Debbie McDonald Shares Her Expertise During Symposium

Connection was not only the focus of Olympian Debbie McDonald’s dressage symposium at the Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center on September 18 and 19, but it was also exemplified in the way she related to horses, riders, and the 200 (?) auditors seated at ringside as she shared her training methods through the course of the weekend.

Eight horses and riders were carefully selected to for the symposium so that they represented a variety of breeds and skill levels.  The idea of connection between horse and rider, as exemplified by McDonald’s teaching, is universal and can be applied to all levels of dressage from Training through the Grand Prix.  Horse breeds thus included a Friesian, a Quarter Horse, a draft cross, a 21 year old Thoroughbred, and several warmbloods; their riders included several junior and young riders and adult amateurs as well as a handful of professional trainers.  No matter which combination she worked with, however, McDonald emphasized that the same basic connective principles and training exercises applied.  By the end of Sunday’s session, each horse and rider combination had made clear progress under McDonald’s watchful eye.

Based out of River Grove Farm in Hailey, Idaho, McDonald is best known for her long and successful partnership with the Hanoverian mare Brentina, aboard whom she earned a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games, along with team bronze at the 2004 Olympic Games and 2006 World Equestrian Games.  At the 2006 World Equestrian Games, the also pair finished with an individual silver medal; they also hold the distinction of finishing third at the 2005 FEI World Cup in Las Vegas with their famous “Brick House” freestyle, a performance that brought the home crowd to their feet.  Brentina was officially retired at the 2009 FEI World Cup, at which time McDonald announced her own retirement from competition.

Clara Etzel '12 had the opportunity to ride with McDonald on her Quarter Horse gelding, More Coffee Please.

Auditors not only had the opportunity to witness McDonald’s instructions to the riders, but they also had several chances to ask questions during the symposium and at a special reception held Saturday evening at Albion College’s Bellmont Manor.  No question was treated as trivial as McDonald very thoroughly answered each one in turn, using personal experience and even a touch of humor to keep her lessons light as well as educational.

McDonald's  question and answer sessions were lively.

“It’s always special to have such close access to the teachings of someone who has had such a broad experience as Debbie has had,” observed Held Center director George Halkett.  “To have that access with a person as friendly and approachable as she is makes it even better.”

The Saturday evening reception at Bellmont Manor gave riders and auditors a chance for photos with McDonald, as well as getting their copies of her book signed.

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Sporthorse Saddlery of New Hudson, MI (owned by Albion alumna Nancy Bredeson '79) was onsite for the weekend
and donated monogrammed saddle pads for riders.
McDonald took one home as well.