This week’s Q&A focused on one of the trickiest moments in dressage training - late or inconsistent flying changes - and how to fix them. We also shared insights from our recent interview with Olympian Sabine Schut-Kery, talked about the importance of solid basics, and gave a sneak peek into the new YouTube series featuring Amelia’s new horse, Mik.
What we covered
- Fixing late changes: Straightness and haunches-in before the change help the hind legs come through on time. Keep the canter short, quick, and active, creates air time for a clean change.
- Why prevention matters: If a horse learns to do late changes, it’s much harder to undo. Start with correct mechanics early on: solid walk–canter and counter-canter work are key prerequisites.
- Prerequisites checklist: The horse must stay straight, through, and active; walk–canter–walk transitions should be precise and responsive.
- Rider feel and timing: It’s hard to feel if a change is late behind without someone on the ground. Work with eyes on you whenever possible to confirm timing and build awareness.
Lessons from Sabine Schut-Kery
- Consistency builds confidence: Follow a clear system every day - make small corrections before big problems appear.
- Basics never go away: Even at Olympic level, Sabine spends time on trot–walk–trot transitions, leg yields, and straightness work. The brilliance in Grand Prix tests comes from endless attention to detail in the basics.
- When horses get tense: Don’t punish; redirect. Use tools like leg yields or shoulder-in to channel energy instead of fighting it.
Community and next steps
It’s been inspiring to see everyone’s progress in 30 Days to Round and inside Strides. Keep sharing your wins and questions, we’re all working on the same basics, just at different stages!
Happy Riding,
Amelia
PS. get $100 off when you enroll in Flying Changes Made Simple this week only, offer ends this Sunday 12th Oct.
