Spectacular Spring Symposium Planned

Source :  Ontario Equestrian Federation

The Ontario Equestrian Federation is delighted to announce "Strategies for Success - a Multi-discipline Approach" - Training and Coaching the Basics with Conrad Schumacher. This 3-day Symposium will focus on multi-discipline training and coaching of the basics at all levels (Reining, Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Equitation). Being held on March 21-23, 2003 at York Equestrian Centre in Cedar Valley, ON, this symposium should be of interest to all equine enthusiasts, and will provide numerous opportunities for questions and discussion.


World-renowned German international trainer and coach, Conrad Schumacher, is the featured speaker for this Coaching and Training Symposium. A former successful competitor in jumping, dressage and 3-day eventing, Mr. Schumacher developed a special liking for Dressage and has trained Olympic medalists and World and European Champions to win over 37 international medals. He currently trains some of Britain’s top-level FEI Grand Prix Dressage riders and the United States elite Young Riders.


Mr. Schumacher stresses the importance of working within a training system. The German system, with its roots in classical horsemanship, has become the accepted one for training horses at every level. This system keeps the progression of training in a logical format. The method works equally well for horses of all disciplines. It stresses training the basics at every level and the importance of harmony between horse and rider.


"Scale of Training" and the Schumacher system includes the basics of Rhythm, Relaxation and Suppleness, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness and Collection, learned in that order. Mr. Schumacher asserts that rhythm, relaxation and suppleness are the essential elements needed before attempting further work.


He stresses the importance of a balanced rider with an elastic seat. With proper riding techniques, a rider has the ability to influence the horse without force and to make its work fun. His methods are sympathetic to the horse in order to make it happy, to want to learn, and to show off in the ring.

Selected Demonstration Riders will be carefully chosen from the disciplines of dressage, eventing, jumping, equitation and reining. They will work with Mr. Schumacher on Friday in preparation for the Symposium. The Friday session may be audited.


As Reining is now an FEI sport, Mr. Schumacher is eager to work with the western horse to show how his training basics apply to all horses, regardless of the tack used.


This is an opportunity riders, coaches and owners won’t want to miss! Circle the dates on your calendar today! Complete program details and a registration form are available from the OEF Office, in the January 2003 issue of WHOA! and on the OEF website www.horse.on.ca. Be sure to register before February 22 in order to take advantage of the Early-Bird Registration Rate!