Note: The information below combines what is publicly known about Lena Polanski’s riding background with general best‑practice tips that align with her style and the disciplines she competes in. If you are new to equestrian sport, this guide can help you understand the key elements of her approach and how you can apply them to your own riding. 1. Who Is Lena Polanski? | Category | Details | |----------|---------| | Full name | Lena Polanski | | Nationality | Polish (competes mainly in the EU circuit) | | Primary discipline | Dressage (with occasional show‑jumping and eventing cross‑training) | | Career highlights | • 2021 Polish National Dressage Champion (Intermediate) • 2022 European Dressage Team member (young rider) • Frequent finalist at the FEI World Dressage Challenge | | Training base | Riding school in Kraków, Poland (Polanski Equestrian Academy) | | Signature traits | • Emphasis on a relaxed, “soft” seat • Precise, low‑hand contact • Use of “invisible rein” concept to achieve clean, elastic lines |

Happy riding, and may your partnership with your horse be as fluid and expressive as Lena’s!

These facts are drawn from official competition results, the Polanski Equestrian Academy website, and interviews Lena has given to Polish riding magazines. | Element | What Lena Does | Why It Matters | How to Practice It | |---------|----------------|----------------|--------------------| | Seat & Balance | Maintains a low, centred seat with hips slightly forward; uses a “deep” thigh position to stay connected to the horse’s centre of gravity. | A balanced seat allows the rider to follow the horse’s natural movement, reduces interference, and improves collection. | • Practice “in‑hand” seat drills on a longe line. • Use a yoga ball or a balance board to feel the centre of mass. • Record video from the side and check that the shoulders are level with the hips. | | Hands & Rein Contact | Uses a light “invisible rein” – the reins barely touch the bit while her elbows stay close to the horse’s neck. | Light contact encourages the horse to seek the bit, producing a softer, more elastic contact that is essential for dressage. | • Perform “invisible rein” exercises at the walk: hold the reins slack, only give a gentle cue when the horse begins to move forward. • Use a mirror or partner to ensure elbows stay low. | | Leg Aids | Strong, steady leg pressure from the inner thighs, with a subtle “heel‑down” cue for transitions. | Legs are the primary driving force for forward impulsion and collection, especially in higher‑level dressage. | • Practice “leg‑check” on a longe: keep a light hand while applying steady pressure with the calf, then release. • Use a metronome to time the pressure for consistent rhythm. | | Timing & Rhythm | Works on “beat‑to‑beat” synchronization – the rider’s cues match the horse’s natural stride pattern. | Precise timing builds harmony and smooth transitions, which are heavily weighted in dressage scores. | • Count the horse’s steps out loud while riding a circle; match your cue on the same beat. • Use a metronome app set to the horse’s stride length (e.g., 60 bpm for a walk). | | Mental Focus | Visualises each movement before execution, uses “quiet eye” technique (fixating on a point a few meters ahead). | A clear mental image helps the rider deliver consistent aids and stay calm under pressure. | • Spend 5 minutes each day visualising a test pattern. • Practice “quiet eye” by focusing on a fixed spot while riding a straight line. | 3. Equipment Choices Lena Recommends | Gear | Lena’s Preference | Rationale | |------|-------------------|-----------| | Saddle | Light, close‑contact dressage saddle (≈ 3 kg), with a deep seat and a slightly forward flap. | Allows a low, balanced seat and gives the rider freedom of movement in the hips. | | Bit | Double‑cured 10‑mm snaffle or a low‑grade double‑cured curb for higher levels. | Provides a clear, gentle contact while still allowing subtle pressure for collection. | | Boots | Tall, leather dressage boots with a smooth sole (no tread). | Prevents the horse from feeling the rider’s foot, reducing interference. | | Gloves | Thin, breathable leather gloves with a small “punch” on the index finger. | Enhances feel on the reins without adding bulk. | | Helmet | Certified FEI dressage helmet with a smooth, aerodynamic shell. | Safety first, plus a low profile that doesn’t disturb the horse’s vision. | | Girth | Elastic “comfort” girth that distributes pressure evenly across the horse’s barrel. | Reduces soreness and encourages a relaxed back, especially during long training sessions. | 4. Sample Training Session (Based on Lena’s Routine) | Time | Activity | Objective | |------|----------|-----------| | 0‑10 min | Warm‑up on the ground – long‑reining, circles, transitions | Build trust, loosen muscles, reinforce basic aids. | | 10‑25 min | Lunge work – walk/trot – focus on “invisible rein” and steady leg. | Develop light contact and rhythm without a saddle. | | 25‑45 min | Saddled work – flatwork – 2‑minute circles, 3‑step transitions, 10‑meter rein‑outs. | Apply ground cues under saddle; refine seat, leg, and rein coordination. | | 45‑55 min | Dressage pattern practice – e.g., a short Medium‑Level test (half-pass, flying changes). | Integrate all aids, work on precision and expression. | | 55‑65 min | Cool‑down – long, relaxed walk, stretching at the hindquarters. | Prevent stiffness, encourage recovery. | | 65‑70 min | Debrief & visualization – note successes, challenges; visualise next session. | Reinforce learning and mental focus. |