Back to Riding Basics at Sunnyfield Farm [VIDEO]

Whether you've never sat atop a horse or have been riding all your life, balanced riding is key, says Heather Ward, a champion equestrian and owner of HW Dressage at Sunnyfield Farm.

"The basics are everything," she said, while watching Chris Von Martels, an international dressage rider practice at her facility at Sunnyfield Farm.

"Here we really advocate a centered riding approach—we check the rider's position, the horse's movement, the energy between the horse and rider. The balance of a rider and seat is very important for both dressage and jumping."

For a look at HW Dressage at Sunnyfield Farm, click on the video posted with this story.

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When asked what was different about her program, Ward, said it offers instruction in both disciplines at a location that's a beautiful Bedford landmark. The farm has 42 horses and offers boarding, a double-sized outdoor ring and it borders the Bedford Riding Lanes Association trails. 

Ward teaches children through adults at levels ranging from beginner to more advance competitive levels. And this weekend, she's offering a clinic with Henk Van Bergen, a legendery dressage trainer who coached Dutch, Japanese and British teams.

The clinic registration is full but it is open to the public for auditing, according to Ward. "We are honored to have him and it’s nice for people to learn from him, and shows that someone of his caliber supports our training methods," she said.

For information on the clinic, call 234-6302.