The Anky Van Grunsven Masterclass began at 9.30 am and by 9.00 the crowd began to swell and give rise to the idea that we were all about to witness something very special.  I believe that the crowd eventually numbered well over 3,000 and this interest is a wonderful thing for the sport.

When Anky entered the arena she was introduced and said how much she was enjoying being back in Australia.  She also warned that she had a bit of a throat problem and may find it difficult to talk.   Anky hesitated and asked, "How long am I here?" ... 3 hours, she answers herself,  "Oh, that will not be a problem, 3 hours, I love talking!"

The thing about Anky that seemed to impress everyone is her friendly down to earth manner and genuine caring for the horse.   She never blamed the horse and always looked for a better way to communicate.

The 'thrust' of her Masterclass was ... legs without hands ... hands without legs ... do not use aids if you do not need to, as this waste's energy and confuses the horse.

While I am sure that many of the people attending this session would have heard it before, the message was very compelling coming from Anky.

As has been the case with so many of the indoor photos at Equitana, the light was perfectly adequate for the spectators, but for moving pictures not so good.  I felt that it was unfair to be taking a lot of pictures with a flash, so these images are to help you to share the Anky experience and are not intended for a photo competition!

This is Judy Peel from Tasmania (State branches of the EFA were asked to nonimate riders for the Anky Masterclass - and Judy was delighted to be the Tas. rep)

Judy is riding Sunbury Lodge Playwrite by the imported Donnerhall son, Donnerheist (dec.).

Here Anky helps Judy to get the feel of the horse giving.   Anky felt that Playwrite did not go forward enough to begin with!   "Perhaps he is tired" Anky questioned Judy.

Anky set her hands evenly and asked the lovely young chestnut to give - hands no legs she reminded.

When the horse gave to the rein she gave the hand and strongly drove him forward.  It was an immediate and enthusiastic response that Anky was looking for, and she felt that Judy must work on this facet of the basic trainiing.

I spoke to Judy later and she said that she was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anky, and that she and her horse had benefitted enormously.

Anky felt that Pazzaz was quite well 'off the leg' and responsive to the hand, this is the work she would like to see from a horse of his age.

(4-5 years old)

Legs without hands ...

This was Anky's message.

Anky Van Grunsven Masterclass - Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4
Equitana Dressage Masters CDI-W - Grand Prix - Page 1  | Page 2
Kür - Freestyle to Music - Page 1  |  Page 2   |  Page 3
Return to the Equitana Index