Indholdsfortegnelse for Dressage Today Extra Volume 2 i Practical Horseman

Practical Horseman|Dressage Today Extra Volume 2

Prepare to PIROUETTE

The six to eight strides of a beautifully performed canter pirouette can be one of the most elegant moments of an upper level test, but it can also be the most difficult, as the horse’s forehand circles around the hind limbs. (He must do this at a distance equal to the length of his body while he is slightly bent in the direction of travel). The key to training canter pirouettes is progressively developing the collection, bend and suppleness needed for the final product—a fluid 360-degree turn in canter. You need to begin your training much earlier than during the horse’s advanced work. Before working on the pirouettes, it is essential that Second Level is mastered and you and your horse are well on the way to mastering Third Level.…

7 min

Practical Horseman|Dressage Today Extra Volume 2

My Fight Against Breast Cancer

In 2009, three members of my family were diagnosed with breast cancer—my mom, my aunt and myself. That year, three things happened that changed how I look at breast cancer and detection: 1. Before 2009, my family had no genetic history of the disease. I learned not to assume that “not yet diagnosed” means “cancer free.” 2. My mother was diagnosed with Stage IV inflammatory breast cancer. (According to the National Cancer Institute, this is the final stage and at this point it has spread to other organs of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain.) I learned that it is important to know about inflammatory breast cancer. It does not feel like a lump, so any change in appearance in the breast or the nipple should…

4 min

Practical Horseman|Dressage Today Extra Volume 2

Equine Fitness And Strength

Building muscle and strength in the dressage horse requires physical health, proper training and sufficient nutrition. When I evaluate body condition, and specifically muscle development, I look at the uniformity of muscle overlying the neck, back and pelvis. If one area is underdeveloped, I look for a cause of discomfort that is limiting muscle growth. For example, if a horse has excellent muscle in the neck and pelvis but poor muscle in the saddle region, I will explore the possibility of poor saddle fit or other causes of back pain. Joint, tendon, ligament, nerve or muscle pain will limit development of muscle and should be considered in the evaluation of an underdeveloped horse. Similarly, systemic metabolic, endocrine, genetic and neurologic disorders may lead to muscle atrophy. Evaluation of body condition…

3 min