Symposium – October 13-14 & Open Lesson Day – October 15
Mane Gait Equestrian Center, Natural Bridge, VA
“Understanding the theory of riding is an essential basic so you can choose the right methods during practice. A rider will need to continue to search for the best methods throughout their whole riding career because of the dimension and complexity of this subject. Therefore, we will never reach the point where we can say: Now I know everything.’”
Dr Gerd Heuschmann, DVM
Symposium: This event will have morning lectures and afternoon demonstration riders. You are encouraged to attend both days as different material will be covered, and there will be different horse/rider combinations each day. (Access the registration form below). Symposium attendance MUST BE preregistered – no exceptions.
Open Lesson Day: Attend as a rider (limited spaces available) or an auditor. Riders are welcome in Dressage or Western tack. (Access the registration form below).
Auditing is welcome for the Open Lesson Day. No advance registration required for auditors for the Open Lesson Day. *This is separate from the Symposium attendance.
About the Event: Symposium
Patrick King and Mane Gait Equestrian Center are excited to welcome Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, DVM, for his symposium on equine biomechanics. Format will include lectures, demonstration riders and discussions.
This Symposium will provide you with a very unique and special opportunity to enhance your understanding of how basic training principles and equine conformation can be combined to enhance your horse’s performance and soundness.
The lectures will include slide/video presentations, interactive discussions, as well as horse and rider demonstrations.
By gaining a better understanding of your horse’s biomechanics, you can learn how to implement this knowledge into your daily riding routine to keep your horse sound and relaxed in his work – and progressing in a way that honors his mind and body throughout his life. This course will incorporate information that will apply to all disciplines–dressage, eventing, jumping, western disciplines, and driving. Course information will be presented in a manner which will be educational for riders of all levels, novice to advanced.
Participants in past clinics and symposiums have reported nearly instantaneous beneficial changes in their horses and riding. His explanations are clear and precise, and his expertise is amazing.
Who should attend?
Riders, trainers, grooms, farriers, saddle fitters, body workers, and veterinary professionals who want to learn more about the role of biomechanics and correct riding in:
- Overall horse health and soundness
- Reducing mental and physical stress in horse and rider
- Improved outcomes for horses with chronic lameness and soundness issues
This symposium is appropriate for all disciplines and levels of riding proficiency.
Registration will open at 8am, with the Symposium days running from 9am until approximately 5pm each day. PARTICIPANTS MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE SYMPOSIUM IN ORDER TO ATTEND. Participants in the Symposium are also welcome to audit the lesson day on Sunday at no extra charge.
Book Signing/Meet & Greet:
Saturday, October 14 – 6:00pm – Bring your books for Dr Heuschmann to sign! Some will also be available for purchase at the Symposium during the morning registration times each day. Drinks and light snacks will be provided during this meet & greet/book signing evening.
REGISTER TO ATTEND THE SYMPOSIUM
About the Event: Open Lesson Day
Riders of all levels and disciplines are welcome to participate in these private lessons with Dr Heuschmann. There will be 8 lessons offered. Apply to ride by submitting the application below.
AUDITORS are welcome to attend the Open Lesson Day at $40/person (no preregistration required for auditors on Sunday). Riders from Training Level to Grand Prix will make the auditing experience truly worthwhile!
REGISTER TO AUDIT THE LESSON DAY
For local hotels, visit this link.
For questions, please contact Patrick at office@pkhorsemanship.com
About Dr Gerd Heuschmann, DVM
Dr. Gerd Heuschmann trained as a Bereiter (master rider) in Germany before qualifying for veterinary study at Munich University. There he specialized in equine orthopedics for 2 years before accepting a post as the head of the breeding department at the German Equestrian Federation (FN) , which he eventually left to start his own practice in Warendorf.
He has been an active member of the “hyperflexion” (previously referred to as “Rollkur”) debate, weighing in at the 2005 USDF National Symposium and the 2006 FEI Veterinary and Dressage Committees’ Workshop.
His concepts have been featured in many magazines, including Dressage Today and Horse & Hound. Along with Klaus Balkenhol and other prominent figures in the dressage community, Dr. Heuschmann is a founding member of Xenophon, an organization dedicated to “fighting hard against serious mistakes in equestrian sport”.
He is the author of numerous books, including Tug of War, Balancing Act, Collection or Contortion, and the DVD “if Horse’s Could Speak.”