Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
HomeDressageTitle: Mastering Emergency Stops: Essential Techniques for Safer Riding In episode 10 of...

Title: Mastering Emergency Stops: Essential Techniques for Safer Riding


In episode 10 of the Better Riding Series, professional motorbike coach Mark McVeigh discusses emergency stop and braking techniques with Michael. Surprisingly, only 20% of riders execute effective emergency stops, even with ABS technology. Mark emphasizes the importance of using the front brake first, pulling the clutch immediately, and maintaining a two-finger grip on the brake lever. He also highlights body position, weight distribution, and the need to practice in various conditions. Mark shares data indicating that riders should apply brake pressure progressively to avoid triggering ABS and achieve shorter stopping distances.

This Better Riding series is brought to you in association with Honda Motorcycles UK and MotorbikeCoach.com, offering self-help videos and written content packed with tips and exercises for motorcycle riders of all levels.

How Many Riders Can Perform a Good Emergency Stop?

An emergency stop is a controlled maximum effort stop to avoid a sudden obstacle. At Mark’s school, only about 20% of riders perform effective emergency stops, despite knowing the drill. Many riders are hesitant with the front brake, fearing a lock-up, which can lead to dangerous situations. Mark recounts instances of riders falling or experiencing front-end skids, emphasizing the need for practice.

Balance and Grip Can Affect Braking

Understanding weight distribution is crucial. Weight bias changes with rider input, affecting grip. Mark explains that when braking, weight shifts to the front, increasing grip. Proper application of brakes is essential to avoid overloading the tire.

Which Brake Should I Use?

The front brake is the most effective for slowing down a motorcycle. While the rear brake contributes less, it’s still important to use it during emergency braking. Mark advises covering the front brake lever with two fingers for quick access.

Should I Pull the Clutch Lever When Doing an Emergency Stop?

Mark teaches riders to pull the clutch in immediately during an emergency stop to avoid driving against the front brake, which can extend stopping distances.

Is My Aftermarket Front Brake Lever Good Enough for an Emergency Stop?

Proper lever setup is vital for effective braking. Riders should ensure their levers are positioned for comfortable reach and adequate leverage.

Does Body Position Affect Braking?

Body position plays a significant role in braking efficiency. Mark advises riders to hold the tank with their legs and keep their heads up for better balance and control.

Can the Tyre Lock Even with ABS?

While ABS prevents tire lock-up, riders must still squeeze the lever effectively. Mark emphasizes the importance of practicing quick and smooth brake application.

How Can I Improve My Reaction Time?

Riders should be aware that perception and reaction times contribute to total stopping distance. Practicing emergency stops from a comfortable speed can help improve reaction times and overall braking effectiveness.

Teacher vs Student: The Data

Mark’s Digital Academy uses GPS-driven data to measure emergency braking performance. The data shows a significant difference in braking application between experienced riders and students, highlighting the need for practice.

By focusing on becoming better riders through practice and understanding, motorcyclists can enhance their skills and safety on the road.

In episode 10 of the Better Riding Series, professional motorbike coach Mark McVeigh discusses emergency stop techniques, revealing that only 20% of riders execute effective emergency stops, even with ABS technology. He emphasizes the importance of using the front brake first, pulling the clutch immediately, and maintaining a two-finger grip on the brake lever. Mark also highlights the need for proper body position and weight distribution, noting that riders should practice in various conditions to improve their skills.

Mark explains that effective braking relies on progressively applying brake pressure to avoid triggering ABS and achieving shorter stopping distances. He stresses that many riders struggle with front brake use due to fear of locking the tire, which can lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, he advises riders to practice emergency stops regularly to build muscle memory and confidence, likening it to a skydiver checking their parachute before jumping.

The episode also covers the significance of body position during braking, as well as the mechanics of weight transfer on the bike. Mark encourages riders to practice different speeds and conditions to enhance their emergency braking skills. He concludes by urging motorcyclists to view their riding as a skill to be continually improved, rather than assuming proficiency without practice.

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Title: Equestrian Excitement: Upcoming Highlights at Hof Kasselmann

The countdown is on: Over the next two weeks, the extensive show grounds at Hof Kasselmann will host three more equestrian highlights. Spectators are welcome to watch all events free of charge and experience top equestrian sport up close.

Covalliero Dressage Days: 5 – 8 June 2025
For the Covalliero Dressage Days from 5 to 8 June, the show jumping stadium will be transformed into a dressage arena and offer four days of dressage sport at the very highest level.

Competitors from countries including Germany, Australia, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, India, China, and Qatar have announced their participation in the international tests up to three-star level. The USA in particular will be represented with a strong line-up, including World Cup finalist Kevin Kohmann and Olympic participants Kasey Perry-Glass and Marcus Orlob.

After the CDI in Hagen a.T.W., it will be decided who will represent the ‘Stars and Stripes’ in the prestigious Nations’ Cup at the CHIO Aachen. The multi-faceted sport programme will be complemented by a tour for U25 dressage riders as well as FEI competitions for five, six, and seven-year-old dressage horses.

CPEDI Hagen: 5 – 8 June 2025
The Covalliero Dressage Days are the second show that the Kasselmann family has organised specifically for para-riders. Last year, athletes from 24 nations used the CPEDI3* as a qualifier for the Paralympic Summer Games.

One of the most prominent contenders is the current number one in the world rankings, Fiona Howard (USA), who won three gold medals with Hof Kasselmann’s Diamond Dunes at her Paralympic debut in Paris. She will be up against team-mate Kate Shoemaker (USA), the highly successful Austrian Para rider Pepo Puch, Paralympic, World Championship and European Championship gold medallist Sophie Wells from Great Britain, and eight-time Paralympic medallist and current number three in the world rankings, Rixt van der Horst from the Netherlands.

The German para-dressage hopefuls include the German champions and the Paris 2024 Olympians; Heidemarie Dresing, Melanie Wienand, Steffen Zeibig, Anna-Lena Niehues, and Isabell Nowak are using the Hagen show as perfect preparation for the upcoming national championships in Balve. The para competitions are held in Grade I to V at two and three-star level. The passion, camaraderie, and horsemanship of the para-athletes is inspiring and infectious, and definitely a highlight for spectators of all generations.

Future Champions: Stars of Tomorrow: 11 – 15 June 2025
Anyone who cheered on the top riders at ‘Horses & Dreams meets the Netherlands’ in April will know that many of them started their careers at Germany’s only youth Nations Cup show at Hof Kasselmann.

With eight Nations Cups in two disciplines and four age groups (Children, Pony, Juniors, and Young Riders), the event from 11 to 15 June 2025 is an absolute highlight of the year for young riders from over 25 nations. For Germany and many other nations, the Future Champions are an official qualifier for the European Youth Championships in the disciplines of dressage and show jumping. Anyone who can impress in Hagen a.T.W. has a good chance of securing a place in the team.

The Kasselmann family is particularly excited this year: Emma and Lilly Kasselmann are also nominated with their horses in show jumping and dressage.

Hybrid Auction
The fourth Hof Kasselmann & Schockemöhle Hybrid Auction of jumping and dressage horses will be held on Saturday, 14 June as part of Future Champions at Hof Kasselmann.

In the past, this auction has produced numerous high-calibre sport horses for the international stage, and prospective buyers can look forward to this year’s selected collection.

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