This site is dedicate to the improvement of Dressage in our country. At all levels.
I would like to create a list of local trainers and instructors YOU can recommend because they have helped you to become better riders and "horsepeople", and have helped YOU to understand the method of training your horse according to the principles of classical Dressage.
Please send your recommendation to me directly with a brief explanation why you can recommend this instructor and how I can get in touch with them to ask them if they want to be featured (to no cost to them or anybody!!!!!) on the I.E.E.S. site.
This will be - I repeat!- a free service.
I don't care if the people you can recommend are accredited instructors or "just" people who CAN TEACH because they have the knowledge, skill and compassion. (Don't forget I have to ask them if they want to be listed in public! If you are not sure, ask them first if they allow you to recommend them to I.E.E.S.!!!This is very important!
Do NOT post your recommendation in this forum! Please contact me direct via e-mail (simply click my name).
Thank you for your help.
What's the matter? Aren't there ANY instructors out there who you think have the skill to teach?
I had ONE response so far - not really enough to start a list!
By the way: Interesting thread at Cyberhorse re. NCAS courses and the system. Well, IEES would be delighted to help, if they give us the chance!
Nothing political here! Just Dressage.
I have found Matthew Dowsley invaluable as an instructor but it is very difficult to get into a clinic with him as they are always full!!! The other instructor is Anna Auer who has a wealth of knowledge and certainly is up there with a lot of the international trainers that come out from Europe.
I was thinking it would be a good idea to have a young dressage horse clinic with a very well known instructor at least a few months before dressage with the stars. This would be excellent if it was ongoing eg. once a fortnight, once a month as a lot of us with youngsters would like to get them used to going out and in an environment with other horses.
Even perhaps Heath Ryan who has done so well at the young horse championships. Maybe even Rozzie. We have a lot of talent in Australia and we should use it. These talented people are up with what is going OS. I look forward to hearing from you and if you decide to do a young dressage horse class count me in and I will endevour to drum up more business for you. Just another thought ... Julia Battams gets a gentleman named Bjana (sounds like Banana). He is also extremely good.
Thanks, Bettina,
my view of the world is almost restored, thanks to you.
It is important that trainers/instructors are able to teach their pupils the skill and understanding of correct training method. A system, in other words (and theory is part of it!). How to train a horse progessively so its muscular system develops correctly to enable him to execute progressively more difficult movements.
There must be thorough understanding of the training scale, biomechanics, communication and people skills.
The trainer must also look after the rider's physical ability and advise on a fitness program for him/her. Our sport requires athletism of both members of the team!
He/she must teach about the mental aspects, attitude and general horsemanship.
All the things that enable a rider to independently work on continued development of his/her and the horse's ability.
In other words, a RECIPE to train a horse form green to advanced.
Once the ingrediences and the progressions are clear, he/she needs to "guard" the basics, must not allow any short-cuts or "quick fixes".
A "clinician" on the other hand (the person who is NOT the regular, weekly instructor or coach) is there to give a summary of this systematic training approach. He/she points the way to riders and gives teachers new focus.
That is why OS instructors are not a threat to local instructors, but an enrichment to their teaching qualities (and therefore their business).
No-one should ever stop learning.
The "threat" to local instructors, is the "other" local instructor with a softer voice, a better arena, or more ribbons on the wall, or simply someone who finally "recognizes your talent" and tells you what you want to hear.
As what local clinicians/instructors are concerned (like those you recommend (is "Banana" a local? grin?), I am thrilled they have all the above mentioned qualities and I shall gladly put their names on the IEES list (if they allow me to, that is).
However, because they are "locals" they won't need IEES to organize their clinics, as they could do it more cost effectively themselves or directly with local clubs.
See, this is what I have failed to explain: Overseas clinicians, who merely come to visit and give their input, find it hard to bring their knowledge here, because they wouldn't know where to start. Usually they are too busy in their home country and haven't got time to effectively organize their own clinics.
I do it for them, so they can do what they do best. Teach.
It is like someone in South Africa (or where ever)would ask Heath Ryan to come over and do a clinic there. Heath would hopp on the plain, teach and come back home. The guys in South Africa (*or where ever), have something to work with that helps improve their standard of training: Instructors there have picked up ideas, riders have better understanding. A win/win situation. Heath was in Africa (or where ever)and met new people, made friends, saw a different country, and earned a little (note, I said "little") money. (He probably could have made more, if he would have stayed home!)But his input was appreciated and he is a compassionate educator, who gladly shares his knowledge with the riders and teachers in South Africa (or where ever...)
(*Heath, I hope you didn't mind)
Anyway, I hope anyone gets the idea now, of what I am trying to do with IEES?
That's all.
I,m not so sure that local instructors can do it cheaper themselves. If somebody will organize the clinics I'm sure a percentage of what is earnt can go to IEES. Does this also mean you won't be getting people from interstate? They also need someone down here to organize the clinics.
Now as for Bjana (or whatever his name is??) I believe he is from Denmark (I maybe wrong there also).
I would be only too happy to organize clinics with interstate practicioners as well! The financial risk to IEES would be considerably smaller.
If people would send me "a wish-list" of who they would like to train with, I would do my utmost to get these trainers to come here.
A "wish-list" would at least give me some sort of security, that I can fill the clinic(s) - and if the registrations can not meet the costs, it would be less detrimental to cancel a visit, as airline bookings are cheaper within the country in comparison to international flights. (Once an overseas clinician has "locked us in" in their schedule - usually 6 months to a year in advance (!), we have a "binding contract" - as they have reserved their time to come here, turning away local appointments). What I am saying is: THEY don't need us, but I can see two or three reasons, why they would be good for us (the discussion on cyberhorse confirmed that, I believe.)
If we want to be competitive with the rest of the world, we need to recognize why our flying changes often look like ping-pong. Yes, we do flying changes, but why are they so seldom straight? Staightness belongs to the basics.... so does "on the bit", quiet legs, deep seat etc. etc.
(I am not saying that OS everything is perfect, oh no. But they have a GREATER choice of quality education, and why not bring the best teachers THEY have, over here for a visit, so we can take advantage of what they can give us?)
(Sorry, I'm getting carried away again...)
Also, re "interstate" clinicians: Neither the trainer nor IEES would have to prepare for a lengthy stay, as the travel distance and all associated problems are almost not worth mentioning. The falling Aussie Dollar would be of no concern. (Overseas clinicians want to be paid in their home currency. - (which reminds me to make another prayer, as Claudia Garner comes from the USA.....sniff).
So, interstate clinicians might like IEES's help, yes.
Local clinicians/instructors however have Victoria at their door-step and it would be more lucrative to them to simply place an advertisement in the paper or use this or the cyberhorse board (or word of mouth) to announce their clinic.
If they are too busy, to do it themselves or want to leave the burocracy up to IEES, we are happy to act as their agents.
We will see.
I'm here, if anybody is interested in this kind of service.
I love the idea of a clinic for young horses leading up to DWTS. Great idea, and it should include some of the really scary things, like applause, and walking past judges stands. I would definitely be in that. Coming from the country though, it would be better for me to take a week off, and come for a few days, I would not be able to go over several weekends.
Interesting idea!
Do I understand this correctly: You are interested in attending a clinic where your horse would be desensitised for the occassion of a performance at a big event, like DWTS (where there is a clapping audience, judges boxes, flowers, lots of people and horses?
Question is where and how would you be able to "simulate" (or rehears) such an event and what would be the benefit?
I think the only way to get a young horse used to competition atmosphere, is going to competitions with him and also introducing him/her to different venues, where he has to work in a different environment and with other horses.
Carola, over the next couple of months leading up to DWTS, I'll be constructing a judging box and scary things at home to let lumpy get used to seeing strange objects. Not sure what to do about the applause yet, but will be working on that too. I actually want her to experience these things at home, knowing what a sensitive and nervous horse she is, so that she is not having to cope with that TOO in a competition environment. And, I'm hoping that in the couple of weeks leading up to DWTS, I'll be going somewhere for some intensive training with her, just to make sure she's going to be OK. I don't want her going to a comp, and finding that on top of all those scary horses to shy at (she's horse shy!) the atmosphere of a show, that she also has to cope with applause and scary judges stands. The more I can do at home in training, the better she'll be. So, the short answer to your earlier question is yes, I would definitely be interested in a clinic that helps prepare for that type of environment. Because, the reality is, that even if it's not DWTS, the very first time she'll compete indoors will be at some rather large event, and I don't want her freaking out because it's all too scary. I always feel so bad for Emmie Schmul, and her grey horse who goes balistic indoors when the audiance applauses. I want to try to avoid that. Even the great Reiner Klimke used to have pretend shows at home to help his young horses get used to it before going out.
Now, having said all that, I have just watched Rudolf Zeilinger video - basic training in the first year. He follows the German system, and I like his video because he deals realistically with young, and sensitive horses. Any chance of getting him out? He seems soft and gentle in his training, and yet follows a "recipe". His horses look soft and supple, and he has had experience with "difficult" horses. It would be great also for IEES, because he also has a "name" and may actually help to boost your business, and have people sit up and take notice.
Yes, I can understand that you (and surely many others) would like to make it as easy and un-traumatic for their youngsters as possible when it's time to go out into the world.
To recreate "the real thing" however, would be almost impossible. (As "a clinic")
I think you are doing pretty well and more than most!
I believe Dr.Reiner Klimke participated with his young prospects in "in-house" competitions (unofficial events)organized by the local riding schools for example). That there was an audience automatically is no surprise, as Dr. Klimke had an audience where ever he sat on a horse.
As to Emmi Schmul's horse HP Roanoake: One can question if some horses will ever get used to applause, if they just can't cope with it. He should be used to it by now if this would be the case! (But she -Emmi- does a good job when it comes to presentation time, doesn't she. She has a good sense of humor!)
As to Rudolf Zielinger - I'll see what I can do.
(I believe he has been in Australia before - does anybody know?)
Oh Carola, are you serious about inviting Rudolf Zielinger here? That would be so exiting, and I am sure will create a lot of publicity and interest in IEES, as well as being a huge benefit to our riders, and will probably attract some of the "high profile" riders too.
I think Emmie does a wonderful job with HP Roanoake, and you are right, some horses will never get used to it. I find it hard to imagine that lumpy ever would, you know she pannicked the first time she heard me sneeze, and just to make it worse, I had to follow it up with blowing my nose!! Talk about blowing up! (LOL)
Anyway, I understand that in no way can I completely de-sensitise her to the competitive environment, but every little thing that I can eliminate will help. I just want her to be as prepared as possible, because I can't expect her to perform well if she is tense, nervous and scared. Good luck with Rudolf, can you keep me informed?
Annette, have you tried getting a group of friends together with other halves and taping the lot of you sitting there clapping and whooping? This is a great way to desensitize horses to applause. Then put it on a carry around tape machine and do a little work and then come to a halt and get your other half or friend to push play at full control. She will probably try to bolt etc, but just keep a soothing voice and relaxed. After a few times it will definitely be easier. Be prepared the first time for her to explode somewhat, but just keep bringing her to a halt.
Good idea, Kelley! (Guess we know now what Annette will be doing at her next family gathering or BBQ! Lumpy will get used to applause - but don't dare to sneeze anybody! (grin)
But seriously, Annette: I mailed to Claudia and she will think of something! Hope you and "Lumpy" (guess this name will be her nick-name for ever now) will both come to the Glenny-clinic (15.7.) Brochures are in the mail!
We'll have to change it to Lumpless now! Shahron's trick of vinegar + water actually worked. And that money I spent on vets, special washes etc. Oh, well, that's horses.
Annette I tried to email you but it didn't work. I think a young dressage horse clinic would be terrific as it is not too often that you get a chance to ride with other horses in the class. The idea of Rudolf Zeilinger coming out to Oz would be awesome.
I'ver seen his tapes too and he is good.
I was reading the message about trainers could the trainer you could not remember be Bjarne Elefsen? if it is he moved to England 5 months ago and is at my yard at the moment.Bjarne has an international trainers license. He teaches in England most of the time but goes to Denmark and Sweden for clinics. I can recommend him ,he has been training my horses for many years, he will never teach a horse if it is not strong enough or if the ground work has not been done. I dont know if this helps you.
Marigold Smith teaches dressage based on the Alexander Technique. I absolutely highly recommend her, and I thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with her. She is the only instructor I have ever experienced that actually understands exactly what it is she is doing and can break it down for you and communicate exactly what she wants you to do. Not like those dreadful instructors that tell you to do a half pass but can't explain how to do it, how to use your seat, and the relationship between your seat, balance, aids and what specific effect this is having on the horses movement. She will never blame the horse. She will always identify what it is you are doing to effect the horses movement positively..or negatievly. And she does this in a very warm, helpful manner. She knows how to teach. I took lessons from her weekly for 2 1/2 years until I had to move away from the Yarra Valley. I had no idea what the Alexander Technique was or about its application to riding until I started lessons with her. It really is addictive and an excellent if not critical basis for advanced dressage or simply pleasure riding.
My number is 03 9898 8912.
Marigolds website - I just discovered tonight:-
STUDIO EVOLVING
Riding and Horsemanship utilizing the Alexander Technique
Develop a clearer understanding of the integral relationship for the horse and rider
between: POSTURE - MOVEMENT – RESPONSE
Introductory workshops and individual lessons incorporating mounted work, unmounted work and ground work to suit individual needs. We conduct the horse riding course for trainee and graduate Alexander Teachers as part of the School for F.M. Alexander Studies, Melbourne Victoria.
20 Wallace Parade, Healesville, Vic. 3777
Ph. (03) 5962 1057 Fax (03) 59623217
Website: <http://www.studioevolving.com.au/>;
