Jill has developed a series of workshops explaining the “SYNERGISTIC BIOMECHANICS” of dressage: Why and how specific parts of the rider’s body affect specific parts of the horse’s, resulting in a performance that is more beautiful than the sum of its parts (i.e. a horse and a rider).

The workshops are an ideal educational activity for local and regional USDF dressage associations.

Inspiration for the workshops come from the belief that A) Riders at all levels need to be taught why the ideal seat is, in fact, ideal and, B) the majority of participants in our sports do not have unlimited amounts of time and money to spend on their riding, but are nonetheless dedicated to the sport and crave knowledge and a deeper understanding.

The workshops present an extremely valuable body of knowledge in a unique and clear visual presentation helpful to riders of all levels. Participants can integrate the information presented into their riding at home, at their own speed.

In no way are the workshops a substitute for training with a professional at home; rather they are a means to maximizing the returns on training, as time and finances permit. Best of all, they are a lot of fun!

All workshops are approximately 3-4 hours long and divided into two phases: lecture and demonstration, followed by an interactive mounted session. A maximum of ten riders will be accepted for each workshop. However, the workshops are designed to be equally valuable to mounted and non-mounted participants, and there is no limit on the number of non-riding participants.

Workshops can be combined with a half-day clinic. (It is strongly recommended that they be taken in sequence).

WORKSHOP I:
AN OVERVIEW OF SYNERGISTIC BIOMECHANICS, OR ALL ABOUT SEAT AND POSITION (Appropriate for riders of all levels)

The first workshop, “An Overview of Synergistic Biomechanics, or All About Seat, Position and Performance,” has been created to train the participant’s mind and eye so that they may become more knowledgeable riders, spectators and consumers. It is designed to be equally beneficial whether participants choose to ride or not.

Phase One of the workshop is a lecture and demonstration explaining: why the ideal-looking seat is ideal, the relationship between seat and connection, and the relationship between seat and collection. In Phase II participants can either ride or remain seated. We will use the principles and concepts presented earlier to analyze the rider’s position and then make changes to enhance overall performance. Both phases will be highly interactive.

WORKSHOP II:
ALL ABOUT THE HALF HALT, CONNECTION AND COLLECTION
(Appropriate for riders competent at First Level and above.)
The second workshop explores the synergistic biomechanics of the half halt. What is a half halt, why is it so important, how does it relate to connection and collection, how can it be ridden?

WORKSHOP III:
SYNERGISTIC BIOMECHANICS IN THE SHOW RING, ALL ABOUT PERFORMANCE ART

CLINICS
Jill conducts 2-3 day clinics throughout the country and prefers to develop a consistent long-term relationship with these students. She is exceptionally conscientious about maximizing students’ returns on their lessons by emphasizing not only the execution of classical dressage, but also the understanding of it. She is highly skilled at making a profound difference in horse and rider in a single weekend. Her goal is always to enhance the work of local instructors, and to eliminate rather than create confusion about different riding techniques and styles.