Top Picks; Dutch Warmblood Dressage Horses

This week's, CS top pick in the Dressage sport. Enjoy!


**YouTube Video Originally Uploaded & Credit to: WesTradeStables

Top Picks; Clincis - Debbie McDonald

Happy Monday everyone! I'd like to start this Monday off by introducing yet another Top Picks subject; Clinics. In this series, I will be showing you videos of various clinicians in the english equestrian world of sports. So why clinics?

Clinics are a great way to further your education as a rider as well a your horses. It allows you the oppurtunity to ride with some of the best in the equestrian world you might otherwise not be able to on a regular basis. Clinicians, trainers, instructors all strive for the same result in their riders and horses, but each one has their own approach. A clinic allows you to experience this difference and change in approach. This added element can be a great experience for horse and rider as it will question you both in a way you might not be familiar to. Challenging you none the less, but this can be a fresh change to your training regimne.

Attending a clinic as a rider (or spectator) allows you the great access to watching 'behind the scenes' as other horse and rider combinations tackle different parts in their individual goals and training. This is great insight for anyone and can give you a firmer grasp on questions and advances in training that you might not have gotten to yet. Trainers commonly use clinics to refine their own skills and hone their advances in training. It's an excellent community for any equestrians, aspiring or professional to take part in.

Lets explore the world of clinics, shall we?
What better way to begin the 'virtual auditing' by starting with Dressage, US Broze Medalist (Athens) Debbie McDonald who is instructing rider Jessica Wisdom on the Welsh Cob stallion North Forks Cardi (-Isn't he awesome!?)








**Above YouTube videos Originally Uploaded & Credit to: eqequestrian & Topline Sporthorse Video

Tail Perfection - Bang & Dock

Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventers commonly sport the pulled & banged tail. It is said the pulled tail defines and enhances the appearance of the haunches. It also looks rather smart and sharp, if I do say so. It appears, that this look, the pulled tail, is more commonly seen in Europe than in the US. But nevertheless, the banged & pulled tail specifically serves, not only for looks, but for function.


**Video Uploaded & Credit to: OutfoxedFarm


The banged tail has been said to serve to keep the tail cleaner and from becoming scraggly at the ends. Eventing horses usually have banged tails which are seen shorter, and is done to ensure the horse does not step on the tail during cross country.

Pulling or "Docking" the tail can be done various ways. This could include pulling it or trimming it. Docking the tail also serves a purpose. In the video below, Tara Miliziano Crowley of Kendalwood Farm explains...

"For carriage driving we have a peice of tack called a crouper. What this does is rest underneath the tail to hold the harness in place. The absence of the hair along dock makes it so the hair does not get pulled underneath that crouper as the horse moves."

**Video Uploaded & Credit to: HolisticHorse

In the video below shows how docking is done through the pulling method.


**Video Uploaded by & Credit to: HorseSmartVideos

Lets take a look at horses with the banged and docked look through the English equestrian sports..


Zara Phillips & Tusami ll Photo By: Rally Carter


Karen & Teddy O'Connor

More on this topic soon :).
**Top photo Copyright to British Dressage. No copyright infringement intended.

Top Picks; Goode Rider - Premier Breech.

I am not one to offer a whole wardrobe of $200 & up breeches in all the latest and classic fits, but a girl has to splurge sometimes...right?

In finding the good breech, one must look for the following;

- Exceptional, flattering fit. Which enhances what you want to see and hides what you don't.
- Quality and durability.
- Exceptional comfort and cross-over fit while in the saddle.

I'm a fan of the fit of the Goode Rider breech and here is CS' top pick in breeches this week!

Featured is the lovely, Premier Rider Full Seat Breech. I am a fan of all the colours and think they all are classy. But I quite like the Espresso and Smoke (featured above).

This breech offers that signiatue Goode Rider fit. A four way stretch to add to the comfort and freedom while in the saddle, a low-rise fit for the modern equestrian, and of course those stylish side-pockets.

Another great thing about Goode Rider is that they not only offer sizes 24-34 (in most breeches) but they have some plus sizes as well.

You can learn more about the Goode Rider breeches as well as all their other fabulous equestrian clothing selections, by visiting their website; www.gooderider.com

**Above photo Copyright to Goode Rider. No copyright infringement intended.

Top Picks; Dutch Warmblood Show Jumpers -

This week's top pick, is this lovely 8 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding (sorry could not locate his name). It seems, this week's pattern is quiet horses, capable of the higher levels, yet suitable for amateurs!

Although I've put this horse under the jumper category, it seems he's pretty versatile and doubles as a nice Dressage horse!



Here is what his description says:

"Very quiet, very sweet and gentle and simply gorgeous imported Dutch Warmblood. Fourth level dressage, loads of show miles and 3.3 jumpers with plenty of scope for more.

If you are looking for a horse for you or your daughter that will take her from crossrails into the next levels and beyond, look no further. This Dutch Warmblood will never spook, bite, rear, panic or anything like that. He has seen it all, has been on the beach, in the forest, on the trails and in both dressage and jumper rings at the showgrounds and he is always consistently quiet and easy. Trot him over a cross rail, canter him over a 3.6 ft oxer or take him to a dressage show, he'll allow you to win Blue ribbons in every discipline.

In the video, the horse is ridden by a 14 year old junior amateur rider who has never ridden him before.

More information will be available at www.dutchroyalhorses.com

16.2 hands, Bay, 8 years old, Gelding, Dutch Warmblood (Goodtimes x Itens x Apple king ), Clean X rays.

He is expected to arrive in the US the end of May, 2010."

**Video copyright to rightful owner.
YouTube video & description text, originally uploaded by: DutchRoyalHorses

More can be seen on their website: www.dutchroyalhorses.com

Top Picks; Lusitano Dressage Horses - Universo

This is the first Lusitano featured here on the blog. Meet, Universo de Bosque. This beautiful 2001 gelding appears to have a soft expression with a forgiving nature.

Here is what is said about him on his sale ad;

"...He is competing at third level dressage and has very easy lateral work and flying changes. With continous training, he will easily be a competitive prix st. george horse. Universo has been shown extensively in Brazil prior to being imported, and has since been ridden in various exhibitions in the US (his amateur owner rode him). He is also trained to cart and harness. He is very comfortable to sit, and is easy to put 'on the bit.' His fantastic work ethic and his wonderful temperment and disposition make him appropriate for any type of rider, including an amateur. Universo has no vices, and is a pleasure to work with and have in the barn. He loves to hack. He had a full vetting done prior to being imported, and has always been sound. Available to be seen in Wellington, Florida."

Sale ad here; Universo de Bosque

**All photos and videos copyright their rightful owners.
YouTube video featured above, originally uploaded by: LexRosoff.

Tekna - Technological Tack

Tasteful, innovative and all together appealing?

When you think of synthetic leather tack, you might think Wintec. Wintec, "The world's #1 Synthetic saddle," they say. But Wintec may have a competitor on the rise..

What is good about Synthetic saddles is that they are EASY to care for. Damp cloth and wipe, basically. Who could get more easy than that? It completely eliminates the need for 'spit, polish and shine.' Nevertheless, you can ride in inclement weather without the worry of ruining your saddle, or bridle. If you prefer that kind of riding..

The new competitor in synthetic tack? Enter, Tekna! www.teknasaddlery.com


I had the opportunity to touch and feel Tekna's products, while visiting the Western States Horse Expo. I personally, am not really into the synthetic thing. I do actually prefer the maintenance of leather and I like the look of leather much more. But I was really interested in what I was seeing with Tekna.

Here is what Tekna says;

TeknaTM is the ultimate illusion. On the surface this exquisite range of saddlery reflects all the elegance and craftsmanship forged over centuries of equestrian tradition, but concealed within is every conceivable advantage of modern manufacture.

At the core of each TeknaTM saddle is a light-weight synthetic tree which can be easily tailored to suit any horse or rider. The outer skin and structural elements of the saddle employ a suite of hi-tech, breathable materials designed to maximise performance, durability and comfort while minimising maintenance.

There is a TeknaTM saddle for every style of rider, from jumping to dressage, from pupil to professional. Every TeknaTM saddle is the ultimate hybrid of style, value and performance. Every TeknaTM customer is protected by a five year structural warranty. And your every need is fulfilled through a comp--rehensive catalogue of bridles, reins, girths, stirrup straps, horse boots and accessories, all manufactured to the same exacting TeknaTM standard.

So, if you're in the market for quality saddlery, choose TeknaTM....It's TeknaTM logical!

Above is the Tekna A4 Jumping saddle. For synthetic, doesn't it look smart?

What did I like about Tekna? Their products looked great and nicely made. Their bridles modeled well after a nice leather bridle, however un-comparable. They held their own. But they also felt nice and seemed like a comfortable wear for the horse.

The Tekna saddles also feature Quick-FormTM Gullet System - They are adjustable.

You won't find Tekna every-where. They are offered in various countries, including the United States, so check out their list of places to buy. According to their site, the only place to buy in the US is English Riding Supply.

The price is affordable. In the brochure I obtained from their WSHE display, the A4 Jumping saddle retails at $675 while the A8 Dressage saddle (photo below) retails at $745.



**Above pictures by Tekna. All credit given to Tekna.
TeknaTM