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Topline Ink Equestrian Journal
2007 Previous Issues
 
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Nov/Dec 2007

 

Longeing

 

 

Longeing

 

(Correct longeing equipment & skills, longeing for training, overview of ground driving for the carriage horse and more)

 

 

Longeing
Proper longeing is training for the horse.
Equestrians of all levels of experience can learn from this article. Dr. Ritter emphasizes starting with the correct equipment, details how to use the correct techniques, gives
insights for training and corrections for common mistakes.
Read this article to develop your longeing skills, gain clear understanding
and appreciation of longe training.
By Dr. Thomas Ritter
(U.S. and International Clinician)

The Aisle Way
Find Out How Equestrians Answered These Questions: What are the benefits of longeing?
How often do you longe?
Answered By Various Equestrians

Every Little Thing
Applying the Alexander Technique to
Working on Your Seat on the Longe.
Every little thing you do affects your horse.
This article brings attention to how your body can affect your horse. Exercises for the rider to work towards improving the seat on the longe.
By Constance Clare-Newman
(AmSAT Certified - Alexander Technique Teacher & FEI Level Dressage Rider)

Ground Training
Before Putting a Horse to Carriage.

An overview of the training required.
By Deryn Stewart
(USDF Bonze Medalist and has been long-listed with USET Driving with three different horses.)

Longeing Tips
Tips on longeing for retraining a horse and for rehabilitating a horse.
By Maribeth Wells
(Certification by the American Riding Instructors)

Let's Lunge Safely
Many safety tips on equipment and lungeing
when starting to lunge.
By Gina Krueger
(USDF Certified Instructor)

October 2007

 

Ageless Riding

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

AGELESS RIDING

(The Rider's Training Scale, Photo Lessons, Thirty Something Dressage and more)

 

 

A Rider Training Scale

 Learn from this insightful article. Details and explanations to the Rider Training Scale. A thorough look into how the rider can help the horse through  understanding, body control, mental focus and other important factors.

By Beth Glosten M.D.

(U.S.D.F. Bronze, Silver & Gold Medalist, U.S.D.F. "L" graduate with 'distinction')

 

Riding for All Ages

How to accomplish your dreams as an adult rider or riding an aged horse.

This article explains how to overcome

obstacles as well as encouragement to those pursuing their dreams.

By Melonie Kessler

(U.S.D.F.  "R" Judge, U.S.D.F. Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist)

 

    Photo Lessons

Help With Feel and Understanding Correct Neck Development - The Series of Phot Lessons:

A Look At "Through" Poll Release

Correcting the Upside-Down-Neck

By Sarah Martin

(U.S.D.F. Certified Instructor through 4th Level, U.S.D.F Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist and a "L" Judge graduate with 'distinction')

   

Riding for Life

An encouraging interview with

Lowell Boomer on riding at all ages.

By Elaine Cornell

  

The Thirty Something Dressage Rider

Learn how busy riders and busy thoughts can influence riding and harmony. 

By Dawn Fisher

  

Tips for the Older Horse

 Notice your horse's new needs.

By Terryn Griest

(KDEA Bronze Medalist)

 

 SEPTEMBER 2007

 

SPECIAL 

DRESSAGE ISSUE

 

Special Dressage Issue

(Lateral Movements, The Shoulder-In, At the Show, Communication and more)

Lateral Movements

An overview of lateral movements. Insights into correctly ridden movements and how

they are used to improve the horse.

By Dr. Thomas Ritter

(U.S. and International Classical Dressage Clinician)

 

At the Dressage Show

Tips for a joyful day at the show.

By Jami Kment    

(U.S.D.F. Silver and Gold Medalist)

 

Knowledge Speaks, but Wisdom Listens

This article gives a detailed look into

understanding the important process of

communication between horse and rider.

By Gigi Nutter

(USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist)

   

Correct Neck Development

A photographic view of the correct neck

development of the horse and the interaction

of the neck and back.

By Sarah Martin

(USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level, a "L" judge graduate with 'distinction'

USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist.

 

 

The Shoulder-In

A thorough article on this popular dressage lateral movement. A fascinating look at the

history, then an overview of goals, prerequisites, aids and help with common mistakes.

By Dr. Thomas Ritter

(U.S. and International Classical Dressage Clinician)

  

Body Armor

 Horses can learn to protect themselves from incorrect training and aids. Learn how to identify and understand body armor.

By Kelly Walker

(Trainer up to Grand Prix Dressage)

 

Working with Young Horses

A working student's journey in working with

young horses.

By Tessa Dick

(Shown up to Fourth Level and training in Prix St. George, 2006 All-Breed Jr./Yr Award 1st place at Third Level)

 

August 2007

 

Solutions

for Equines & Equestrians

Solutions for Equines & Equestrians

(Solutions for Dressage, Jumping, the Young Horse, Trailering and more!) 

Components of a Good Position
A detailed look at each part of the complete
correct position and explanations on how it can positively influence the horse.
By Maribeth Wells

The Thinking Rider
Improve your riding by thinking. Study
the importance of observation, experience
and reflection for the thinking rider.
By Dr. Thomas Ritter
(U.S. and International Classical Dressage Clinician)

Using Poles to Improve your Jumps
The benefits to training with poles for improving your horse and riding skills. Exercises using poles to demonstrate the usefulness to horse and rider for jumping.
By Ashley Duda Foster


Getting the Most Out of Your Lessons
Tips for improving the quality of your
lesson time.
By Maribeth Wells


Preparing the Young Horse for it's Show Career
A step-by-step personal story on how to
familiarize and desensitize a young horse.
By Vickie Sharp

('L" judge graduate)

Take Control of Those Hands
A focus on hands and the connection to an
independent seat to improve riding.
By Elaine Cornell

Successful Trailer Loading Tips
Turning trailer travel into a positive
experience.
By Jeanne Adams

Why Stops and Run-Outs Happen
Thinking through these jumping problems.
By Sue Clarke
("L" judge graduate) 

 July 2007

Barn & Horse Management

 

 

 

Barn & Horse Management

 

(Barn Beauty, Nutrition, Massage, Taking Photographs, Marketing Your Horse Business and more!)

Beauty and the Barn
Adding beauty to your barn doesn't need to
be expensive or time consuming.
By Elaine Cornell

Equine Nutrition Guidelines
An insightful overview of considerations for planning
your horse's diet.
By Jeanne Adams
(Jeanne is a HA Pony Club Graduate)

Equine Massage
An Interview discussing the many benefits of
equine massage.
Interview with Jim Masterson

Clinic Exercise for

Performance Horses
This exercise releases the neck/shoulder/withers junction, and the loser cervicals.
By Jim Masterson

Tips to Take Better Photographs
Useful tips for taking photographs for marketing your equine business or simply for pleasure.
By Jeanie Eaton

How to Correctly Market Your Horse
or Horse Business
The importance of branding your business
and using marketing technology.
By Suzy Brown

The Sale Flyer Make-Over Guide
Before and after samples of a marketing flyer
with step-by-step information.
By Suzy Brown

The Elusive Saddle Fitting
The importance of the right fit for freedom of movement.
By Karen Everhart

Tips for Making a Good First Impression
in the Hunter Ring

Polished ideas for showing your hunter horse.
By Ashley Duda Foster
 

 June 2007

 

The Stride

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Stride

(Lengthenings, Extensions, Collection, Energy, Measuring Strides and more!)

How to Lengthen the Stride
Preparation and tips for lengthening the stride for your next dressage test.
By Angel Ozer
(has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals)

The Extended Gaits
Extensions explained and an exercise to increase
engagement.
By Rebecca Rigdon
(USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals, is a "L" judge graduate with 'distinction' and a "r" judge.)

Impulsion: Thrust and Energy Level
Improve impulsion and find out the prerequisites
for this refined energy.
By Dr. Thomas Ritter
(U.S. and International Classical Dressage Clinician)
Balance: Thrust vs. Carriage
This article discusses designing a training
program that balances thrust and carrying power.
By Dr. Thomas Ritter
(U.S. and International Classical Dressage Clinician)
Tai Chi for Equestrians
The Demonstrated Mounted
Spread your Wings Exercise.
Step-by-step photographs for this equestrian
exercise to enhance your balance and rhythm.
By James Shaw
(Author of book: RIDE FROM WITHIN -
Use Tai Chi Principles to Awaken Your Natural
Balance and Rhythm. )

The Importance of a Horse's Stride in the Hunter Ring
Adding up your hunter horse's strides.
By Ashley Duda Foster
(Assistant Coach of the Kansas State Women's Equestrian Team)

Timing of the Leg
The importance of when to apply the leg.
By Elaine Cornell
(Instructor and Trainer)

Dressage Theory Lessons:
The Visual Effect of Measuring the
Length of the Stride
Interview with Jana Wagner
(USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level, a "L" judge graduate with
'distnction', and a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist)  

May 2007 

 

Fitness for Horse and Rider

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fitness for Horse and Rider

Ride for Life

Riding can improve your quality of life. And fitness can improve your riding. Read about the most important considerations in bridging the fitness gap in riding.

By Amy Larson

(has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals)

 

  Tai Chi for Equestrians:

Spread Your Wings to Enhance

Your Balance and Rhythm

This useful exercise will help to develp an

independent seat.

By James Shaw

(Author of book: RIDE FROM WITHIN -

Use Tai Chi Principles to Awaken Your Natural Balance and Rhythm. )

 

Bones, Breath and Beyond - Part 1 

The first steps in understanding and develping natural balance.

By James Shaw

(Author of book: RIDE FROM WITHIN -

Use Tai Chi Principles to Awaken Your Natural

Balance and Rhythm. )

 

Staying Fit to Ride

Pilates for working on core strength.

By Sarah Martin

(USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level and a "L" judge graduate with 'distinction'.

Sarah Martin is an USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist)

   

Yoga and Riding:

A Journey for the Equestrian

Enhance your riding with Yoga.

By Christine Rossi

 

 

Fitness for the Higher Level Dressage Horse

The progressive requirements of the upper level horse.

By Elaine Cornell

 

Time off: Starting Fitness for the Horse

Prepare your horse for fitness.

By Rebecca Moore

 

Improving Fitness and Core Strength for Riding

Balancing strength and flexibility

for riding.

By Dawn Fisher  

April 2007

 

Special

Showing

Issue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Showing Issue

(All Levels for Dressage and more!) 

Showing at Training and First Levels.
The importance of building a lasting foundation in dressage. Taking first things first makes transitioning to upper levels easier. Find out how to use lateral work to improve your Hunter Horse.
By Deryn Stewart
(USDF Bronze medal and is a Competitive Driver who has been long listed with USET Driving with three different horses.)

Tips for the Dressage Show
Tips every rider should know. Tips before the show, the warm up and in the show ring.
By Sarah Martin
(USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level, has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold Medals
and is a "L" judge graduate with "distinction". )

Are you Ready for Second Level?
A Comprehensive look at understanding the requirements for second level.
By Susan Lang
("L" judge graduate)

Considerations for Third Level
A few things to think about at this level.
By Gail Matheus
("L" judge graduate, USDF Bronze Medalist and KDEA Third Level Horse of the Year.)

Showing the Hunter Horse
Everything you wanted to know about showing Hunters. Preparing, what the judge will look for, the rules and more.
By Ashley Duda
(Assistant Coach of the Kansas State Women's Equestrian Team)

Viewing Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges Tests
A closer look at the important steps in each of these levels.
By Vickie Sharp
("L" Judge graduate, a USDF Bronze Medalist and has competed in dressage to Prix St. Georges)

Eventing: Are You Ready?
Information for the Combined Training Event.
This article will help you be prepared for your

next event.
By Sue Clarke
("L" judge Graduate with 'distinction', USDF Bronze Medalist, evented in both Canada and the United States up to Premlim. level)

Dressage at the Grand Prix Level!
Find out what is required of a Grand Prix horse

and rider.
By Rebecca Rigdon
(USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, "L" judge graduate with 'distinction', and a 'r' judge.)

The Difference between Intermediate I and

Intermediate II tests.
An overview of these two FEI dressage tests.
Answered by Jana Wagner
(USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist, USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level and a "L" Judge graduate with 'distinction')

Equestrians - Ask the Experts.
What is your advice for someone showing?
Answered by Jana Wagner
(USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist, USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level and a "L" Judge graduate with 'distinction'

 March 2007

 

Lateral Movements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lateral Movements

(Shoulder-In, Half-pass, Lateral movments for the hunter horse and more!)

 

Using Lateral Movements to Improve your Hunter.
Lateral work is not just beneficial for Dressage horses. Find out how to use lateral work to improve your Hunter Horse.
By Ashley Duda
(Assistant Coach of the Kansas State Women's Equestrian Team)

Lateral Movements: Their Use and Development Through the Levels
Starting with Turn on the Forehand and Leg Yielding. Lateral Movements and theory explained.
By Sarah Martin
(USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level, has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold Medals
and is a "L" judge graduate with "distinction". )

The Mysterious Shoulder In
Understanding the start of this exercise. Read this helpful article for starting your shoulder in work.
By Elaine Cornell
(Dressage Instructor)

The Aisle Way: Asks Equestrians
Find out "what did they say?"
What is your favorite Lateral Movement and why?
Find out why fellow equestrians choose certain movements as their favorites.

Introduction to The Half Pass
Giving your horse a good Half Pass Start. Is your horse ready? You'll want to start with this article.
By Angel Ozer
(USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist. She has earned her USDF Gold Freestyle Bar.)

Dressage Movements:

A Means to an End
The important training behind the movements.
Excellent theory lessons for better understanding in training your horse.
By Dr. Thomas Ritter
(Classical Dressage - U.S. and International clinician )

Starting Out Right: Lateral Movements
Lateral Movements simplified for beginning levels.
By Bekki Moore
(BHSAI & Pony Club DC)

Shoulder In: The Next Level
Learn to improve the Shoulder In.
Continuing on with the Shoulder In Exercise

in this article.
By Elaine Cornell

Fine Tuning The Half Pass
Getting Ready for Showing the Half Pass.
Informative article for improving your half pass and dressage scores.
By Angel Ozer
(USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist. She has earned her USDF Gold Freestyle Bar.)
 

February 2007

 

Special

Breeds Issue 

 

 

 

 

 

Special

Breeds Issue

Warmbloods & Warmbloods
Read all about the warmblood breeds. History, European & American registries and more. By Elaine Cornell

Breeding the Sport Horse
In the pursuit of excellence.
By Arlene Rigdon

(an American Horse Shows Association "S" Judge, USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist and previously long-listed for the U.S. Equestrian Team.)

The FEI Paint Horse
Inspiring story of success in dressage on the horse that could.
By Tricia Kaufman (USDF Bronze & Silver medalist)

The All Around Paint Horse
Dressage improves this western horse.
By Wendy Reiger

The Lipizzan Horses
The history and characteristics explained.
Beautiful pictures included.
By Dr. Thomas Ritter (Classical Dressage)

Irish Horses
The Irish Draught and Irish Sport horse.
By Simone Mackay

(Irish Draught Society of N.America Central regional Chair 2004-2006)

The Draft Cross
By Jayne Deemer

The Dutch Warmblood
By Susan Lang ("L" judge graduate & KDEA Board Member)

The Azteca
By Karen Feltner

The Thoroughbred
By Susan Clarke ("L" judge Graduate 'with distinction', USDF Bronze medalist)

The Georgian Grande
Marilyn Taylor
 

 January 2007

 

Communication

 

 

 

 

Communciation

(Enhancing communication between horse and rider)

What are the signs of a happy horse?
This question answered
By Jana Wagner (USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level, a "L" Judge graduate with 'distinction', and USDF Silver & Bronze Medalist)
By Sarah Martin ( USDF Gold, Silver & Bronze Medalist, USDF Certified Instructor through 4th Level, "L" Judge graduate with 'distinction')
By Dr. Preston Hickman, DVM

Examing the Hand
Judging new dressage tests and the rider's hands.
By Gail Matheus ("L" Graduate wiith 'distinction', USDF Bronze Medalist)

The Circle of Aids
Understanding the connection of all aids in Classical Dressage.
By Dr. Thomas Ritter (US & International Classical Dressage Clinician)

The Balanced Seat
Improve and develop a truly correct seat.
By Dr. Thomas Ritter (US & International Classical Dressage Clinician)

Some Thoughts on the Leg
An overview of the rider's legs and ideas on effectiveness.
By Elaine Cornell (Instructor and Trainer)


The Aisle Way: Asks fellow Equestrians. Find out "what did they say?"
We asked: What do you look for in a clinician, trainer or coach?

Riding Back to Front
A concentrated look at this common

dressage term.
By Deryn Stewart
(USDF Bronze Medalist and is a Competitive Driver who has been long listed with USET Driving with three horses)
with Allyson Wilson (USDF Silver & Bronze Medalist and currently rides Grand Prix Dressage.)

All Systems Go
The Importance of Ground Manners.
By Karen Everhart, MEd. (Equine Management Consultant) 
 

 
 


 

 
 

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Topline Ink Equestrian Journal.

  • Breed Information Section
  • Dressage Article
  • Hunter/Jumper Article
  • Classical Dressage Article
  • Showing your horse Article

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