If you watched Animal Planet’s World Cup Finals broadcast you probably noticed that the dressage coverage amounted to a paltry few minutes and not a single ride was shown in its entirety. In response to complaints from the dressage community, Animal Planet has posted videos of the complete rides on their website. Check out Isabel Werth’s winning ride on Warum Nicht (aka “Hannes”), Catherine Haddad’s showy “Gladiator” freestyle on Maximus, and crowd favorites Courtney King and Idocus whose lovely ride earned them a standing ovation and a sixth place showing overall.

Via Swedish Warmblood Fence Talk

Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg, internationally reknowned dressage trainer and former First Chief Rider at the Spanish Riding School, has opened the Kottas eQuestrian Online Training Academy. The Kottas Academy was “specifically developed to offer a truly interactive experience to all riders worldwide and at any level of expertise.”

For riders who don’t have the budget for regular dressage instruction, or live in areas where a regular trainer isn’t available, the Kottas Academy may be a helpful resource. Herr Kottas says “My academy now ensures that although I may not be working with you directly I am able to help and assist far more riders worldwide than previously I ever thought possible.”

The Academy is open for registration and students are already gathering in the online Forums. A review of the class schedule reveals that none of the courses have actually started as of yet, but they should get underway before the end of February. The first round of admissions will be limited to 250 students. Cost for an annual Gold Membership is GBP£60.00 (roughly US$120.00); a Platinum Membership is GBP£100.00 (about US$200.00).

Stay tuned for a review of the Academy experience once classes are underway.

Am I the only one who hasn’t seen these? From YouTube (via Equine Teleseminar)

One to make you laugh:

And one to take your breath away: