By Anna Speer, Instructor/Trainer
Mid-South Dressage Academy
Wim Foekema returned to Mid-South Dressage Academy (MDA) in Hernando, MS on May 21-22 for a dressage clinic. He first began teaching clinics at Mid-South Dressage Academy in 2010. Brought in by his friend and MDA family member Marsha Klimetz, these clinics became great successes. Four clinics later, Wim has developed a following in Hernando, with riders lining up months in advance to reserve their places.
A recurring theme in his most recent clinic was the importance of stepping the horse forward to meet the bit and build the frame. In a sport where it is very easy to slip into the habit of riding the horse “front to back,” i.e., pulling the horse into frame, it is very beneficial to work with instructors who focus on generating hind-end thrust to generate “thoroughness” and strength. By using an effective leg aid to ask the hocks and stifle to engage and quicken with each stride, the rider gets the horse to lift its back and gain muscle tone. This creates a stronger equine athlete, whose joints, tendons and ligaments are less stressed.
Clinic participants and auditors alike appreciate Wim's ability to challenge each horse and rider pair while maintaining a playful, diplomatic attitude. Corrections are made promptly but kindly. Exercises, drills and aids are explained fully and questions are encouraged. Riders are taught to keep it simple, stick to a plan, ride elegantly and effectively and work hard. Wim's teaching philosophy is: keep it simple, common sense and hard work!
Wim started riding at age 9 in Holland. He followed an all around education at the ORUN in Ermelo, The Netherlands, where he received the Commandanten Diploma, Assistant-Instructors Diploma and Instructors Course with one of the highest scores for his teaching abilities. He was also an "R" judge in Holland. Wim is currently located at Pas de Duex Farm in Burnsville, MN, and Pas de Deux South in Ocala, FL. He has competed at the FEI level successfully for the last 5 years with Oelizan at Prix St. George and Ovatio at Intermediare I & II.
Wim will be returning to Mid-South Dressage Academy in late July (specific dates to be announced at www.midsouthdressageacademy.org). If you are interested in riding with or auditing this positive, effective clinician, please contact Anna Speer at anna@midsouthdressageacademy.org
The photographs need to be credited to Mary Cour Burrows, and the captions are as follows:
Photo 1: Wim Foekema working with Elizabeth Clifton on Frequent Flyer Miles
Photo 2: Wim Foekema working with Jess Smith on Stonewall
Mid-South Dressage Academy
Wim Foekema returned to Mid-South Dressage Academy (MDA) in Hernando, MS on May 21-22 for a dressage clinic. He first began teaching clinics at Mid-South Dressage Academy in 2010. Brought in by his friend and MDA family member Marsha Klimetz, these clinics became great successes. Four clinics later, Wim has developed a following in Hernando, with riders lining up months in advance to reserve their places.
A recurring theme in his most recent clinic was the importance of stepping the horse forward to meet the bit and build the frame. In a sport where it is very easy to slip into the habit of riding the horse “front to back,” i.e., pulling the horse into frame, it is very beneficial to work with instructors who focus on generating hind-end thrust to generate “thoroughness” and strength. By using an effective leg aid to ask the hocks and stifle to engage and quicken with each stride, the rider gets the horse to lift its back and gain muscle tone. This creates a stronger equine athlete, whose joints, tendons and ligaments are less stressed.
Clinic participants and auditors alike appreciate Wim's ability to challenge each horse and rider pair while maintaining a playful, diplomatic attitude. Corrections are made promptly but kindly. Exercises, drills and aids are explained fully and questions are encouraged. Riders are taught to keep it simple, stick to a plan, ride elegantly and effectively and work hard. Wim's teaching philosophy is: keep it simple, common sense and hard work!
Wim started riding at age 9 in Holland. He followed an all around education at the ORUN in Ermelo, The Netherlands, where he received the Commandanten Diploma, Assistant-Instructors Diploma and Instructors Course with one of the highest scores for his teaching abilities. He was also an "R" judge in Holland. Wim is currently located at Pas de Duex Farm in Burnsville, MN, and Pas de Deux South in Ocala, FL. He has competed at the FEI level successfully for the last 5 years with Oelizan at Prix St. George and Ovatio at Intermediare I & II.
Wim will be returning to Mid-South Dressage Academy in late July (specific dates to be announced at www.midsouthdressageacademy.org). If you are interested in riding with or auditing this positive, effective clinician, please contact Anna Speer at anna@midsouthdressageacademy.org
The photographs need to be credited to Mary Cour Burrows, and the captions are as follows:
Photo 1: Wim Foekema working with Elizabeth Clifton on Frequent Flyer Miles
Photo 2: Wim Foekema working with Jess Smith on Stonewall
