Teaching the Basics of Dressage in a Why, What, How Format
(Listeners’ Choice)
By Popular Demand we have re-published this episode. Each weekend we are choosing the most listened to and commented on episodes for you to enjoy.
This interview was previously published in 2018 Liz Nijhuis (047)
About Liz
Liz grew up in the Netherlands, and started riding as a 6 year old at the local riding schools. At age 12 Liz got a Off the Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) which was so not the right horse as it did not have brakes, learnt to stick on that one. At age 13/14 we got 2 unbroken ponies donated to us which I proceed to break in and with whom I made lots of mistakes, and learned lots. At age 15 Liz got an unbroken Hackney x Gelderse (old fashion Dutch Wb). Everyone thought it was hilarious that I was going to make a riding horse out of it but at the time she was all we could afford. This mare ended up coming to the equestrian college with me.
The equestrian college at Deurne was a professional education where students were sent out to studs/riding school and or competition stables for up to 9 months a year and then we would spend the remainder of the year at the college where we studied everything equine. The school was great and sometimes tough experience and sadly it is now closed down.
The Hackney horse ended up training/competing up to FEI level and C grade showjumping which goes to show that even a limited horse can go far with correct training if it has a good temperament.
In 1992 Liz traveled to Australia for a year, then in 1993 she went to the UK where she did the International Level 3, which was a great experience. In 1994 Liz immigrated to Australia where she did her Australian qualifications.
Liz has been working in the industry as a breeder, breaker, trainer, competitor, coach and coach educator for 30 plus years.
During El I wrote a book about the basics of Dressage, which is a great book for anyone starting out or is riding in the lower levels of Dressage. It’s easy to follow with a why, what, how format and also covers common problems and solutions.
Liz has stopped breaking in which she still enjoys bringing on young horses or reeducating horses. Liz still works a full time Coach
– Instructor 2 Deurne NL. (Professional Equestrian College)
– International Level 3 from BHS UK
– EA Level 2 Dressage & Show Jumping Specialist, General Eventing
– Coach Educator
– Author (Dressage Outlined)
– Trained and competed up to FEI leve dressage, 1.30m Showjumping
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Liz’s Favourite Inspirational Quote
– Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself
Who Has Inspired Liz
– John Whitaker
– Anky Van Gruuseen
– Franke Sloothaak – top showjumping rider who also was very good dressage rider. He managed to make it look so easy on so many different horses.
Recommended Books
– Dressage Outlined: Preliminary Novice
To obtain a copy please contact Liz below
About This Episode
– Liz discusses her experience starting out in the Netherlands and how to control going forward and tempo.
Time Stamps
00:59 – Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself
01:50 – Liz’s first horse at 12 years old
05:40 – Liz’s equestrian college experiences
07:40 – How Liz decided a career with horses
08:25 – Liz’s advice to commence a career with horses
11:25 – The sacrifice, support
11:55 – People who influenced Liz
13:10 – Horses who have influenced Liz
13:57 – Liz’s proudest moments
14:58 – How to control the tempo
17:15 – Dressage Outlined: Preliminary Novice by Liz
19:08 – What Liz would like to do with the future
20:00 – Learn from your horse
20:48 – Contact: see details below
Liz’s Contact Details
Phone: 0419 739 793 or +61 419 739 793
Email: eurozwarmbloods@bigpond.com
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/liz.nijhuis
Music
BenSound.com
When Liz is a return guest on Horse Chats, what question would you like to ask her?
(Please leave comment below)