USDF Trainers' Conference 2025: The beauty of the basics in dressage
Monica Theodorescu and Christine Traurig on the training scale, suppleness and time
Contents
This year's USDF Trainers' Conference focused on one central principle: true harmony in dressage is achieved through the consistent application of classical principles. Under the guidance of renowned trainers Christine Traurig and Monica Theodorescu, riders received valuable insights into the importance of the training scale and the correct gymnastic training of their horses.
"True dressage knows no shortcuts," stressed Theodorescu . "Any deviation from the basics comes at the expense of the horse's well-being and the harmony of the partnership."
Another key topic was the careful handling of young horses. Breeding development means that young horses already have a lot to offer. Theodorescu stressed that this must be recognized in order not to demand too much from young horses too early. These talents should be given time to develop physically and mentally in order to be successful in the long term.
Working on suppleness was also a focus of the training. Christine Traurig emphasized that the hindquarters can only be activated effectively through targeted gymnastics. The shoulders and hind legs can only be influenced specifically when the horse is relaxed.
At the end of the conference, one thing was clear: If you want to be successful in the long term, you have to work patiently and consistently on the basics.