Moira Richardson was the lucky winner of the Supreme Products™ competition to win a lesson and turnout tips with top dressage rider and trainer Hannah Esberger-Shepherd in Just Dressage.Retford-based, Moira took along her nine-year-old, Vrayadien who she has owned for 11 months.
After allowing Vrayadien to settle in to her new home and routine they have recently started their competition partnership in good form, winning their first unaffiliated Elementary test at Sheepgate.
Known in the stable as Addy, Moira’s aim with the talented warmblood is to gain a place on the Northern Team at next year’s Inter-Regional competitions.
The mare, who has a natural flare for dressage, is by ‘Grivaldi’ and they look set for a great future together with Hannah complimenting them on their natural style and the level of skill they have already achieved together.
Hannah began the lesson by assessing Moira and Addy, noticing that the mare was blocking the left hand side and therefore not in the correct contact.
Hannah explained that Addy must not rely on the left rein and if the rein is given to her she must not fall out through her shoulder. This problem was worked on by doing plenty of leg yielding exercises throughout the lesson.
With many years experience training and riding, Hannah also noticed that Addy was a bit slow behind, and strong on the forehand.
Explained Hannah: “Addy needs to be lighter and softer in the hand. By working on transitions she will become softer and develop a more balanced shape overall.”
The pair then progressed to canter work which highlighted similar areas to improve on.
Working on 15 metre circles soon helped with the softness and plenty of left leg was needed on the girth to encourage Addy to flex and then relax.
Moira learnt to work the mare through her body to improve her suppleness when in canter.
By working on the left rein and correcting her stiffness Moira was given plenty to work on. Hannah gave valuable advice to correct Addy leaning on Moira by simply stopping her when she did this.
Later Hannah explained that Moira needed to get Addy to work her muscles up through her back to enable her to be more engaged. Moira’s homework was to work on the hind quarters and try to improve the canter work.
After the lesson Hannah explained the importance of turnout and presentation when in the dressage arena.
Hannah is sponsored by Supreme Products and uses the Professional Collection in preparation for and when at a competition.
Said Hannah: “The range from Supreme Products is fantastic. It really helps you to catch the judges’ attention and makes it so much easier for you to look immaculate when in the arena, by using products that have been specially developed for plaiting manes, shampooing horses and adding the finishing touches.
“Supreme Products highlighters such as Glistening Oil, Sparkle and Spray & Shine really add those finishing touches.”
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