Ralf Isselhorst

Most of our Australian Dressage riders based in Europe have for the past month already been working with our new National Dressage Trainer Ralf Isselhorst at shows such as Wiesbaden, Lingen and Balve.  Now our Australia-based Squad riders had the opportunity to meet Ralf at a National Dressage Clinic to be held 27 – 30 June in Glenorie, Sydney.

The very positive response from our riders in Europe to Ralf was echoed in Australia during this very successful clinic. Our riders here in Australia gained the same assistance as we all work towards qualifying a Dressage team for the Olympics Games through the Regional Olympic Qualification Event to be held in Sydney this coming October.

The clinic was attended by National Dressage Squad members based in Australia. A number of combinations identified by the National Dressage Selectors have been invited to attend for assessment on their ‘potential future National Squad’ horse. Performance Analyst John Crampton videoed all lessons for review sessions conducted on two evenings of the clinic.

During this clinic, representatives from the Australian Sports Commission and the NSW Institute of Sport were on hand to observe the riders at the clinic and also view a demonstration by National Veterinarian Denis Goulding of the portable digital x-ray and ultrasound equipment recently purchased for the High Performance Program through the generous funding support of the Australian Sports Commission.

Before departing Australia direct for the Aachen CHIO, Ralf will attend the NSW Young Rider Championships on Sunday at SIEC to assess the emerging talent in the Young Rider Prix St Georges.

The next clinic with Ralf Isselhorst is scheduled for late August in Sydney, Melbourne and possibly Queensland.