She’s coming to NH in February and wondering if a Dressage newbie would be out of place in one of her clinics. Pros & Cons.
I rode in one of her clinics WAY WAY back in the 70’s! She was TOUGH on us, I was a kid who didn’t have a huge dressage background riding a green horse. She absolutely destroyed me when she said my little mare couldn’t be a dressage horse. Little did she know that, not only did I take her thru training level eventing BUT she was pony club 2nd level national champion many years later! But I really cannot comment, as since I was a teenager at the time, that is my only impression of her!
I rode in a clinic with her about 7 years ago - right after I first got my mare. Thought she was fabulous. Wish I had made an effort to take lessons with her, but was a newbie to dressage and my trainer was not supportive (I now realize why but that’s a different issue).
Yes, she was tough. And also encouraging, supportive and incredibly helpful - in ways my trainer then never was. She also liked my horse (my trainer then did not - which was quite clear to me even then).
Ride with her - as with any clinician, you may or may not like her, but I’m sure you will get something out of the lesson. Of course, I advocate riding with any clinician of decent repute to see how one may benefit from his/her style - or at least audit them.
Good luck.
OM
I used her program for interval training for my whole eventing career.
Shawnee - sometimes someone needs to be told “your mare will never be a dressage horse”, just to make a rotten teenager stubborn enough to prove her wrong? I’m glad your mare did well…to pre-judge a horse is something nobody can do with accuracy. 
For my own kids, they worked better with encouragement and being built-up, not put down.
Anyone else?
Don’t know anything about her as a clinician but I very much like her book Common Sense Dressage so,given the opportunity, I would at least audit.
Cannot comment on her as a clinician, but when we went to Rolex last year, she was doing commentary on dressage portion of the test and she was amazing
She was witty, explained things in a very clear manner and pinpointed mistakes, she also was unbiased and supportive.
My favorite phrase “any horse could jump, but lets now see how they do dressage” 
I’ve never taken a lesson with her, but we did board at the same barn for a few years. She has a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humor. I really like her as a judge, as well. I would say go ahead and do the clinic.
I audited an eventing clinic with her several years ago and found it very worthwhile. She is a wealth of knowledge and can explain things really well.
Still on the fence. Anyone else? Thanks to all who have responded!
Yes, yes!
I love Sally! I was her working student for a couple of years, so maybe my view leans in her favor, but believe me, she was harder on me than any other student I saw her teach. She pushes you through physically and mentally, she knows when to hold back and when to shove. She has a systematic, logical approach to dressage building blocks (see her book).
Her approach helps you help yourself since most of us do have to work on our own frequently and I thank her daily for the lessons I learned with her.
I loved being with her at shows when we had time to sit and watch. She helped me develop my eye for solid correct work.
She can be fierce AND funny. She is good for all levels.
My advice as with all clinicians, just keep your mouth shut and learn/ride!
