Recently (October 2023), I had the amazing opportunity to attend a clinic with the renowned dressage trainer and rider, Brad Cutshall. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer!

An Awesome Location: Jeske Equestrian Location

Jeske Equestrian serves as the picturesque backdrop for Brad Cutshall's transformative dressage clinics. Nestled in the serene countryside of northern Wisconsin, this idyllic location provides the perfect setting for riders to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and the art of dressage.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting out on your equestrian journey, the welcoming atmosphere and top-notch amenities at Jeske Equestrian ensure that every clinic with Brad Cutshall is an unforgettable experience.

Who is Brad Cutshall

Brad Cutshall, owns Landmark Dressage, and stands as a luminary figure in the world of dressage, renowned for his expertise and innovative approach to training. With years of experience as both a rider and instructor, Brad has honed his skills to become one of the most sought-after dressage clinicians in the industry.

His passion for the sport shines through in every session, as he seamlessly blends classical principles with absolutely 'hilarious' dad jokes to bring out the best in both horse and rider.

With a keen eye for detail and a knack for effective communication, Brad has a unique ability to connect with his students, inspiring them to reach new heights in their equestrian journey.

Whether guiding beginners through the fundamentals or fine-tuning the performances of seasoned competitors, Brad's clinics are always a transformative experience, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of dressage and a renewed sense of confidence in their abilities.

Here are some key takeaways and insights that I gleaned from the clinic:

Haunches In and Half Pass:

Brad dropped some serious knowledge bombs about haunches in and half pass. Did you know that in Sweden, haunches in on the diagonal is considered the same as a half pass? Mind blown! And here's the kicker: your half pass needs a clear start and finish point. It's all about riding a straight line between those two points. Talk about precision!

Transitions:

Walk to canter transitions are like the holy grail for achieving balance, and for those especially lazy or behind-the-leg horses a trot to canter is the way to go. They're excellent for getting your horse engaged and ready to work. I've been using the walk to canter for balance religiously with my active and forward mare, and let me tell you, the results speak for themselves.

Trot and Canter Half Pass:

Ever wonder about the differences between trot and canter half passes? In trot half pass, both the front and hind legs cross, whereas in canter half pass, it's all about the front legs crossing. Who knew, right?

Riding Every Step Like It's New:

This one really stuck with me. Brad emphasized the importance of riding every single step like it's new. It's all about staying present and engaged with your horse, making each moment count. This has helped me immensely with Indra's training!

The Roles of a Rider:

According to Brad, we riders wear many hats: we're masseuses for bending and suppling, chiropractors for realignment, and psychologists for reading between the lines.

Medium Trot vs. Extended Trot:

Here's a juicy nugget: in the show ring, there's no real distinction between medium and extended trot. It's all about rocking that extended trot for maximum points. Talk about leveling up your dressage scores!

Knowing When to Apply Aids:

Patience is key when it comes to applying aids. Brad stressed the importance of waiting until the edges are off and your horse's brain is ready to work. I know timing is everything, but hearing someone else say it really helped me mentally with Indra's first few minutes when I get in the saddle.

Connection, Direction, Collection:

Remember this mantra from Olympic rider Robert Dover: connection, direction, collection. It's the holy trinity of dressage.

Half Halt Magic:

There's no such thing as a half halt that doesn't work, only ones that aren't ridden to completion. So next time you're in the saddle, commit to those half halts and don't let your horse fool you!

Engaging the Hind Legs:

Brad's insights on engaging the hind legs were a game-changer for me. By focusing on getting my mare to drive from behind, I've noticed a significant improvement in her balance and movement.

Perfecting the Pirouette:

Did you know that a true full pirouette consists of 6 to 8 steps? And judges will ding you if they think you weren't active enough. It's all about that collection, baby!

Light and Strong:

Brad's mantra of being light when it's right and strong when it's wrong really resonated with me. When I came back to riding after my few years of vacation I was notorious for having hands that were too light, over the last few months I have been working hard to give the right level of connection to from elbows to bit.

Riding the Gait, Not the Movement:

Last but not least, Brad reminded us to ride the gait, not the movement. Stay focused and present, the movement will come but if your gait falls apart you won't have the balance to complete the movement.

So there you have it, folks - a whirlwind of wisdom from Brad Cutshall's dressage clinic. I don't know about you, but I'm itching to get back in the saddle and put these lessons into action. Until next time, happy riding!