HOEKSTRA DRESSAGE INC.

Thank you for visiting the Hoekstra Dressage! In my travels as a clinician I have found that riders in different parts of the world have all different challenges and yet so many show so much dedication despite their obstacles.

Hoekstra Dressage would love to hear from you, about your goals and challenges, about the people that have inspired you to pursue your hobby more seriously either in competition or maybe to become a professional. And if you have made horses your life already, tell us about your obstacles, what you do to conquer them and what motivates you to keep going and who inspired you.

Check back often for more information regarding upcoming clinics and tips to help you and your horse!

Eddo Hoekstra

Cynthia Huskilson, a Certified Personal Trainer of Nu Bodies Fitness provides practical advice on how to improve your skills as a rider through fitness training.

By improving your physical fitness you can further your existing riding abilities. Toning your abdominals for dressage, or strengthening leg and ankle joints for cross country and show jumping is essential. A higher level of fitness will make your reactions quicker and improve your balance, flexibility and endurance. If you are in the best shape possible you will compete effectively or just enjoy your ride more.

"Your core is made up primarily of your Abdominals, Obliques and Lower Back and also includes the Gluteus. These muscles are so important to a rider because they are responsible for balance and posture. Strong core muscles can help prevent injuries and make your riding experience safer and more enjoyable. Having a strong core will also improve your endurance while riding as weak muscles can prevent you from riding longer periods of time. It is important to include exercises for all parts of the core as strengthening one part without rest can cause imbalance and overall weakness.

Try doing a range of exercises such as crunches to focus on abdominals, side bends to focus on obliques, lower back extensions to focus on the lower back and gluteus. There are many exercises that will help build your core strength. Ask a trainer in your gym for help with these and other effective exercises."

Cynthia Huskilson

There Is No "I" In Team 

There is no "I" in team and horse and rider should be a team. Really!

A team wins and loses together. In other words, if your horse doesn't feel as good about a win as you do, you should question how you got that win. The tough part is that they don't speak English so we as riders, coaches, trainers have to be very observant and pay close attention to the way we train.

Remember that every exercise , when properly done, has a gymnastic value. Focus on your technique, your horses' performance and learn to recognize when he is tired, stiff, happy etc. Never forget that training is not just about work. It encompasses many different things like fun, relaxing, interesting and so on.

When you build a connection with your horse and keep it fun you'll feel good about what you're doing and you'll really enjoy your sport regardless if you get a ribbon or not.

Eddo Hoekstra

Portrait of a Master - A Tribute to Jan Kluijtmans, Holland 

The phrase "you can do a lot more than you think" has a special meaning to me. It was what he used to tell me.

A great mentor whose memories of gentle ways I will always remember and hope to pass on to my students. Truly classical in every sense of the word and unfortunately very hard to find anymore these days.

Everything was always for the horse, with the horse and the way he taught ; it was all so simple, no force, NEVER! Riding with him was really a fun activity for both horse and rider in which you learned about feel, technique, patience and persistence. About riding and about harmony. He always knew precisely when he could not ask for more from the horse or rider. A true master, a true coach.

He was so passionate about horses, all horses and helping people that wanted to learn the sport. He used to tell me; "I always watch the riders in the warm up ring so I can learn something"! How cool is that? With all his knowledge and experience he never got tired of learning more. He was still teaching every day until he passed away one day at age 92.

What is Fit?!

And what is fit enough? We are always thinking about what movements and exercises to ride with our horses but what about the rider? Don't we have to be in shape too? Are we not supposed to be athletes also? The fact is that we do!

We have to be fit and we should be athletes if we want our horse to be one too. For our own benefit and the the benefit of the horse we need to be balanced, well coordinated, supple, and relaxed - all the things we want our horse to be we need to be too.

Get someone to take you out on the lunge line once in a while - it is great for your balance and fun too. And how about some bareback riding. Even if it is just at the walk after a schooling session. I tell some of my adult riders; remember when you were a kid, the saddle came off when the work was done! It's fun to do some jumping, go on a trail ride, but also get on a fitness program. Either join a gym , do Pilate's, yoga, swimming, or martial arts. They will all help you to develop increased flexibility, body control and overall fitness. We don't need to be able to run a marathon or lift enormous amounts of weights but the things we train should compliment our riding skills.

So, Get Fit! Be an Athlete! You will feel better as will your horse.

Eddo Hoekstra

 

Open the Door Dressage Clinic given by Walter Zettl

Build the Basics First, All Exercises Lead to Grand Prix

 Rider Profiles

Ashley Minion has represented Canada in 3 Day Eventing in International competition at the junior and senior levels.

At the North American Young Riders Championship, Ashley was the top Canadian at both the one star and the two star levels and at 17 was named to the Canadian Eventing Talent Squad. She was also named to the Elite Riders Association by the Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee.

Ashley started competing at the advanced level in 3-Day Eventing of the at the age of 19. This year, at 21, she is a nationally listed rider for Canadian Eventing Team and the youngest Canadian riding at this level.

Along the way, Ashley has acheived her Canadian Pony Club 'A' level and is a certified riding instructor with the Ontario Equestrian Federation.

Ashley was honoured by the OEF, when they hosted "A Night with the Stars" recognizing current and past Ontario athletes who have medalled at the North American Young Riders Championship.