Christoph Hess Symposium: Bridging Dressage and Jumping

As an avid equestrian enthusiast, my passion for jumping has always driven me to seek opportunities that further my understanding and skill. When I first heard about the Christoph Hess Symposium, a prestigious event known for emphasizing classical dressage training, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't miss. Attending would deepen my understanding of dressage and provide valuable insights to enhance my jumping rounds. In this blog post, I share my incredible journey attending the Christoph Hess Symposium, where I volunteered, visited with friends, and took away invaluable dressage schooling exercises that have profoundly impacted my riding approach.

Volunteering at the Symposium:

Arriving at the symposium venue filled me with excitement and anticipation. As a volunteer, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Christoph Hess. The atmosphere was electric, with equestrians from various backgrounds uniting for their shared love of horses and the art of dressage. Volunteering not only allowed me to be part of this incredible event but also allowed me to observe the masterful training techniques of Christoph Hess up close.

The Dressage Connection to Jumping:

As someone primarily focused on jumping, I wondered how dressage schooling could benefit my jumping performance. Christoph Hess emphasized the importance of a strong dressage foundation for every equestrian discipline. He explained that through dressage, riders develop better communication with their horses, achieve improved balance and suppleness, and enhance the horse's overall athleticism.

Visiting with Friends:

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the symposium, I had the chance to meet up with Coach Quindy and my friend Layla. We shared our excitement, exchanged stories of our riding experiences, and discussed the insights we hoped to gain from attending this prestigious event. Connecting with horse friends is always good for the soul!

Dressage Schooling Exercises for Jumping:

Throughout the symposium, Christoph Hess introduced a variety of dressage exercises that had direct applications to jumping. One exercise that particularly caught my attention was the "circle of impulsion." This exercise involved riding a forward, balanced, and energetic circle to engage the horse's hindquarters and improve its responsiveness to the aids.

Another valuable exercise was the "leg yield to enhance straightness." By practicing leg yields, riders could improve their horse's lateral flexibility and create greater alignment, leading to more accurate and efficient lines when jumping courses. This was particularly relevant as I often struggled with maintaining straightness on landing after a jump.