De-complicating Dressage

This months guest is Charlie Hutton, who grew up at Talland School of Equitation, surrounded by horses and dressage. You may recognise him from multiple different TV Shows on Horse & Country TV. Now he is a successful international Grand Prix rider with 8 international wins and 6 national titles. He is also Dressage Mentor for the World Class Podium Potential Pathway where his role is to nurture and develop athletes from Junior riders to U25 Grand Prix. He is also an incredibly successful coach around the world. In this episode, we cover LOTS! From the type of horse he likes, how he uses science to guide how he cares for his horses, how to work out the fact from the fiction when researching, asking your horse small questions to improve your training, the benefits of bareback riding to help you feel the horse and how they're moving and how mentoring should be something every rider can benefit from. To find out more about Charlie:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charliehutton.netWebsite: Charlie Hutton Equestrian Home - Charlie Hutton Equestrian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're here for season 2!I am so excited that we are joined for our first episode by Sara Jane Lanning! International Dressage Rider, List 1 Judge and coach! Sara tells us exactly what the judge is looking for and answers the big question of whether judges judge different horses differently; where she sees most riders make mistakes in their tests and what we can do as riders to boost our marks and improve our scores. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are doing a little bit of mindset work and looking at how we as riders deal with pressure and stressful situations. We look at the different types of riders, which ones you are and how to deal with these mistakes and problems in tests and trainingUltimate Transition Masterclass: Transitions Workshop | DecomplicatingDress (decomplicatingdressage.com)Subscribe to hear new episodesYou can find me at• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/decomplicatingdressage • Facebook: www.Facebook.com/decomplicatingdressage

After our last episode you all had a few questions - here we answer 4 great questions from Stacey, Rochelle, Tori and Rachel all about transitions!If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

We have been talking for the last few weeks all about transitions over on our social media channels so i wanted to collect all the most needed information around transitions and put it into one easy episode! This episode includes everything from the types of transitions, how to ride really good transitions, the benefits of them and what the judges are looking for and need to see in a test for you to get a great score for your transitions.If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

I know we've been doing a lot of test/competition focussed episodes recently but the more we do them, the more questions keep coming in! So this time were taking a look at the 4 most common areas i see riders lose marks. These arent the big ones though that you need to go away and spend months working on. These are little tweaks and changes you can make that will have a big improvement on your scores. If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

I know that we do always want our tests to go as well as possible but, sometimes things to do go wrong and i think weve all had those tests before that dont go as planned. In todays episode we take a look at what to do when things go wrong and what the best way is to lose as few marks as possible and get yourself back on track ASAP!If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

We havent done a troubleshooting episode in a while so i thought leg yields would be the perfect one to get us back into them again! For those of you that are newer to the podcasts in our troubleshooting episodes we take a look at a movement and all the most common problems all riders face when we ride them. We look at where each problem comes from and what causes it and then how we go about fixing it. If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

In this episode we are talking about spooky horses. From how to know if its pain, evasion or a lack of confidence; exercises and tools to help you and lots of useful tips to help you get your spooky horse confident in the arena and out hacking. If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

In this episode we chat about the biggest mistake i see most riders (including myself!) make that leads to the biggest loss of marks in a test. Its something that is so easily fixed and, with a bit of practice becomes second nature and is going to give you so much time more time to prepare and set up your movements in your test as well as helping you keep your horse balanced, supple and engaged. If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

In this episode we are looking at strong horses that lean and get heavy. These are hard horses to ride, they hurt your arms, it can feel like they are always not where you want them to be and you dream of the day when your horse feels soft and elastic and easy to ride! In this weeks episode we tell you how you can get this with your horse. We look at the 4 most common reasons why horses get strong: rider position, unbalanced horse, lack of speed control and unsuppleness. We take you through how each one influences the contact as well as how you can fix it if you find you have this problem with your own horse. We also talk a little bit about half halts. If you want to find out more about these you can take a look atPodcast | De-Complicating Dressage (decomplicatingdressage.com) If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

Youve all been asking for this one! We have the wonderful Olivia Towers on the podcast. In this amazing episode she talks about how shes taken a real look at how she trains her horses and really shifted her mindset and training to one that listens to her horses. We talk about making mistakes, how to get back up after things go wrong and how to follow your feel in life and in horses!I know you will all love this one. If you do please do share it and you can tag us in it too and let us know what you took from the episode ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are welcoming back Annie Rawlins (Irish GP Dressage Rider) and we are answering your questions! We talk all about how to ride lazy horses, what is different about riding a young horse vs an older horse and what to do when you get a harsh judge at a show. Enjoy :) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You may have never thought about how your rein length influences your horse or it may be that you spend your whole session trying to keep your reins longer or shorter.The rein length you have can have a huge impact on your horses frame, their contact, their impulsion as well as your own position too!In this episode we talk about:✨ How having your reins too long or too short can influence your horse✨ How to know you have the right rein length✨ The times when you should lengthen or shorten your reinsEnjoy

In this episode we talk with Annie Rawlins (Irish Grand Prix Dressage Rider) about how she trains her horses, her philosophy of always treating every horse like an individual and her aims to help each horse reach their full potential, whatever that may be! We also talk selling horses, confidence losses and how, no matter your level, we are always learning!I am so excited to share this with you all, this new series is all about celebrating and learning about the different training philosophies and different approaches towards training dressage horses. My hope is that everyone will be able to take something (if not a tonne of things) from every single rider, coach and trainer that we have on. There are huge nuggets of wisdom, training tips and approaches that i know you are going to find so valuable and i cannot wait for you all to hear Annie's episode and the other guests that will follow!This is our first episode in this series where we invite trainers, riders and judges to come onto the podcast to discuss how they train their horses. You'll notice similarities between them all but also little differences in philosophies and approaches. These episodes are full of wise words, training ideas and light bulb moments so i really hope you take a few awesome things from each person. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are talking about all the benefits of Test Riding and why you should be doing it more at home! Its going to get you riding your tests with confidence, knowing exactly what to do when and showing the judge a harmonious horse and rider throughout!Dont forget there is still time to sign up to Kick Start 2023 Challenge to get your 2023 off to the best possible start!: https://www.decomplicatingdressage.com/kickstart2023Sign up to our Training Platform membership group to get workshops, masterclasses and exercises on all things Dressage!: https://www.decomplicatingdressage.com/trainingplatformInstagram: De-Complicating Dressage (@decomplicatingdressage) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: De-Complicating Dressage | Petersfield (facebook.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are looking at suppleness. How much suppleness do you need, how do you know if you have enough and is there such a thing as too much suppleness? Enjoy

In this episode we are looking at suppleness. How much suppleness do you need, how do you know if you have enough and is there such a thing as too much suppleness? Enjoy

This moment has been taken from EP 14 on Test Riding. Sometimes when we compete its so easy to know where we did 'badly' and where we did 'well'; but what specifically was bad about it? And how can you make it better? This is what we focus on in this weeks Moment. We also take a big look into Accuracy and Preparation - 2 key test riding skills that can make a huge different to the marks you get in your tests!Enjoy

In this episode we are looking at difference between bend and flexion. Both are vital parts of dressage and can make a huge difference to your training and your marks. Enjoy

This weeks moment has been taken from EP 15 Improving your position pt 1. We talk all about the importance of a good rider position, what that looks like and how your position is affecting your horse. You can listen to the rest of the episode here: https://www.decomplicatingdressage.com/podcast/episode/1d70f7fa/15-improving-your-position-pt-1Enjoy

In this episode we are looking at the dreaded give and retake! This is something I have wanted to talk about for a while as there's not a lot of information out there that says what the judge is really looking for. We take a look at what a give and retake actually is, why it's in tests and what the judge is looking for. We also look at what you can do to ride a really great give and retake for a high mark ! Enjoy

In this episode we are taking a look at how improve your medium trots as well as how to teach your horse how to medium trot in the first place! Enjoy

In this weeks episode we are looking at the 4 things you need to get your horse round. Getting your horse round or on the bit or in an outline are great goals to set and usually it's the first big goal you will set yourself as you begin your dressage journey. But it's actually a bit more complicated than just pulling your horses nose down and in. We take you through what you need to work on and how to know what to do and when to get your horse round in the best way. Enjoy

In this weeks episode we are looking at horses that get tense at competitions. We look at what you can do as the rider, the training you can put in place and some little tips and tricks to try once you're in the arena! Enjoy

In this weeks episode we Are looking at how to really read your test sheet and get as much information as possible to make sure your daily training is going to be helping you to improve your scores. Enjoy

In this episode we are talking all about the difference between rhythm and tempo. It's two dressage terms that are so often confused and misunderstood so we break down what they really mean, how it all applies into the big picture of dressage training and why I think there's so much confusion around it. Enjoy

Some find learning a test really easy and others find it really hard. Learning your test means you can be better prepared for the movements coming up and more accurate which means higher scores too! Finding a way that works for you is the most important part! Enjoy

In this episode we are talking all about how you can prepare for a big show. This is perfect for all those of you getting ready for Area Festivals and Regionals. Enjoy

In this episode are talking about a dressage term that has many stumped…cadence! We talk about what it is, how to achieve it and the things to watch out for. Enjoy

In this episode we take 3 of your questions/problems and explain why it's happening and most importantly how to fix it! This episode is all about circles: how to ride them, how to make sure they're accurate and what to do if you feel they're not good enough. Enjoy

In this episode we are talking about No Stirrup November. We look at how you can take your stirrups away, the important things to remember and how you can make a positive difference to your position and seat. Enjoy

In this episode we are onto our final episode of our mini series on The Collectives. This time we are looking at the rider's position and effectiveness. We will be unpacking what it means, what the judges are looking for and how you can get those 7s, 8s, 9s and even 10s for your rider collective. Enjoy

In this episode we are onto episode 3 of our mini series on The Collectives. This time we are looking at submission and we will be unpacking what is means, what the judges are looking for and how you can get those 7s, 8s, 9s and even 10s for your impulsion collective. Enjoy

In this Episode we are onto episode 2 of our mini series on The Collectives. This time we are looking at impulsion and we will be unpacking what is means, what the judges are looking for and how you can get those 7s, 8s, 9s and even 10s for your impulsion collective. Enjoy

Transitions are incredibly complex and actually require a lot of things to be in place for a good one to happen. In this Episode of our Troubleshooting series we take a look at 3 issues some of our listeners have been having and how to solve them. This episode is sponsored by Aztec Diamond. They have a fantastic competition running to win everything you could possibly dream of - from an actual trailer to new boots, a hat, £1,000 of AD clothing and equestrian life coaching sessions. To enter the competition: https://aztecdiamondequestrian.com/pages/dreamwishlist-giveawayEnjoy

In this Episode we are onto another dressage term that has many stumped - ‘engagement'! We talk about what it means, what the judge means if you ‘need more engagement', how to know what ‘engagement' feels like and exercises to help improve your horses engagement. Enjoy

In this Episode we starting a new mini series on the collectives. We start this week with the first collective - paces! Enjoy

We are always being told that we need to use our seat and leg aids and use our reins less. That our seat is an incredibly effective, rarely used tool that we all should use more and we need to stop using our reins. but why is using our reins bad? what should we use our reins for? how do we go about using more seat and leg aids instead of our reins and how do we get our horse round or ride downwards transitions or collect our horse using less rein? Enjoy

Enjoy

In this Episode we are onto our second Troubleshooting episode where we look at 3 questions from our listeners. This week it's all about the walk:1. Problems with tense/lateral walks2. Lazy/slow walk 3. What does a good walk look like Enjoy

In this Episode we are looking at what you can do around the outside of the arena before that bell rings and you go down the centre line. It's something that I think can be missed out and it can have a huge impact on how your test goes ! Enjoy

In this Episode we are going to be talking all about how you know when it's the right time to move up a level whether that's making the decision to go affiliated or deciding to start competing at the next level. We have 5 ways to know and feel confident to move up a level and 4 top tips for making the transition as easy as possible ! Enjoy

This episode is the first in our new ‘Troubleshooting Series'. That we will be doing once a month. Listeners send in their questions/problems and we answer them and go through what we would do if we were experiencing it ourselves. As usual there are lots of tips and tricks along the way too. To send in a problem or question email us at info@decomplicatingdressage.com Scales of training episode: - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/de-complicating-dressage/id1529176426?i=1000523405221- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dyvu60aRA1ON918cB4dIK?si=kSmmmNIlQCqqij7z-4mDzQ&dl_branch=1Enjoy

In this episode we are looking at what to do when you have a training session or test that goes wrong or not how you planned. We look at the things you can do before, during and after to make sure you turn the situation into a positive. This times are usually the ones where we learn the most about ourselves, our horses and our training! Enjoy

In this episode we are looking at another dressage term that has a lot of people stumped: 'harmony'. We are going to look at what 'harmony' actually is as well as why it is seen as this element that amazing grand prix riders achieve but is out of reach for anyone else and what you can do to make sure you and your horse show a harmonious partnership in a test as well as tests to stop you doing the one thing that is going to stop your harmony dreams in its track - relying on the reins!

Podcast description . In this episode we are looking at the basic fundamentals of dressage that we call the scales of training. We are going to look at why these have become a baseline for how riders train their horses up to Grand Prix and how they can help you train your horse. If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

Podcast description . In this episode we are looking at lateral work. We start with the different types of lateral work as well as the benefits of it and how it can fix different training issues you are having. The main bulk of this episode looks at what you need before you start introducing lateral work and when the perfect time is to introduce each movement as well as what order to introduce it in. Lateral work diagrams: https://www.decomplicatingdressage.com/post/when-should-you-introduce-lateral-workIf you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

This episode may seem obvious. Test riding is running through a test and training is what you do in between right ? Wrong! There is so much more to test riding than just running through a test and in this episode we talk about the difference between the two, why they are both skills you need to know about and how to incorporate both into your schooling sessions. If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

In this episode we are looking at how you can get the most out of a lazy horse. It's a common problem and we talk about why horses are lazy and what we can do in training to help get the most from them. If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!

In this episode we are talking about how can find the right coach for you. It's a topic that can be SUCH a minefield but we simplify it down, tell you what to look out for and think about and give you some top tips for finding the right coach that will help you progress your horse and your riding! If you enjoyed this episode then please do share it ! It means the podcast can reach more people and will be able to help them with their training too!