Dressage simulator

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L.G.S.

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I am considering to get a dressage simulator to teach on. It can do all lateral work, piaffe, passage, changes etc as well as being beneficial for basic position work.

I just wanted to ask peoples general opinions. Also if you would have regular lessons on a mechanical horse rather than a real schoolmaster to learn certain movements before practicing on a horse?

Thanks in advance for any answers!
 
I think its a good idea. Having had a schoolmaster lesson everything just comes so "fast" when your not used to it, so would be good to get used to the changes etc on a simulator first to give you some idea!
 
I think it is a fabulous idea - with the following reservation.

IMO you have to have a really good idea of human biomechanics to be a teacher who can teach useful things on a mechanical horse which can then be translated onto a 'real' horse. For example, I was crooked (after a broken leg) and had many frustrated 'well recognised' instructors screaming at me about my lower leg. After a lesson on a mechanical horse I realised that if I actually concentrated on my upper legs and getting my knees level with the right angles, the lower legs looked after themselves!

I don't know your business and am sure that you are already very aware of rider biomechanics, but most instructors Bread & Butter are the pupils who can't sit straight rather that ones that can't do piaffe.

(For information, Becky Chapman at Ashen was the lady who improved my position on her mechanical horse so I could move forward. I think her inspiration is RWYM and many others).

But it definately saves the poor horse a great deal and used properly can be a great tool, certainly a couple of lesson on a mechanical horse was better than a hundred on a real horse for understanding my balance and straightness and making sure I could help, not hinder, the horse.
 
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yes, i've had a session on the one at Ashen and if there was someone good local to me with one, i'd use it fairly regularly. it's great to have the telemetry, and for the instructor to be able to be hands-on as you ride along. i loved it.
 
Completely agree with canteron. Good idea in theory :) I would be interested as its a practical and safe method for learning more advanced movements.
 
I know a lot of people who have had a couple of lessons on a simulator but not sure that many, if any, have regular lessons on one.
I think much of it will depend on where you are based, how close you are to another mechanical horse, what facilities you/the horse will have (eg, mirrored studio? computer screen?) and how much you will need to charge to make a return.
 
Hi there
I have just seen your posting.
I am not sure where you are based?
We currently own a dressage simulator which we originally purchased with the view to learn and teach on this, unfortunately we have never got round to getting this up and running.

It hasn't been used much at all and we are looking for someone who maybe interested in looking to teach on this at our livery yard.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

Rebecca
 
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