Each clinic is 90 minutes

Friday – Embracing the Foundations: Relaxation and Rhythm, Suppleness for Horse and Rider
Join us on the first day of our clinic with Leslie Reid, where we will delve into the initial two stages of the classical training scale: Relaxation/Rhythm and Suppleness. This session is designed to establish a strong foundation for both horse and rider, focusing on exercises that foster a calm, rhythmic, and flexible partnership. Participants will learn techniques to enhance their horse’s relaxation and rhythm, crucial for all subsequent training levels, alongside methods to improve suppleness. This harmonious start is essential for developing a responsive and agile equine athlete, ready to progress through the training scale with ease.

Saturday – Building Progress: Contact and Impulsion
The second day of our clinic progresses to stages 3 and 4 of the training scale: Contact and Impulsion. Leslie Reid will guide participants through tailored exercises aimed at enhancing the connection between horse and rider, achieving a steady and soft contact. This segment is pivotal for establishing a clear line of communication through the reins, allowing for precise and nuanced guidance. Additionally, we will focus on cultivating impulsion, the controlled, forward energy generated from the hindquarters. This day is dedicated to refining these crucial components, ensuring each horse and rider pair develops the strength and harmony needed for advanced maneuvers.

Sunday – Achieving Excellence: Straightness and Collection
On the final day, we will explore the pinnacle stages 5 and 6 of the training scale: Straightness and Collection. Achieving straightness is key to unlocking a horse’s full potential, allowing for balanced and efficient movement. Leslie Reid will introduce exercises that correct asymmetries and enhance alignment, setting the stage for the ultimate goal of collection. This stage concentrates the horse’s energy, allowing for elevated movements and the introduction of advanced techniques such as flying changes and pirouettes. Sunday’s session promises to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to refine their horse’s athleticism, culminating in a display of grace and precision that embodies the art of dressage.

Presentations

My Road to the Games: A Journey Through Pan American Games, Olympic Games, and World Cup Finals
In this compelling presentation, Leslie Reid shares her personal journey through three Pan American Games, three Olympic Games, and a World Cup Final. Attendees will be captivated by the stories of trials and tribulations, as well as the triumphs and successes that defined her path to becoming an international equestrian icon. Leslie will provide an intimate look into the dedication, challenges, and resilience required to compete at the highest levels of dressage, offering invaluable insights into the spirit of elite competition.

Choosing a Dressage Horse: Tailoring Selection to Rider Level
Selecting the right dressage horse is a critical decision that can shape an equestrian’s journey. Leslie Reid demystifies this process, offering guidance on choosing a dressage horse suited to each level of rider: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. This presentation will detail the essential qualities to look for in each division, from temperament and physical attributes to potential for growth and compatibility with the rider’s skills and aspirations. Attendees will leave equipped with knowledge to make informed decisions in their quest for the perfect equine partner.

Training a Dressage Horse: Expectations and Development from Ages 4-12
Training a dressage horse is an art and science that evolves with the horse’s age. Leslie Reid will explore the developmental stages of dressage horses from ages 4 to 12, highlighting what trainers and riders can expect at each phase. This presentation emphasizes how a horse’s quality and character influence its training and development, offering strategies to optimize progress while nurturing the horse’s well-being and potential. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the milestones and challenges in training dressage horses, paving the way for successful partnerships.

Discussing Today’s Top Competition: Expectations, Judging, and Navigating the Path to Success
The landscape of contemporary dressage competition is complex, shaped by expectations of quality, performance standards, judging criteria, and the inevitable influence of politics. Leslie Reid navigates these topics, offering her insights into planning a competitive journey, whether aiming for success in the USA or Europe. This presentation will discuss strategies for achieving excellence in today’s competitive arena and how to approach the challenges and opportunities presented by the sport’s governance and cultural nuances. Additionally, Leslie will share her vision on encouraging riders to “Dream to the Team,” fostering ambition and camaraderie among aspiring equestrians.