Demo Day ~ Irwin Insights Netherlands ~ Castricum, Netherlands

A special 1 day demo event with Chris Irwin and Master Certified Trainer, Tessa Veldt.

Chris and Tessa will demonstrate how Irwin Insights redefines the distinction between training and schooling horses. The theme for the day is SCHOOLING FOR THE HAPPY ATHLETE.

The FEI states that the purpose of dressage is to “strengthen and supple the horse while maintaining a calm and attentive demeanor”. KNHS says dressage is the “basis for riding that develops the horse into a supple, happy athlete, that is relaxed, loose, and comfortably focused. Dressage is harmony between a horse and rider that fully understand each other”.

Ideally, dressage would be the foundation for all horse sports. But horses don’t lie and the truth is that at the highest levels of competition we see too many stressed horses with angry ears and tails expressing they are definitely not “happy athletes”.

Recently, the FEI reached out to Chris Irwin for advice due to his “tremendous experience and reputation as a horseman”. With so many “happy horses” winning with his insights, the FEI has placed Irwin on a short list with equestrian Masters such as Christoph Hess, Andreas Hausberger, Dr. Paul McGreevy, and George Morris.

Irwin is leading the evolution of dressage as he reminds us; “Everything we do with a horse is essentially dressage. From grooming and putting on a bridle, to groundwork and riding, all the classical principles of dressage apply to every single moment we are with our horses. Dressage is more than just collected gymnastics under saddle – it is the ultimate Self-Discipline of how to think, behave and respond with the body, mind and spirit of the horse in everything at all times.”

With his evolved understanding of the bio-mechanics and psychology of both people and horses, Irwin transforms the most challenging horses from distracted to focused, frightened to confident, anxious to calm, or angry to affectionate. Irwin Insights help stiff and hard horses become soft and supple, beautifully balanced, and swinging with relaxation. Good horses become better, better horses become great, and great horses become magnificent.

Bettine van Harselaar, the Editor of Dressuur, the top sport horse magazine in the Netherlands, in a review of her lesson with Chris Irwin, said that “throughout the lesson her horse continually become more supple and lighter to ride.”

With rave reviews from the media, sold out clinics, and feature demonstrations at expos, Chris Irwin is focused on coaching in the Netherlands because he agrees with the KNHS that “the Dutch have horse sense in their DNA.” Irwin believes that as the Dutch lead the evolution of horse sports with “happy horses”, the rest of the world will follow.

For more information about this special demo day please contact Tessa Veldt.