Around the Ranch

A look at activities, events, and news at Nellie Gail Ranch and the people (and pets) that make up the community. Devoted to keep the community connected and bring it closer together.

Any suggestions for articles can be sent to nelliegailranchers@gmail.com.

We would love to share any community events, student or athletic achievements and recognize those serving our country. Please send in recommendations with photos.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Spanish Dressage Trainer Alfredo Hernandez Clinic

Alfredo Hernandez, the renowned Moorpark-based Spanish dressage trainer, will be hosting clinics this week at the Nellie Gail Equestrian Center dressage arena. The clinics will be held on Thursday, May 8th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM and on Friday, May 9th from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.


Alfredo trained in Jerez, Spain where he trained horses not only for dressage but also for bull fighting. Here in the USA he specializes in the piaffe and passage using original Spanish techniques.


The piaffe is a dressage movement with the horse moving in a highly collected and cadenced trot in place or nearly in place. The piaffe was originally used in battle to keep the horse focused, warm, and moving, ready to move forward into battle. In modern times the piaffe is mostly taught as an upper level movement in Classical dressage and as a Grand Prix level movement.

The passage is an upper-level dressage movement, in which the horse performs a highly-elevated and extremely powerful trot. The horse is very collected and moves with great impulsion.

Alfredo is the trainer for many Olympic and Grand Prix riders and has come to Nellie Gail to train FEI (International Equestrian Federation) dressage riders seeking to improve their skills for international competition. All are welcome to audit his clinic.

2 comments:

Overworked Mother said...

This is a beautiful web site. Perhaps whom ever is running it would volunteer to update our official site. That would be a blessing.

By the way, who is running this site? I don't see any bylines or signatures. Is it just anonymous? Regardless it is a beautiful site.

Nellie Gail Ranch Homeowner said...

Thank you for your kind words. I have spoken with some board members regarding the official Nellie Gail web site. They are working on updating the site but it is a process that will take time.

If you have any events, clubs, teams, children, pets, etc that you want to acknowledge or share, please let email ngranchers@gmail.com. (Please include photos.) Thanks.