Education Day at Saddleworld Dressage Festival

 

This year’s Saddleworld Dressage Festival sees the return of the “Education Day” on Sunday December 11.   The Education Day format consists of  a series of 30 minute seminars on a range of different topics relating to performance horses.  “We wanted to give spectators and competitors some extra value at the Festival this year, the seminars will be both educational and entertaining, with something for everyone on offer” says Event Director, Bryony Giusti.  

The seminars will commence from 10am in the Saddleworld Presentation Marquee. Entry to the Education Day seminars is free - although the daily gate admittance fee of $10 per vehicle applies - and as an added incentive there will be lucky door prizes and give-aways throughout the day !

 

Presentation time-table, topics & presenters:

10am – Presentation & presenter still to be confirmed.

10:45am – “The German Training Scale”

Presented by Christine Sievers, a NCAS coach, EA B level judge, HRCAV senior dressage judge and examiner, Presenter of VCE/VET Certificate II Equine Studies and a PCAV coach educator. Christine will de-mystify the German Training Scale and explain why all riders need to understand and embrace it for their on-going training. 

 

11:30am - “Performance Anxiety”

Presented by Ashlea Pace,a registered provisional psychologist who is currently completing her Masters Degree in Applied Psychology (Sports Psychology). Ashlea is also a keen dressage competitor, coach and 'H' level dressage judge, so is well aware of the pressures of competition and it’s impact on performance. Her presentation will provide tools and tips for managing performance anxiety.

 

12:15pm – “Healthy Gut = Happy Horse”

Presented by Mike Tomlinson,a FEI Vet for Dressage, Endurance and Jumping, a FEI Steward, and a FEI ‘O’ Judge in Endurance.  Mike’s presentation will cover all you need to know about ulcers in the performance horse – their causes, impact on performance, treatment and prevention.

 

1:00pm – “The Aachen Challenge experience”

Presented by Kylie Burton, winner of the 2009 Aachen Challenge,a successful FEI competitor and a NCAS coach.  Kylie will share her experience of preparing and competing in the event, and offer insights and tips for prospective young riders aiming for this prestigious event in the future.  Sit with Kylie in the audience and watch the Final on Sunday afternoon to gain an “insiders” perspective.

 

1:45pm - “So you want to breed a foal”

Presented by Kim Jacobson from Aurum Performance Horses, this will be a great session for anyone contemplating breeding their own foal.  Learn from Kim’s experiences in establishing her own performance horse stud and gain an appreciation of the importance of breeding for temperament, talent and trainability.

 

2:30pm - “Make your horse a team player”

Presented by Dr Kerry Mack from Mayfield Farm. Kerry has a wealth of experience in most of the equestrian disciplines but is now focused on dressage, competing at Grand Prix with “Mayfield Pzazz”. She believes that with an understanding of equine learning theory, riders can produce a horse that becomes a “team player”. Find out how !

 

3:15pm - “Muscular fitness and soundness in dressage horse”

Presented by Helen Klowss, a qualified Horse Massage Therapist who has also trained in a number of different treatment techniques. She has successfully treated many successful horses from Group 1 Racehorses to Grand Prix dressage horses and her presentation will be of interest to all horse owners wanting to optimise their horse’s soundness and performance.

 

The Saddleworld Dressage Festival runs from December 8 – 11 at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.  With lots of competition activity, plenty of shopping available in the fabulous Trade Village, and the educational seminars running throughout the Sunday, there’s something for every dressage enthusiast at this year’s Festival.  Don’t miss it!

Quick Links

• To find out more on each presenter visit:  www.equestrianvictoriaevents.com.au/DF
• Event information and ticketing details from:  www.equestrianvictoriaevents.com.au/DF