What does pinching grapes have to do with dressage? Let me explain. My coach Belinda Trussell wants me to half halt without using my hands. She told me to pinch a grape between my shoulder blades. That pinching of a little grape, a small movement but a powerful one, can produce a signal that is strong enough to bring Biasini back to me and bring up his shoulders. At the same time I must give with my hands. When I give it is saying to Biasini: “Carry your own head and neck” and immediately make sure his neck is soft and supple. Often he will want to tighten in his neck. That is when I must ask him for more activity in his hind end. I have to tap or push with my lower leg. If I do that he comes up and his neck softens. I like the phrase.”pinch that grape” It remimds me to sit up, keep checking every second. For those of you who are interested here is a video.
Pinch that grape!
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Comments
10 responses to “Pinch that grape!”
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My trainer and yours are on the same page! No hands, tiny movements of the body, annoy that belly, bamboozle the horse into finding the contact!
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Yup! Thanks Alli
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Hard work.
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Yes it is. I appreciate your comment Rupali.
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The hard part, doing it all at the same time. 🐴🐎🐎🐴
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No kidding!
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Poor Biasini. Nobody wants to be heckled least of all a nice horse like Biasini! This must be hard for you to do.
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Hi Anne,
I can’t view the video, it says it’s private. I thought I’d let you know! Your lesson sounded really good and with some fresh ideas coming from their lessons with Debbie. That’s so cool! ❤️🐴❤️-
Hmm m…I had set it for a scheduled time to go public but I guess I made an error somewhere. Thanks for letting me know. It is public now if you want to look at it.
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Yes, I can view it now. The indoor arena is beautiful and you and Biasini look so good! He’s such a handsome boy!
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