Bernie Traurig Clinics

[cswoodlandfairy]

So I am super excited. In two weeks I’ll be headed to Southern Pines to do a two day clinic with Bernie Traurig! This will be my second clinic in my lifetime. First one being Joe Fargis which I loved doing but was slightly disappointed (not his fault) that we were stuck in a gymnastic grid and while I signed up for the 3’3 we were stuck lower due to other horses/riders capabilities, but I figure this is norm as the clinician cannot control who thinks and knows what their horses can do. But I had fun and still learned some things.

So I am curious to know who has gone to one? What to expect? Anything to work on and familiarize my horse before we head down there?

Also any other COTHers going???

Horse:
I am bringing my OTTB Jumper. War Horse. Currently schooling 1.10m-1.15m at home, showing between 1.0m-1.10m. I have signed up for the 3’6 section of the clinic.

Video from last show:
https://youtu.be/yu6d6LSMXi8

[ParadoxFarm]

I haven’t been to one, but I would like to go to one. Maybe you can do a report when you’re done. I did watch him doing a mini-clinic at the RRP this year, and I enjoyed watching that quite a bit! Good luck.

[Twisting]

I have been to a couple of his clinics and loved them. I think what I liked best is that he was as willing to work with out of shape me just as enthusiastically as he worked with the kids.

Hawaii has a very small horse community, but we get a lot of big name trainers out here for clinics. Something about the whole “Hey, want to come have a working vacation on a tropical island paradise?” convinces them it is worth their time. Bernie is one of our regulars, and definitely my favorite. I can’t wait until he comes out again.

[BAC]

I audited his clinic a couple of years ago and really enjoyed him. He is a traditionalist, turnout should be conservative. He went around putting his fingers in the horses’ mouths checking for type of bit, he will ask you why you are using that particular bit and frequently changes them in the middle of the class. He has a tendency to keep referring to his Equestrian Coach business and encouraging people to sign up for it, but he seems so genuinely passionate about it and about teaching in general that I didn’t mind. He has so much to offer, I hope you enjoy it.

If you do a search you will find a number of other threads about Bernie’s clinics.

[Dressagelvr]

He’s a master. Soak it up.

[Mac123]

I rode with him last April, and it’s hands-down my favorite clinic I’ve ever done (and I’ve done tons, including GM, Greg Best, Jeff Cook, etc).

He loves Thoroughbreds, so you’ll get some bonus points there! He’s traditional and goes over your tack, wants to see you paying attention and doing what he asks exactly when he asks, and wants to see you try. But he is KIND. So KIND. Tough when he needs to be, but always kind.

There were two riders at this clinic who were seriously out of place. One was a rough and ready (think unclipped, wooly, crazy attire, and not at all qualified for the 3’6 division they signed up for) and one was incredibly overfaced with her horse, who she was quite severe with.

He never lost his patience with them and gave them just as much attention as everyone else. It was the best display of teaching I’ve ever witnessed.

I learned a lot, he really picked up on several bad habits of mine and rode my butt about them. But I did get the “most improved” comment! I know some others felt like he glossed over them because they executed things well, but I learned just as much watching him instruct others as in what he said to me specifically.

I did sign up for his Equestrian Coach site, and while I haven’t used it as much as I should, there’s a ton of information on there. If you sign up at the clinic, it’s 1/2 price I think.

[lintesia]

There are several threads about Bernie Traurig clinics – check them out and you’ll get a lot of good tips!

I’ve ridden in several of his clinics (and some were better than others) and in all of them, he had the riders wear a head-set. However, it’s not always clear who he’s talking to, so be prepared for that and stay alert!

[egrubbs]

Soooo excited for this with the OP!!! I think we will have a blast given the location and the clinician!!! I’m sure I will have trouble with my add…I might need an ear piece to keep me focused!!! Haha!!!

[FAW]

[QUOTE=egrubbs;9025529]
Soooo excited for this with the OP!!! I think we will have a blast given the location and the clinician!!! I’m sure I will have trouble with my add…I might need an ear piece to keep me focused!!! Haha!!![/QUOTE]

Your in for a real treat. Bernie is the BEST. Plain and simple, easy to understand, supportive, he wants to succeed. Yes, he checks bits because he believes in the simplest bite on up. He talks about his EquestrianCoach.com web site. A superb tool to review after the clinic. He uses ear buds for the riders. Speaker set up for auditors to hear Bernie. You don’t jump the height you sign up for unless the class shows that they are ready. Day one is flat work. Day two is more flat work and small jumps. Day three is your “final exam”, show day over fences. Very supportive clinican.
I’ve done 4 clinics with him and soon number five.

[doublesstable]

I did one of his clinics and I want to ride with him again!!! He was great… here is my post on it…

http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?496027-I-did-it-I-put-on-my-big-girl-panties

[heelsdownlibby]

I did one on my birthday weekend in October! He was amazing.

Conservative turnout, no “gadget bits” as he calls them, and if your horse has prompt upward and downward transitions he will love you. He helped me a lot with getting my rushy green hunter mare to be less rushy and I still practice some of the exercises he used!

[trainersdaughter]

I did his clinic a few weeks ago and it was absolutely amazing. Ditto what others have said, he checks over all your tack and equipment, and if anything looks interesting he asks you why, etc. I was in the green horse group, so we did a LOT of cavaletti work and maxed out at about 2’3" (which was plenty with my greenie). He does encourage everyone to look at different videos and information on his site, but I agree that he really believes in it and the other trainers he has on the site. I love him. So encouraging and kind!

And yes, he is all about OTTBs. He asked me if I wanted to sell my horse, and also if I drugged her because she has such an awesome brain :lol: but it felt good to hear him say he liked her!

Some friends of mine did the 3’-3’3" group and were a tad disappointed that they weren’t doing the full height, but understood because he was working on detailed issues with them. So it will just depend on how he sees the group…

If any interest, this is some of my clinic video with him: https://youtu.be/dytI34mIUms

[cswoodlandfairy]

Thank you all!!!

This makes me all the more excited! My friend who helps me out riding (we help each other) had her daughter do it a couple years ago and she loved him. Always recommended so when I saw he was coming she said do it and also said he would love Remi. So I am excited.

I do not have a log on, buy my friend does and she lets me use her login so I’ve watched many of his videos and practiced some of his favorite exercise which luckily my guys brain picks it up right away.

2 more weeks! So EXCITED!!!

[Lusoluv]

From what I’ve see, Bernie has the traditional knowledge and skill of George Morris, without the snarkiness and sarcasm. Have a wonderful clinic and please report back!

[ElementFarm]

I’ll be there too. I’m just in the 3’ section though.

[egrubbs]

Woohoo COTH Forums party!!! What time is your section? I am in the 2’6" at 8:30 with my baby horse and OP is in the 3’6" section with her jumper in the afternoon!

[ElementFarm]

3’ goes at 1:15 or so

[cswoodlandfairy]

My 3’6 goes at 3pm I was told!

Lets all meet up! Should be fun!!! I am so excited!!!

[ElementFarm]

We’ll def meet up!
Plus, we can socialize at the Saturday dinner.

(I’ll be the short, middle-aged one on the chestnut mare --unless I bring the gray mare)

[cswoodlandfairy]

Just finished up and headed home now from one of the most amazing experieneces. This clinic was so insightful and helpful. I learned so much both by watching and participating. Bernies helped me and my boy so so much. Wasn’t what I had hoped to work on, but other issues were evident and we worked on it. But the changed were amazing in such a short period of time. He wanted us for a private but time and his travel couldn’t make it work, but I may see where else he is going local to me and snag one if possible.

I can’t wait for the next one, which I hope to be. I’d love for it to be fall so we can practice our homework and he can see eour improvement. He loved my little hot TB, even had some Denny Emerson input as well!

I highly recommend. Amazing clinician and wonderful person. He is stern but in an encouraging way!!! Have tons of video and photos I can post once home!