[QUOTE=pony418;7108261]
The point you are all missing, can be summed up here by “amateurs’ struggles”. CH is saying that there should NOT be that much struggle, be it 6 years or whatever. CH is pointing out to Americans that the system is broken by trainers that cannot teach the basics or because clients don’t want to hear criticism. There are good FEI level trainers that take on beginners and make progress with them. But there are more “trainers” at shows, following someone around the warm up with comments like “more inside leg…rounder…etc…” that sound perfectly reasonable until you see who they are talking to. Many times, it is a rider that is appallingly lacking in the basics that CH mentions, like steering. Or even barely remaining in the saddle. Hands are flying all over the place, etc…I even had one adult amateur rider proudly tell me all about her new trainer that was getting great walk/canter transitions on her horse. She then proceeded to show a video where the horse threw his head in the air for 10 steps of completely disorganized jog-trot between the actual walk steps and the canter depart. Delusional.
Get over yourselves America. Most amateurs suck and it’s not because they don’t want to “sweat”. Therein lies the American problem. A work ethic so screwed around that they think they should just keep trying “harder” and will somehow get better. CH appreciates effort like no other, she just doesn’t want to see it so routinely wasted.
It’s laughable that you want an apology from someone finally telling the truth. And if you think you’re so noble–how would a few months of training on the longe line make you feel? I bet you’d have a big problem with that. Now ask yourself why. Because you think you are better than that. Because you have the right to “struggle and sweat”, and by the way, pull your horses mouth around like a ski rope while you try to find some balance.
And before the comments start. I am a rider that thought I was pretty good second level shit. Until I took a bio mechanics lesson, on the lunge line, and learned what it was supposed to feel like. I’ll be on that lunge line happily and proudly and will call CH for a lesson when I deserve one.
All that being said…CH is coming from the German system, with many riding clubs and schools with decent lesson horses. The better question to ask, from this editorial is, how can we get a better training system like that? And that is what she is saying…let her train trainers who can then go out and train basics better. That’s a better system. But until Americans want to learn that way, good luck. Until then, keep telling yourself that that was a good canter depart–at least you’ll believe it if no one else does.[/QUOTE]
AMEN! Times a thousand!
Comes down to this: Do we want to really address what is lacking in our system, or just sling dudgeon and call names at anyone who isn’t living up to the small-town high-school definition of “nicey-nice” and “non-judgemental?”
Top trainers are not here to make you “feel good about yourself” or “actualize your anima.” They are going to be ruthlessly honest to make you into an EFFECTIVE RIDER. Which means you’re going to have to be ruthlessely honest with YOURSELF. And about your horse! Those trainers tend to be more effective than sweet. If you’re the real deal, though–they will kill and die for you. They’re that dedicated. You need to be, too, if you want a second look.
