FOCUS on clinics Denise O’Reilly In April WA riders were once again fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from UKbased Ride With Your Mind (RWYM) coach Denise O’Reilly. Local RWYM Coach Ann Montgomery has hosted Denise’s clinics twice a year since 2009 at her Keysbrook property and the most recent visit involved a total of 40 riders attending four different clinics over a two week period. Denise is one of the most senior RWYM coaches in the world and regularly teaches dressage riders of all levels in the UK, Europe and South Africa. RWYM, founded by Mary Wanless, was one of the first training systems to focus on improving the biomechanics of the rider. Denise uses a variety of teaching methods, tailoring her approach to the way in which individual riders learn and process information. Denise helps riders analyse and change their riding position to be more biomechanically effective and to be more in harmony with the biomechanics of the horse. words by Angela Carroll trained with the late Franz Mairinger at the EFA Centre at Bowral in NSW, and was a leading dressage rider in the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. His A Grade show jumper was the NSW Dressage Horse of the Year. In 1983 he received the Dunhill Dressage Scholarship, which enabled him to train in Warendorf, Germany, at the German National Riding Centre (DOKR) and he was short-listed twice in Eventing and Dressage for the Olympics. Ron has a wealth of knowledge that he is able to impart to his pupils, regardless of their riding background or experience. This coupled with a brilliant eye for where ‘the blocks’ are within the horse, he is able to articulately guide the rider (despite many of us being inexperienced or unfit) in their understanding of what is required to resolve ‘the blocks’ and provide exercises that help resole the blocks in ways that are achievable for our individual needs. This is perhaps the most valuable aspect of Ron’s coaching, his ability to achieve the desired softness, impulsion, rhythm and elasticity with relaxation the ultimate goal, in many different ways to accommodate the variety of rider and horse combinations that are presented to him. This coupled with his direct approach and ability to tell you how it Anne Montgomery and Heidi enjoying their lesson with Denise. Photo by Gungurri Photography. activities which will help them gain a better understanding of their own biomechanics, those of the horse and how the two interact. Denise always manages to make these workshops fun and riders come away from Denise’s clinics inspired to keep practising until her next visit! Denise will be teaching in Keysbrook again in October 2013. For further information about the October clinics or Ride With Your Mind coaching you can email Ann Montgomery at montinoz@bordernet.com.au. words and photos by Linda Page In 2010 Dryandra Regional Equestrian Association decided to hold its inaugural two day Dressage Championship event and therefore needed judges. One of the judges secured was Ron Paterson, someone we had been told was a tough but fair judge and who was also ‘good’ from a coaching perspective. Therefore, we booked Ron with the idea of holding a two-day clinic following the event to make the most of an opportunity. Despite the cold and rain (4 inches in 3 days), those four days were incredibly enjoyable and the rest, as they say, is history. Ron has continued to visit our region every second month, providing riders of all levels with knowledge, guidance and most importantly a desire to improve their riding so that the time spent with our 4 legged companions is both enjoyable and rewarding. Ron Paterson is an FEI International Judge (Horse Trials), National A Level Dressage Judge, NCAS Level 3 Coach – General, EA Coach Educator and EA Judge Mentor who Ron Paterson Changing long held habits and biomechanical patterns is sometimes very challenging. Video feedback of riders is often critical in convincing someone of the need for change. Most riders think that their position is correct but the old saying “the camera doesn’t lie” is very true and when riders are confronted with visual proof of their faults they usually are very willing to try and improve. They are also often amazed at video evidence of the dramatic change that may occur in their horse’s way of going when, under Denise’s eagle eye, they are able to make small adjustments in their position. Denise’s clinics always include a video feedback session for all riders and also a workshop where riders learn exercises and WA SHOW SCENE June/July 2013 - Page 8 Denise O’Reilly and Saturn sharing a moment of communication. Photo by Gungurri Photography. Adelle Lubcke concentrates on Ron’s instructions. is (without destroying one’s confidence) and genuine love of seeing one of his riders ‘get it’ makes his clinics both worthwhile and enjoyable for all level of riders. We are all looking forward to his next clinic in June and riding in the excellent facilities at Dryandra. Everyone is welcome to attend and more information is available by visiting thewebsite http://dryandraequestrian.webs. com Some comments by clinic participants: Bree Mumby: I enjoy having lessons with Ron as he has built my confidence riding my difficult mare and helped me by giving different exercises and tools to do at home.