WEST Workshops Showing/Dressage is organising a series of six to eight ‘workshops’ for horse and rider starting on Sunday, September 24th, at Duffy’s Equestrian Centre and approximately monthly thereafter with further dates to be confirmed.

The brainchild of Judy Cazabon, qualified instructor and judge, who is concerned that riders keen on competition are disadvantaged in the West as they need practise in a show setting in order to help compete confidently next season.

Judy has produced winners and champions in the RDS, Clifden and Hickstead as well as qualifiers for HOYS and Olympia. She has taken riders and their horses to European Dressage championships level in ponies, juniors and young rides.

Physiotherapist Margaret Walsh, with many years of experience in bio-mechanics and hippotherapy will be partnering Judy with the aim of benefitting the welfare of the horse by improving the position of the rider. Good body alignment optimises the horse’s ability to carry the rider and thus perform better. Posture correction, also known as biomechanics, helps the rider achieve an improved and more effective seat.

Riders will participate in a mock ridden show class, ride a set show piece, including showing the pony in hand, and then receive feedback on their performance. They will further have the opportunity to ride a dressage test of their choice on which feedback and a marking sheet will be provided.

They can also participate in a working hunter session with Michael Harty or Mark Duffy, both riders and trainers of great experience with many wins to their names. Robbie Fallon and Joe Burke, both highly recognised in their fields of showing in-hand, will assess the in-hand and turn out of horse and riders. They will judge best turned out and the winner of this section at each training day will receive a rug sponsored by Cahill International Horse.

In addition, photographer Rynes Walker will be available to give advice on the correct stance of horse and rider for photographs, and Susan Elliot, Mc Timony Chiropractor, and Emmet Therapist for horses, will offer advice on gentle techniques to improve the performance and assist with the comfort of the horse.

Jeannette Haazen, Dutch Olympian and international dressage trainer is invited as a guest coach to assist the dressage riders who have attended the workshops. Date to be confirmed.

Numbers will be strictly limited so early booking is advisable. The workshops are open to all types of horses and ponies. For further details, call Judy on 083-3888135.