Irish Grand Prix rider Anne Marie Dunphy is heading the Irish Youth Training Scheme which aims at introduce young people to dressage. The program has certainly achieved this with a number of the participants being introduced to the sport
in a professional way for the first time. The scheme currently has 11 participants ranging in age from 9 – 18 years.
"The young people on the scheme have many different motivations for their involvement, some want to improve their flatwork for their main Showjumping or Eventing activities, for some they want to get into the sport of dressage and for others the aim is to take part in the European Junior Riders Championships," said Dressage Ireland's press agent. "All the participants are united in their desire to improve their riding and assist their horse/pony to reach the height of their ability."
The scheme offers both practical and theory sessions. All the participants enjoy individual lessons with International Dressage Rider and Trainer Ann Marie Dunphy and they also do group theory sessions. The theory sessions cover topics such as the Scales of Training, Warming Up Routines, The Use of Correct Tack, Confirmation and Feeding, etc.
Each participant also gets assistance in putting together a training plan for the year. At the most recent session the group had a session with a Sports Psychologist and at the next session they will have a talk and practical session on core training.
Places on the scheme are limited, however if any young person is interested in taking part they can apply to be accessed to join the scheme by contacting Monica Dunne, Secretary of the South East Region on 086 841 0929.
Photo courtesy A.M. Dunphy
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