Emile Faurie hosted a dressage masterclass at Oldencraig in Surrey last Saturday. His sponsors, Jacksons Fencing, made the event - which took place in the sweltering summer heat - possible.

A flying visit

Emile, who is currently training in Germany as part of his campaign towards qualification for the World Equestrian Games, flew in especially to take the master class and was scheduled to fly straight back out to Germany to resume his training and compete at Aachen this coming weekend.

The audience was treated to Emile's insights as he talked through key training techniques, which were demonstrated on a selection of horses at different stages in their dressage careers. Three riders who train with Emile were put through their paces on their horses which ranged from Novice through to Grand Prix. Emile provided advice on how to get the best out of your horse, referring to the need to allow plenty of time to work in just at walk to encourage softness and compliance.

Runners and riderssit

Keith Robertson brought his novice horse Boheme Al Afsusted, a stunning flashy chestnut gelding by Bernstein. Emile has high hopes for this combination, though recommends that Keith takes the horse's training slowly due to his huge size.

Sacha Hamilton rode her very capable but occasionally opinionated chestnut gelding Dan and Hannah Biggs brought her grand prix horse Weltzin, a chestnut stallion. This compact little horse, who has been trained by Hannah from the beginning of his career, showed all the movements required in a grand prix test.

He explained the importance of having a clear warm up plan, especially under competition conditions. Guidance was also given on how to deliver clear and concise instructions to the horse and the need to appreciate the sharp contrast between the workings of a horse’s mind compared with that of a human.

Another gem of wisdom was for the rider to always be aware of the horse’s limits and to never overwork the horse, but rather learn to read its body language - since overdoing training can undo any good already accomplished. Emile also touched on the importance of learning to resist the temptation to over practice the more challenging dressage moves, instead focusing on achieving total understanding between horse and rider and allowing the sense of occasion of a dressage test to reveal the horse’s ultimate capabilities.

Hats on to you

Emile offered a stern warning to riders saying that after the recent spate of accidents among dressage riders, he will never ride without a hard hat again, and recommends that others follow suit.

After nearly three hours of teaching and training, delivering his particular brand of equestrian philosophy, Emile was whisked off to Heathrow. Many of the audience commented on how inspired they were by listening to him and seemed to have enjoyed it immensely, despite the stifling heat.

Charitable

Profits from the event are divided between: The Emile Faurie Foundation, which helps to bring the joy of horses and riding to youngsters who might not otherwise get the opportunity to experience them, and Riding for the Disabled, Jacksons Fencing’s chosen charity, which works to improve the lives of people with disabilities by providing opportunities for riding and/or carriage driving. It offers advice and help with obtaining special equipment and supports a training programme, which leads to an externally accredited qualification in riding or carriage driving.

Watch Emile's other masterclass by clicking on the link on the right.