The 2006 Conrad Schumacher clinic held at Poplar Place Farm in Hamilton, Georgia yielded some excellent training tips. I attended the Clinic with Leopold (FEI 4 year Old Winner at Devon for 2005) and Narobi (KWPN gelding at Fourth Level)

Tips from the Clinic

"If you lose the young horse’s concentration while training, volte, never punish." Consequently the volte is a much repeated exercise, a precursor to almost every transition with the young horse.

"Dressage is on the horse’s hind legs."

"The horse must be on the bit and round, for the back to swing."

"If a rider leans back in a transition they will cause the horse to drop his back and come against the hand. The rider must always be ahead of the movement, never behind."

"First steady neck to the bit, then you can ride the horse a little more up or down."

"When the horse’s mouth comes open, the horse is giving in the mouth, not at the poll."

"Collection is achieved through transitions."

"Sit on your behind and never get left behind."

"Your job as a rider is to give the horse a good time."

"Ride straight on a straight line."

"Always ride the last 30 degrees of a circle giving the inside rein forward and always, keep the outside hand down and stable."

"Keep your fingers closed on the rein" -- or Conrad may threaten to 'kill you!'

"When you ride a halt, always halt on the bit, keeping the connection to the horse’s mouth and--do nothing--." Conrad explains, "If you do not take the time to establish the basic obedience, down the track you will have a grand Prix horse with poor obedience and no correct halts."