Harmony between horse and rider was the theme of the day at Sydney’s Christoph Hess Coaches and Judges Workshop on Tuesday 18 November.

For three days Sydney International Equestrian Centre had the pleasure of hosting the Director for Training and Education of the German Equestrian Federation. Christoph is an FEI “I” level judge for both Dressage and Eventing and a sought after commentator for events such as the World Equestrian Games and World Young Horse Championships.

In Sydney Christoph coached riders on Sunday, 16th and Monday 17^th and today worked with coaches and judges.

The structure of today was to work with 9 horses and riders of various stages of training whilst discussing marks and training techniques with the judges and coaches.  The participants were Grace Kaye (Elite Dynasty), Matthew Dowsley (Welton Fynne FF),  Gina Montgomery (NV Wallmeyer), Claire Siedl (Worldwide PB), Lizzie Wilson-Fellows (Let’s Imagine), Casey Stickland (Rathowen Rustic), Robbie Soster (Robali Razzamattaz), Alexis Hellyer (Waca W), Matthew Dowsley (Northern Simba).  In addition Christine Crawford Crack a Jack, Nicholas Fyffe and Fererro Roche and Jess Willard and Siena Tailor Made participated in the riders clinic but not the Coaches and Judges Workshop.

Perhaps is the first thing that strikes you about Christoph is his positive attitude.  Compliments about the quality of the riding and the horses were free flowing. 

“When you see harmony ladies and Gentlemen as judges use high marks.”

There was a constant reference to the riders’ positions which Christoph feels is essential to the training of a horse. Christoph explained that balance between horse and rider is most important. Balance and suppleness give you the best chance of success in your training resulting in consistency in your performances.

Christoph approved of a lighter seat and shorter stirrups on the less experienced horses and explained that your seat and upper body position should vary not only on different horses but also within your work session on one horse depending on the horse’s way of going.  Lighten the pressure on the back of the young horse.

“The tempo is connected to the rhythm, forward but not running,” says Christoph.

“The horse has to seek the contact and the rider must say ‘You can accept it’”

Christoph feels that 3-year-old classes for horses are not a good idea as they encourage people to ride and show these young horses too much like an FEI horse.  He feels that the young horse requires a lot of time and patience and is easily ruined in the first few months by incorrect training.  Equally Christoph says that the foundations for great training can be laid at this early stage.

Christoph also warns that a large horse takes more time to develop and the trainer/rider must have patience.

Christoph explained that in a young horse he looks for a very good walk and canter which are harder to improve than the trot.  “The trot is the gait that has the best prospect to develop.”

“You can make a trot black to white or white to black,” stated Christoph.

When looking at a young horse “Keep a special eye on the hind legs.”  A clear even tempo with activity and suppleness is ideal.  This horse is “top class in the hind legs” says Christoph about Welton Fynne ridden by Matthew Dowsley. “Rarely in the world do you see better than this.”

Ride the downward transitions with as little hand as possible – lengthen the rein as much as possible then ask for the transition Christoph tells Matthew.  You must have the feeling of riding into the walk not shortening the neck.

“The rider must be able to school the horse properly in the half-halt.”

Your body language should say walk – not demand it, “we are a guest on the horse” says Christoph.

“There is harmony between this horse and rider, when there is disharmony or no trust then we have problems.”

“Judge with positive glasses on. Consider that every rider could possibly get a 10.  Start with a 10 and work down, not from 0 and work up.  Glass is half full not half empty.”

Gina Montgomery rode NV Wallmeyer and was praised for the excellent walk “This walk is a 10” said a delighted Christoph. The criteria for the walk he says is

1. Is the horse in rhythm?

2. Are the steps regular?

3. Is the walk active? i.e. not lazy and not hurried

4. How is the overtrack and ground cover?

Lizzie Wilson-Fellows and Let’s Imagine were next in the arena.  Christoph pointed out that this was a mare and that “You can’t ask more than they are willing to give.”

She is a big moving and very elastic horse so Christoph chooses to work her in the larger area around the arena.  He says to encourage the same basics on this more experienced horse as you would on the green horse, rhythm, balance and suppleness.  “When the basics are under control then the special movements become easy.” 

“The rider is the physiotherapist for the horse” he adds.  The “wellness” (happiness in his work) is essential and must be encouraged by the rider.

15-year-old Casey Strickland rode her pony Rathowen Rustic.  Christoph dared her to be less defensive in her riding and ask the pony to be more open in is body and “to find the balance in motion”.  Casey was able to activate the pony and encourage it more forward and there was instant improvement in the movement and elasticity of the pony.

Christoph was very impressed with Casey and her position and suggested that she accompany him back to Germany.  “I leave from Perth on Tuesday don’t forget!”

Razzamattaz and Robbie Soster were next into the arena.  This talented horse can be unsteady in the contact and when he is not happy he can be aggressive.

“If you test your powers against the horse then you loose a good friend because your horse will not be your friend,” warns Christoph. 

He encouraged the use of a short whip on Razzamattaz in preference to the long whip.  He feels that people need to be educated on the use of a whip.  He does not respond well to the whip behind the saddle but a tap on the shoulder rand he “goes like a bomb” said Christoph.  Robbie agreed that since that horse had been more forward that he had been much better.  The horse looked seriously impressive. Very active yet relaxed in his work which has been something that Robbie and Christoph had been working on the last two days.

Alexis Hallyer and Waca W also displayed some excellent work and rewarded with some lovely compliments from Christoph.  Encouraging the freedom of the neck Christoph asked Alex to perform 3 time changes using just one hand on the reins.  Initially the horse made a few minor errors but with a pat and gentle encouragement the exercise was achieved very well on just the third attempt. Showing how a calm horse and consistent approach can produce results.

“You will not see this easily anywhere in the world,” exclaimed Christoph “A rider of just 19-years and a horse of just 6-years performing the changes with one hand in front of 200 people – top top class.  Congratulations Alex”

Matthew Dowsley was the final rider of the day on Northern Simba.  Again Christoph pointed out Matthew's ability to keep his horse in exactly the right tempo and rhythm.

He pointed out that the horse did not have the biggest trot but was very trainable with good ability for collection.  A short session of half-steps and then into some beautiful passage “Now that is world class!” smiled Christoph

“Now back into trot.”  Northern Simba powered into a huge trot with much improved engagement and expression.

Christoph focused on loosening and relaxing all the horses resulting in harmonious riding.  The improvement in the horses was clear to see and all the riders thanked him sincerely for his help.  The relaxed and friendly approach to the session was appreciated by all and Christoph is welcome back anytime!