McCrae Farm Classical Dressage
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McCrae Farm Classical Dressage
Home
Lessons in Lightness
Around the Farm
Dominique Barbier
Equestrian Tours
The Lusitano Horse
Contact
More
  • Home
  • Lessons in Lightness
  • Around the Farm
  • Dominique Barbier
  • Equestrian Tours
  • The Lusitano Horse
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Lessons in Lightness
  • Around the Farm
  • Dominique Barbier
  • Equestrian Tours
  • The Lusitano Horse
  • Contact

From Classical Dressage to Working Equitation

    Schedule a Lesson or sign up for a group clinic here

    Join us in July!

    What:

    Ground Work Clinic with Jill McCrae

    When:

    When: July 20, 2025

    Clinic Starts at: 9:30 am

    Where: McCrae Farm Classical Dressage

    Cost: Participant; $150

    Cost: Audit: $60

    Reserve your place today

    Spot is reserved by sending a Check to McCrae Farm

    Space is Limited

    Lusnh will be provided

    What would you like to try....

    Classical French Dressage

    Work In Hand & Long-Reining

    Work In Hand & Long-Reining

     What is French Classical Dressage?

    Classical Dressage in the French style is characterized by lightness. The horse is in self-carriage and has self-impulsion. The reins have a light contact or even a slight loop. The rider sits with a deep and supple seat, legs hanging long and quiet. The whole picture is of quiet elegance. 

    Work In Hand & Long-Reining

    Work In Hand & Long-Reining

    Work In Hand & Long-Reining

     Discover the Art of Groundwork and 

    Long Reining! 

    This skill will help you build a strong foundation for a harmonious connection with your horse. Miles put on in this practice teaches light hands and is a wonderful form of exercise for both you and your horse!

    Working Equitation

    Work In Hand & Long-Reining

    Working Equitation

     Working Equitation is an equestrian sport that tests the versatility and skills of horse and rider combinations, drawing inspiration from traditional working riding methods of southern Europe and combining elements of dressage, obstacle navigation, and cattle work.  

    Liberty

    Side-Saddle

    Side-Saddle

     Liberty training with horses involves working with a horse without any physical restraints like halters or reins, focusing on building a strong connection and trust through body language and positive reinforcement.  

    Side-Saddle

    Side-Saddle

    Side-Saddle

     Riding side saddle is an equestrian tradition where the rider sits sideways on the horse, with both legs on the same side, rather than astride, and is often associated with women riding in skirts for modesty and elegance.  

    Quadrille

    Side-Saddle

    Quadrille

     In horse riding, a quadrille is a choreographed dressage routine, often performed to music, where a team of four or more riders and their horses execute intricate movements together, resembling an equestrian ballet or drill team.  

    Fun Classes

    Calssical Dressage Theory Lectures

    Fun Classes

    Pedestal training to Scavengar Hunts on Horseback, Long-Reining Quadrilles and classes over poles are just a few of the "Fun Classes" we have here at McCrae Farm! You never know what Jill will think up next!

    Garrocha

    Calssical Dressage Theory Lectures

    Fun Classes

     The garrocha is a long pole used in Spanish and Portuguese riding, particularly in Doma Vaquera (a style of Spanish riding used for working cattle and handling bulls), to help move and influence cattle, similar to how a lariat is used in North American ranch riding.  

    Calssical Dressage Theory Lectures

    Calssical Dressage Theory Lectures

    Calssical Dressage Theory Lectures

     If you're interested in classical dressage theory, consider Jill's lectures focusing on the principles of classical horsemanship, by attending in-person clinics or workshops.  

    Please Reach Out to Schedule a Lesson or to Tour the Farm

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    Better yet, see us in person!

    We love our customers, so feel free to schedule a visit by appointment.

    McCrae Farm Classical Dressage

    32159 N Bacon Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

    847-546-5164

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    McCrae Farm Classical Dressage

    32159 N Bacon Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

    847-546-5164

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