The Difference Between Movements, Figures and Patterns

Ruth Hogan-Poulsen







Many people ask me about the choreography of their freestyle pattern. One of the confusions surrounding a freestyle pattern is what is allowed and what is forbidden at a certain level. Before you can begin to build a pattern you need to know the difference between movements and figures so that you don't try something that is on the "forbidden" list at your level.





What is the… Continue

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

January 31, 2017 / Ruth Hogan-Poulsen



What is Muscle Memory?



If you've ever worked on your posture or a set of aids for a movement on your horse, you've probably heard the words "muscle memory.” But what is this mysterious thing? Is it something real or just a part of dressage riders’ folklore? Can we do anything to make our learning more efficient, or should we be suspicious of "automatic" riding as less creative?



Discursive… Continue