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Dana Hewett Dressage.
What function does it serve to eliminate the horse’s natural ability to balance himself and move in true collection? Isn’t that the ultimate goal that dressage strives for? It is all too painfully obvious in some cases just how close some trainers and riders in the US come to the habits which are well set in Dutch states.
This horse clearly shows that his breeding will help to dissuade onlookers from finding fault. He is a beautiful mover, even with the side-reins so short that he cannot use his neck for balance, nor position it in a way that allows his hindquarters to come underneath to support him – thus forcing him onto the forehand.
Hyperflexion Alert!
I was meandering through the various videos and was honestly surprised at this one. There is a moment about 2:00 minutes into the video where the mare attempts to correct her neck posture while being slowly trotted forward following a halt, to which the rider immediately puts her back into a deeply flexed position. The rider is constantly overusing the spurs (i.e. heel coming way up into the barrel with the toes pointing down), the mare frequently loses rhythm and even breaks gait. Forget about honest forward from this horse, she is so sucked back I am amazed. Although the video is labeled ‘training’ I would find a more appropriate description to be ‘forced through the work’. In the extended trot display, she is prepped with a circle moving the mare more forward than she has previously been allowed – which results in the mare falling out through the shoulder and losing her (albeit coerced) bend, followed by a disparaging ‘extended’ trot in which she is practically falling on her face if it weren’t for the strength of her rider’s hands holding her upright. The second time around in which the gait is repeated on the opposite diagonal, it is all too obvious to see the pair fighting with each other before the gait is pushed enough to silence some of the horse’s resistance. The twisting and turning of this mare’s head is all she can do to avoid the uncomfortable flexion she is placed in with such force. Her walk following a stint of canter work which seems like too much effort to be worth the work, brings images of a reptile walking as it drags it’s body along the sand – almost a creepy crawly type of movement vs. pushing from behind. The piaffe work following canter is highlighted with raw tension, obvious oversalvation, moments of outright exasperation from the mare (small rears, diving forwards, limb inconsistencies, etc). You can visually pick apart the moments when the rider is pulling back on the mare’s mouth.
Tail swishing nearly constant. “Piaffe” without engagement or collection with one pair of legs which advances while the other steps in place or backwards. Extremely tense mouth on the horse’s part, rider whose upper body is stiffer than a month old corpse – bracing.
Interesting…..
I have taken time to read this article and have visited Dana Hewett Dressage based on what was said.
It seems that Ms. Hewett has placed 13th in the World Cup, has trained with most of the best (on 3 continents) and spent a lifetime in the persuit of this sport.
To me, these credentials stand for themselves. Interestingly enough the author of this article has failed to list his/her credentials and how he/she is qualified to to make these comments. Has the author met, spoken to, or asked permission of Ms. Hewett to use her name, information, videos, or website link.
Further, I found it troubling that the author chose to pick on a clearly labeled “training video”. One shot, one moment in time and he/she chose to defame her techniqe ,completely, in this way.
Interesting thing about opinions (especially online ones)….everyone has one. Most just know when to keep to themselves.
Hi Frank,
Certainly, not only a right of the internet but a right of anyone living in the states and many other nations – freedom of speech, freedom of opinion.
I wonder, does a title make the actions of a person justifiable? The horse doesn’t care what title you hold or competitive achievements you’ve garnered if you treat him poorly, only humans seem to. “Best” is a conditional opinion, and might I remind readers that the #1 competitor in the world (Anky van Grunsven) is well known for hyperflexion/rollkur, and one only need watch a video of her performing this on her horses to see the anxiety and tension that is practically dripping off the horse.
I do respect your opinion for being your opinion, and do appreciate the feedback I hear from readers…