature of the Global Dressage Forum North America was the use of six-member panels during the training presentations. The panelists discussed the training and asked questions of the presenters, and their knowledge and perspectives enriched the learning experience. The panelists were: Panel 1: Sue Blinks, Stephen Clarke, Wim Ernes, Lendon Gray, Christoph Hess, Gary Rockwell Panel 2: Kathy Connelly, Jan Ebeling, Anne Gribbons, Leslie Reid, Betsy Steiner, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel.
48 May 2013 • USDF ConneCtion
Using his own long-lining system, Jenå showed how he utilizes the diferent rings and attachments according to what he is looking to accomplish with the horse. When he works with a young horse, he avoids the more restrictive options and usually works the horse with a direct attachment to the bit. As the horse gains experience, the surcingle with the diferent options can be used to correct faults in the connection or to emphasize the lateral suppleness. When discussing his work with the panel, and during his demonstration on counter-bending, Jenå frequently mentioned the importance of the outside rein, saying: “Te outside rein is the key.” Panel member Kathy Connelly, also a long-lining expert, made a pert comment about learning to long-line without letting it turn into a scene from Ben Hur. Te parade of star power continued with America’s own Dr. Hilary Clayton, who gave a revealing lecture on soundness in the dressage horse. Her presentations always contain fresh information and new perspectives, thanks to her continuing research as the McPhail Dressage Chairholder at Michigan State University. i am quite familiar with the next presenter, the German trainer Wolfram Wittig, from following his work with Jan ebeling and Rafalca while i was the US dressage national coach. Wittig is consistent, determined, and a man of few words who has successfully said less and produced more for a number of