Several readers have asked about Lisa Wilcox's focus on turnout in her monthly column Clinic with Lisa. Here is her reply. It will also be in our October issue.

Lisa says:
"For those of you who read Clinic with Lisa each month, I understand if it seems repetitive when I mention things like: “wear white gloves,” “have polished boots” or “the horse should be neatly braided for shows.” First, repetition is an essential factor in our learning process. At times, one would be surprised how long it takes, regardless of the amount of repetition, for a concept to sink in. There isn’t a lesson with my own students in which I don’t repeat something—perhaps in several different ways—before they have an "aha” moment. Second, keep in mind that there are many people who pick up this magazine for the first time each month. Can you imagine how frustrating it would be if they were required to look into past issues to find what was previously explained? For those of you who do read my article every month, I thank you. I will continue to strive, all repetition aside, to give fresh, new insights for each photo I critique. Enjoy!"

Also, don't miss the October issue of Dressage Today because there is a report from Lisa's Michigan clinic, and she gives a how-to checklist (with explanation) for gaining a correct deep seat. I know you'll find it useful.

Patty

I'll be looking forward to the October issue

I'm sorry, but that seemed to be a slight non-answer. However, I don't know how the question or comment was directed to her.

What I would say to Lisa is that, yes repetition is important especially when a new reader or someone unfamiliar with that section first reads the clinics. However, two paragraphs for each rider for each edition is overkill, not repetition. I have seen a few crits that have focused on mainly rider/horse turnout. As a lower level rider I feel there are aspects of my riding and my horse's training far more important than turn out. Also, since it may be nice looking to wear white gloves, white britches, and a black jacket it is not required by USDF. So, equatation of the rider, carriage of the horse and the communication between the two are what I feel the focus of the clinics should be.

I agree with you. I'd much rather see a critique that focuses on the essentials of dressage, the partnership between horse and rider, and not the turnout. Repetition can actually lead to people tuning out to what is being taught. I used to read that section, but I don't anymore because of the endless comments about turnout.

I think that the timing of this post in the middle of ongoing replies to the "Does it cost too much to compete?" post could not be more perfect. It is the "turnout" that can cost so much, especially for your first show.

Repetition does aid in learning. Sadly, what I learned was that I could not or should not enter my first competition until I could afford to buy the proper "turnout."

I also would read Lisa's critiques in the past. Now, unless I see some obvious or wierd rider / horse issue that gets my attention, I only glance at the photos. I understand that repetition aids in learning, and there are new readers every issue; but as evidenced in the "Does it cost too much to compete?" post, if you do not have unlimited funds, and you want to compete, and you have to decide between the entry fees, registrations and your horse or buying new white gloves, a saddle pad, etc... reading Lisa's comments about the rider's "turnout" do not interest me unless it is very, very obvious that the rider was not even trying.

Perhaps if Lisa would add comments such as "if you have the money to purchase..." or "as you advance in your riding and training, you might want to consider buying...." If Lisa would even consider starting one of her critiques with a statment as simple as "if you have to choose between training and competition fees and registations fees and the care of your horse and yourself, spend your money there first; and when you are financially able, dress yourself like this..." To hear an expert say that they would rather see someone just doing there best to compete and that entering the sport of dressage is more important, especially in the beginning, than what the ridier is wearing would be a blessing and possibly open up the doors for those who do not have money for white pants, gloves, saddle pads etc... to go out and compete.

Comment on the horse by all means. Money does not prevent someone from brushing the tail or braiding the main or cleaning the green grass spot off the horse's butt. Please take into consideration that the rider was quite possibly wearing the very best of what they could afford; and just perhaps, the dark spot on the pristine white saddle pad really will not come out, there is noone to borrow from, and it was either pay the entry fee for the show or buy a new pad.

Great comments!

You made me think of something else. I know that a lot of people do compete, but a lot of people do not, including myself. It would be nice if the critique focused on the actual riding rather than turnout because then it would apply to all dressage riders, not just those who choose to compete and/or who can afford to compete.

Nicely said Bearcreek. My first few shows will have to be schooling shows and I can guarantee that Ms. Wilcox would have comments about what I will be wearing. Guess I won't send her my pic.

Lisa says later on in the Oct. issue:

"Even in a working environment, I am still a stickler for clean, shiny tack and boots. Every day, your work and appearance represents how seriously you feel about your riding. Looking polished shows we take pride in ourselves and our horses."

Even though Lisa may be a tough critic of a rider's turnout, don't let that deter you from sending her your photo. I think she is right. How you prepare yourself and your horse, whether at a show or at home, reflects how seriously you take what you are doing. That doesn't mean you have to buy expensive items. There are many used tack shops around where you can find great and little-used coats, hats, breeches, boots and saddles and bridles.

Judge and author Charles deKunffy laments the loss of the formality of the old riding schools (exemplified today at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna). He says this formality reflected reverence for the horse and his training. This is something we shouldn't lose in our casual world of today. The rules of the riding school, such as asking permission from riders already in the arena before entering, making sure doors are shut, no casual talking, passing other riders and much more, these are all things that help bring order and organization to our training, which makes it better. Think about it.

Happy training,
Patty

I have to add my 2 cents worth: I have been told by instructors, past and present, that a lower level rider should ideally wear black gloves especially if they don't have "quiet hands". White gloves would enhance that "fault" and the judge would be distracted from the other aspects of the rider's test.
If this is a given rule, I don't know, but I always have shown in black gloves.

I agree to a point. But if you are someone who works for a living at something else, has a family to take care of, etc. when I get to ride the last thing on my mind is polishing my boots before I go to the barn. They get polished from time to time but I would rather spend my time grooming my horse and making sure he is happy and well cared for. I don't have the kind of time a person has whose full-time job is riding.

I agree with both views, to a point...Turn out, especially for a lesson, clinic, or show, absolutely exemplifies whether or not you are there to work hard and present yourself properly. If you take the time to do the small things, such as shine your boots one more time, wash your saddlepad/polos, clean your tack, polish your horses hooves, etc...regardless of what level you are currently riding, that first impression lets the trainer/judge know that you took the time to prepare, and you are there to work and get down to business. It is also a sign of respect...you are there to gain as much knowledge/training/critique as possible and it shows the trainer/judge that you respect him/her for their wisdom and advice and that you are there to learn from them.  As for costs and showing....it does not cost anything extra to shine the boots and tack that you already own, and if you are competing routinely, you should own a white saddle pad and white breeches that you reserve solely for showing...that way they stay clean and last for quite some time. Black and white gloves are both acceptable, however, black is ideally worn at the lower levels and white as you progress up the levels. There is an abundance of low cost apparel, and IMHO, if you don't have an extra $40-$80 to spend initially on show turnout, maybe there are more important things than showing. You take the time to get ready in the morning for work, yes? You wear matching outfits, fix your hair, etc...so that you present yourself well to your co-workers and appear ready to work as opposed to sloppy and unprepared....it is the same with riding, please remember to give you and your horse that same respect.

The comparison of "dressing for work" to "dressing for riding" was perfect. If you can find the time and money to dress yourself properly for work, you can't say that you don't have the time or money to dress properly for a clinic, lesson, or show. Haltat_x said it well: your riding should be enough of a part of your life to treat it as a priority, one that you respect, one of which you can be proud. If you can't meet the standards of decent turnout, I suspect your training and riding is just as sloppy. At any rate, that's the message you are sending. As riders, we're better than that.

I know this is an old post, but I also stopped reading LIsa Wilcox's section.  While I agree that turnout is very important, it is not the most important part of dressage, and should not be more than a small section of each critique.  I felt like I was reading the same thing about the way riders were dressed in every critique. 

Take a look at George Morris's jumping clinic in Practical Horseman.  Yes, he comments on turnout, but it is always the last thing he comments on.  Unless the turnout is dramatically terrible (like the horse is muddy or unhealthily thin), he doesn't spend more than a small paragraph talking about it, and he almost always talks about it LAST.  I find his critiques to be much more helpful than Lisa's.  There is so much to the art of riding dressage that she doesn't even touch upon in her critiques.

I'm glad to see this older thread resurface. Thanks. I thought Lisa was great. I think many riders do not understand the importance of a careful, correct turn out. It's part  of training yourself. This disciplined thinking works in other areas of your riding, especially your attitude about your training. Think about it.