I watched as dressage and show jumping riders tried out those two modes. With the basics underway, you’re ready for some real fun! Once Barbro gives you the heads-up on what to look for, she teaches you how to ask Dante for the walk, trot, canter and halt. The first step on the horse simulator is to sit at a halt to discover any balance problems in your seat. The first step on the simulator is to sit at the halt while looking at the balance point on screen to see if your body tilts left, right, forward or back without you realizing it. Barbro’s students learn where they may be off balance or hang on one rein. Many riders with fear issues feel more comfortable working on the simulator before getting back on a real horse. It is astounding how Dante Maximus moves and jumps exactly like a real horse, while also giving instant feedback as to your use of seat, legs, reins and timing.”īarbro teaches 45-minute lessons on the simulator to help riders from beginner level to Grand Prix.

This invaluable tool saves horses from injuries, frustration and dangerous behaviors.

“Such training imprints and ingrains proper techniques, which are then transmitted to your real horse. “Dante only does what you ask, and can endlessly practice movements or jumps without tiring out a real horse,” she continues. Dressage trainer Barbro Ask-Upmark instructs a rider aboard Dante Maximus, a horse simulator that mimics the movements of dressage, show jumping and cross-country.

Racewood horse simulator