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Posted by Equestrian Australia on 10/07/2013.

Dressage and para-equestrian clinics receive high praise

Nadia Coghlan has a lesson with Ton de Ridder

Australia's high performance dressage and para-equestrian support staff have been travelling the country conducting the first national clinics for 2013.

As well as providing an opportunity to train with dressage advisor, Ton de Ridder, the clinics, which have been held in four states, have offered riders from all national squads with a chance to develop all important off-horse skills.

National Performance Director for dressage and para-equestrian, Julia Battams explains the clinics have taken a holistic approach to riding.

“The clinics offered riders more than on-horse sessions and included veterinary and sports science/sports medicine talks, performance analysis, team development and veterinary assessments.

“Riders were particularly excited to learn about the new technology on offer such as the data analysis software and pressure sensor.

“Overall the horses are looking good. There’s definitely some potential amongst some of the younger horses.

“While we have a huge task ahead of us in terms of building the base of quality combinations for our major championships, this first series of clinics has been a positive start and one that we hope to build on as we progress towards Normandy and Rio,” she said.

National Futures Squad member, Courtney Larard is looking forward to putting into practice what she learnt at the New South Wales clinic.

“I really enjoyed my lessons with Ton but also found the sports medicine and veterinary lectures to be extremely valuable.

“I’ve come home from the clinic and feel excited not only for my future, but for the first time I actually feel very excited for the future of our sport,” she said.

Rozzie Ryan said the clinic offered riders a chance to share thoughts and gain constructive feedback.

“It’s always interesting to have close contact with the other riders and watch and exchange ideas with each other.

“I especially found the vet lectures very interesting and it was good to have the opportunity to have discussions with the team vet.”

Dressage advisor to Australia, Ton de Ridder was impressed with the attitude displayed by the riders.

“The riders have shown a lot of interest and enthusiasm to learn. They have asked lots of questions.”

“I was very pleased to see immediate improvements and I could see the next day that they had done their homework and taken my suggestions on board.”

“There are some younger horses which have developed very well since I was last in Australia,” he said.

Ton will return to Australia for the second round of national clinics which will take place a week out from October’s Australian Dressage Championships. Whilst the clinics will largely remain closed, there will be an opportunity for the public to attend and details will be made available closer to the time.

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