Carola, it was a pleasure meeting you the other day. Finally I am back on line and have visited your web site.
I have given up competing and judging years ago. I was sick of politics and incompetence.
The standard of dressage in Australia is guarded by a narrow minded, confused bunch of people who think they know it all. Your Robert Meyer had great insight when he said we are a "mutual admiration society". There are only few humble individuals who seek advise from those who have the knowledge and wisdom to teach dressage as it should be and I have great respect for what you are trying to do.
Let me assure you, you will find little support of those who should be grateful for your initiative. Unless you are a well known competitor yourself or mingle with the "right" people they won't forgive you for interfering with their self-righteous attitude. Sad but true. It happened to me and others who tried to give something to the sport.
Good luck with your next trainer. I would like to book a few private lessons with her. Please let me know when Mrs. Garner is available and how much you are charging.
Thanks, Gayle
Dear Gayle,
the competence of Judges and Trainers has been discussed to death in other forums and we all know that there is certain disappointment in the "system".
Politics, well - this is something I would not like to be dragged in to, because I haven't got the energy for it AND it would spoil what I have set out to do with IEES: To bring qualified and inspirational trainers to Australia who come here to share their knowledge (and teaching methods) with our riders and instructors so they may pick up something benificial and pass it on: A fresh approach to teaching and training, a method, professionalism, the basics of classical training and how it's done by trainers overseas. IEES is meant to be an additional source to the rider and trainer education that is already in place. I don't mean to take anything away from the local industry, I wanted to enrich it so riders and trainers can use what they learn (or get reminded of) in their own training and teaching.
Prerequisite is of course to be "humble" enough, as you say, to admit to oneself that there still might be something that can be improved. And usually there is. Those who think they know it all, don't want to learn and they won't be worth the effort or time that goes into all this. I am not here to convince them or critizise them, I admire them for their confidence and smile.
Claudia will charge us US$50 per session. According to the exchange rate, it will be around AUS$90 per private lesson plus GST (unchain my heart - but you can leave your hat on - if you can afford one.....ooops) and travel expenses. So, if you prefer to share a lesson with Leanne or someone else, it will still be the same price but you can split the costs.
Claudia will arrive next Friday and she will be the guest instructor for the Westernport Dressage Club on the 24th. If you have time, drop in and say hello (Aaron Park EC). I'll bring the diary and we can book you in then. Otherwise call me on 56-782 286
Kind regards,
Carola
I wrote a few weeks back about a lesson with Claudia. I'm still interested, but was wondering if there is anyone who would like to share a lesson. I'm riding at Novice level. And I'm willing to travel to Aaron Park if that's the easiest spot.
I'm not sure if this already sent so I'll try again. I seem to be having problems with the internet today. It's saying it can't recognise my messages....
As I was saying..
A few weeks ago I enquired about Claudia and lessons. I just read the one from Gayle and thought that you might know if others were interested in a shared lesson with Claudia at Aaron Park. I ride at Novice level (and aiming to go higher). If you know of anyone that would be interested, keep me in mind.
Hi, Miriam
Gayle is already organized but I am sure someone else would be interested to share (?!?). ( Miriam, if YOU have someone in mind who might be interested and could ride with you (friend/neighbour)let me know, I will send him/her more information about Claudia!) -
Otherwise: Please people, contact me if you are interested to share or book private lessons, let me know asap! Claudia is almost here - and 6 weeks will go quickly, once people get to know her!.....
Either e-mail, phone me (56-782 286) or post message here. We'll organize something!
Evening lessons can be arranged also.