Dr. Max Gahwyler, author of the Competitive Edge I: Improving Your Dressage Scores in the Lower Levels and the Competitive Edge II: Moving up the Levels, is also a research Doctor of Medicine, was former president of the American Dressage Institute, the forerunner of the US Dressage Federation, AHSA "I" judge, and noted clinician instantly recognized with his pipe and remembered for always having sugar cubes for the horses in his clinics.
Dr. Gahwyler of Darien, CT conducted a clinic at Garland Farms in Dahlonega following his well-received key note address at the GDCTA Winter Symposium held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Atlanta Airport. I had the opportunity to ride for "Dr. Max" Saturday afternoon and again Sunday morning. Despite the frigid temperatures, the clinic was a great success. At least it was sunny and not too windy that weekend! Dr. Max seemed quite used to the cold and stayed upbeat the entire weekend, true to his renowned approach to dressage and training. Saturday night at the pot-luck supper at the home of Gina and John Krueger, we were treated to our own impromptu lecture/discussion of the rider's seat and position along with photographs!
My own lessons went quite well, with Dr. Max insisting that I be less busy with my hands and ride more with my seat! That is something I can never be told too often! Being one who gets nervous riding in clinics, Dr. Max put me and my horse at ease quickly. Soon my horse was doing everything he asked us, including one flying change that surprised us both! Dr. Max said to think of flying changes as a "canter depart in the canter" that includes a change of bend and release of the inside hand. He had us canter quite a bit with my inside hand released to improve the quality of the canter. He also had us do trot/canter transitions by opening and closing my fingers on the inside rein. At one point I had my inside hand resting on my inside thigh to encourage the bend and he showed me how with my thighs following the motion of the canter, I was still providing release on the inside rein. Other exercises we worked on were shoulder-in and shoulder-fore and haunches-in, helping me understand better how my seatbones and weight are more effective than just using my reins. In other lessons, he gave tips on how to be more effective in the show ring. For example to properly ride a corner, he said to approach it in shoulder fore.
True to form, GDCTA members managed to give Dr. Max a huge dose of southern hospitality. He looks forward to coming back to our area on a regular basis. We enjoyed him greatly as he is very knowledgeable and personable. In addition, the horses are eager for more sugar cubes during their lessons!
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