In celebration of the launch of his new DVD Prepare to Win Vol 1, internationally acclaimed coach Conrad Schumacher was kind enough to do an exclusive Q&A for Barnmice. Enjoy!


1. In what ways has working with such a wide range of riders and horses in
Europe and North America affected or expanded your classical approach to
training and teaching? Can you give a specific example?

In Germany everybody who starts to ride gets a similar education in basic dressage.

Therefore the training in Germany is relatively easy. Every rider understands the trainers explanations well. By working with riders in other countries, I have learnt that the approach to training and teaching should focus more on the seat structure and the application of the aids with feel. It is not easy for a young rider who started to do flat work on a quarter horse, to understand the seat and the giving of the aids with feel. Therefore I came to the conclusion that I have to approach the goals individually, depending on the background, age, physical and mental status of the rider with the level and the education of the horse in mind. A specific example how this experience influenced my teaching is my focus on teaching techniques, which enhance the riders feel. This has become more important for me since training more in other countries. In the DVD I show examples of how it is possible for riders to learn feel in dressage whether they started riding on a ranch in the USA or hunting to the hounds in the UK.


2. In training a young horse, what are the most important goals that the
rider must achieve before considering the horse solid in his foundation and
ready to compete successfully?

The horse must be educated according to the scales of training and in addition should be obedient at the show ground. In order to be sure of this the rider should practise the test not only at home, but also in different environments. Loading and unloading onto the trailer frequently some days before the show is also important in order that horse is used to this and is not overstressed on the actual competition day.


3. One of your most important principles is "neck control is horse control".
What is a rider looking for in "neck control" and how do you help them
understand and achieve that goal?


I use this statement because sometimes you find riders who have the incorrect understanding of what “neck control” really means. They pull back the reins and when the horse bends the neck down, they think they have achieved neck control. These riders have to learn to make the horse give the neck willingly. I explain the aids for this on the DVD showing the necks of 3 different horses and reviewing exercises which are designed to help all horses (young and old) learn to work through the neck willingly so that the overall expression of his paces and his willingness to work through a relaxed, accepting neck and back improve.


4. Why do you use "pylons" in your training? Where did the idea come from?

I use pylons to help riders find the precise lines and correct feel. Pylons in corners are particularly helpful for the early work towards successful transitions and collection as demonstrated in the Working Patterns Section of the DVD.


5. You are called a "trainer of trainers". What types of things would you
like to see more trainers focus on in North America? In Europe?

In Europe and in the US training is sometimes, in my opinion, too technical. There is not enough flexibility to deal with each rider’s specific issues nor is the enough sense of fun or enjoyment in what is a wonderful and rewarding sport. As a trainer of trainers I want to help other trainers find the best way to help his or her students and sometimes that means being less standard in their approach and more creative in their application of the Scales of Training and traditional training techniques to get the best result.


6. Who were your first teachers and what were the most important lessons
they taught you?

My first teachers were retired officers of the German Cavalry. They all insisted on good behaviour and discipline I learned from them that a horse cannot make a mistake by purpose Therefore the rider is responsible for everything. I learned to work hard on myself. Everything that they wanted me to do was well prepared. They never asked for anything which was not possible. It was a great learning experience. Leg yielding, trot/canter transitions, walk/canter transitions and precise halts, using cavalettis and little jumps were important for them in the warm up and in preparation for the work.

What do you say to your students just before they enter the ring?

Be proud and ride like a Lady or Gentleman! If you know that you have prepared well be confident that you can ride the test at your optimum – that confidence will enhance your performance.


Many thanks to Conrad Schumacher
www.conradschumacherdressage.com

The new DVD is available in the Barnmice Gift Shop with free shipping until the end of November.
http://shop.barnmice.com/acatalog/TackRoom.html