Clinics
Dressage Clinics are a great way to learn not only as a rider but also watching other riders in their lessons. As a spectator, you can still learn and improve your riding just by witnessing what other riders are experiencing.
Below are some common questions I get about clinics.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN A DRESSAGE CLINIC?
I love helping people and horses to connect and form a better partnership. I believe that the majority of all difficulties are related to the rider; whether that is due to a lack of balance, timing of the aids, fear or negative emotions, or the lack of ability to correctly read the horse. However, there is a small amount usually related to discomfort in the horse, physical issues that create resistance, poor saddle fit, and/or previous negative training. At the beginning of every lesson, I ask the rider questions related to their riding experience. I also evaluate the way the horse is moving and the “vibe” I am getting from both horse and rider as a team. It is my goal to help the rider understand how their position, balance, and aids are affecting the horse. At the end of the lesson, I always make time to answer questions, and I make sure that the session ends positively for both horse and rider.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO HOST OR PARTICIPATE IN A CLINIC?
To host a clinic I ask that there be 9 riders. Each rider’s lesson is scheduled in 45-minute sessions.
A typical clinic day is 8:00 am through 5:00 pm with a one hour break for lunch. I am flexible with the start times and work directly with the clinic host to set up the best option for everyone.
I am willing to travel anywhere in the world to teach, but the travel expenses will be included in the clinic price. I also try to coordinate with other facilities to combine travel expenses.
WHAT SKILL LEVEL IS REQUIRED OF THE HORSE AND RIDER TO PARTICIPATE?
I encourage anyone to participate! Whether you are just starting out in Dressage at Introductory level or working towards Grand Prix, I am happy to help you improve. It is important to start out with the correct basics. I feel that I can help lower-level riders greatly improve their riding. That being said, I also train experienced riders striving for loftier goals like Grand Prix. I also enjoy working with all breeds of horses. Every horse is a unique puzzle and EVERY horse can be improved with correct Dressage work, no matter what breed.
HOW MUCH DO CLINICS COST?
Each clinic is different and will be based on the number of riders and any travel expenses. Basically, they are customized to each clinic. For current rates and more information please contact Lou.
