Debbie McDonald coaches at Carefree Farms

November 8, 2022

Debbie McDonald & Michell Combs

By Michell Combs

 

Debbie McDonald gave a two-day dressage clinic at Carefree Farms, coordinated by Michell Combs, October 26 & 27.

Debbie, who likely needs no introduction to our community, is an American dressage icon who works with the U.S. Dressage teams. She literally just returned to the States from Denmark where she supported the U.S. riders for the World Equestrian Games. Debbie served as the USEF’s Dressage Development Coach for about four years before taking on the Chef d’Equipe role for three years. She coached and guided three of her athletes and their horses to the Olympics, including 2012 London participants Adrienne Lyle and Wizard and Rio 2016 team bronze medalists Laura Graves and Verdades and Kasey Perry-Glass and Gorklintgaards Dublet. As an athlete, Debbie has impressive achievements with Brentina. Their accolades included a 1999 Pan American Games team and individual gold medal, an Athens 2004 Olympic team bronze medal, a WEG 2002 team silver and 2006 team bronze medal. Debbie was the first American to win a FEI World Cup Dressage Final in 2003. Debbie is heading to Florida next.

 

Gems from day 1:

  • Wide hands causes shoulders to lean forward
  • When the horse pulls don’t take the legs off
  • You are in control of the tempo
  • Let him know you are not going to hold him
  • A little flexion can take the tension away
  • You get more expression when the back is soft
  • Between every half-halt is the thought of stretch
  • If you give him too much help he comes against the hand
  • Stretch up and use your seat
  • Make him wait then take him forward

 

And so much more!

 

Gems from day 2:

  • Don’t keep the neck so straight all the time
  • You be precise -no rushing
  • Pet him all over – make him feel good about himself
  • Don’t be in a hurry – get organized
  • Getting into the canter isn’t the problem – getting him light off the aids is what you address
  • Don’t fix the mouth – fix your legs
  • Inside rein to flex and bend – outside rein is tempo control
  • Not so straight – be supple
  • Hold the rein – don’t pull it
  • When the neck gets higher and longer that means your reins are too long
  • Don’t fight – position
  • If you position she’ll let go
  • Legs give him a hug so he won’t break
  • Don’t wiggle
  • There has to be motion with the arm
  • A flying change that is late in front is a connection issue whereas late behind is an aid issue
  • Close your knee and sit up – teach that to be the collection aid

 

And so much more!

 

Thanks to Devoucoux for sponsoring lunch on Wednesday and showing off their lovely saddles, Martin Pro Therapy Services, Joan & Mark Gasperak, and Karen Bjorn! Of course, nothing is possible without Laura Borghesani and all the work she and her team put in at the farm! Thanks to our horses, riders, owners and auditors. I’m so happy for us all to share the experience.