Has anyone been to any of his clinics or had lessons with him? I recently visited his site and was thinking of going later in the year. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

I had two lessons with him and sorry but I was not impressed with his way of teaching - in my case he was very forceful on the horse and didn't consider the horses level of training, i.e. must be on the bit even if it means horses head is drawn into its chest!. I thought that maybe he is a better trainer for riders and horses who are well trained and need fine tuning.
Hope this helps.

I'm one these people who like to go and watch before I go to a clinic. So I went and watched Clemens teach for a whole day. I was really unimpressed, the riders went out there and virtually did their own thing, and he just told them when something was good, and when something was not so good, and maybe mumble a few things along the way. He sat in the corner, with a thermos, and absolutely chained smoked.

Then I saw him some time later at the Nationals in Adelaide. He was coaching Matthew Dowsley on Gullit, and Judy was in the centre with him. I didn't stay for long, but whilst I was watching, I heard Judy say to Clemens, "Outside rein!" in a discreet way, and Clemens yells out "outside rein" to Matthew. So maybe, you're better off getting lessons off Judy.

But, having said all, he is our national coach, and is coaching our countries best, so I must be missing something!

Both of your comments are interesting as I mentioned him to my instructor, and she said exactly the same things. Thanks four your views, I prefer not to go into something blind.

Hi,

I attend regular Clemens Dierks clinics and I have to say that I find him brilliant! I know that he is not for everyone or every horse - especially those who don't take their riding all that seriously. But for me, I have a mentally hot warmblood mare and he has accommodated her temperament and we have progressed in leaps and bounds with him. I have a friend who had lessons and didn't enjoy them.... I think it is a personal thing and I think that the best thing that you can do is try him out for yourself. I personaaly think he is the best and I learn so much from him every time.

Good luck

Rhiannon