The Western Dressage Association will present a clinic in classical dressage skills led by clinician Ed Dabney April 12 – 14 at Suncatcher Farm’s covered arena in Tryon.

In this clinic, riders will learn to ride with precision, accuracy and lightness. The clinic will include essential warm up exercises, lessons on how to recognize and improve the quality of your horse’s gaits, correct use of the rein, leg and weight aids, the classical seat for correct posture, cues for smooth gait transitions, lightness in stopping and backing and proper canter among other things. 

On Sunday afternoon there will be a Ride-A-Test component, where participants will be able to ride a WDAA test of their choice and be judged. The judge will evaluate your ride and discuss it with you, and if time permits, the rider will be able to ride the test a second time. The WDAA rules and tests may be found on the WDAA website: http://westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-rules-tests/

All breeds and disciplines welcome. Monday, April 15, Dabney will be available for private, semi-private and group lessons for clinic participants and/or auditors.

For more information and clinic registration go to www.westerndressagenc.org

Ed Dabney’s blending of natural horsemanship and classical equitation has made an indelible mark with students all across the United States and now also in Europe, drawing the attention of serious riders searching for the lightest touch and the deepest connection with their horses irrespective of breed or discipline. As an instructor of classical riding, Ed academically relates to his students the teachings of the 17th century French masters, Baucher and La Gueriniere in the patient, accurate and refined style of the classical period. www.eddabney.com.

– article submitted by Dianne Cotter