Clinicians in CT? Jeff Cook?

[hunterjumper21]

Hey Everyone!

I’m hoping to put some feelers out and gather some information about clinicians that travel up to New England (CT) for clinics. A barn I ride at is extremely interested in hosting a clinic with Jeff Cook; however, I am having the hardest time finding any contact information for him. I understand I may not be able to speak directly with him, and even if I do he may not want to speak with me, but it can’t hurt to at least ask. If anyone has any contact information they would be willing to share (via PM is fine!) I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you!

[AlterTops]

I know a lot of people on this board have cliniced with Jeff Cook, and really like him.
I’m not a fan. He would come once a year to a GORGEOUS facility 2 streets over from us, and the very private owner would only invite a few people to clinic. I happily went, only to get the experience riding on beautifully manicured grass with banks/hills/inviting natural obstacles.
He would pick one student to focus on, everytime. They would jump and then chat, jump and chat etc etc while everyone’s horses got cold. Not a proper use of time or money in my opinion.

[findeight]

YMMV as with anything else. Probably cliniced with him once or twice a year for 12 years or so at the request of my own trainer who brought him in for a fresh set of eyes (and rode for him herself). Took some privates from him as well when I could not do the clinic but he was available. BTW I was in an a la carte priced barn, not a set training board or minimum services required place so it was not in addition to any regular lessons but instead of.

Out of all those times, I think two or three times, IMO, he spent too much time with one or two riders at the expense of everybody else. Another time my horse at that time just was not up to it or able to benefit much.

The other 20+ times, he was fair to one and all. Maybe cliniced with 6 other more or less well known names, audited even more of them. Jeff really does a consistently great job with the average mix of riders and tries to have something for everybody while really helping the top riders polish their performance and explaining what and why to all. He keeps some “after class” to concentrate on doing more then the rest of the group rather then making that group sit around and feel left out. Something not all clinicians do.

[BAC]

If you are able to book him, please post the info, as I would love to audit if its within a reasonable driving distance.

[Zoey101]

I have cliniced with him and audited, and I think he is wonderful. Never felt like he focused on one person and ignored the rest- sure if one student was having an issue, but he often runs over the time because he wants to make sure everyone has a go.

I have his contact info- if you want to PM me, I can send him a text and ask if it’s OK to give his info out.

[osgoka01]

Ooooh a clinic in CT! Please post details on dates/ times if you book him as I’d love to bring my young horse.

[Atlas_Shrugged]

I attended a clinic of his in CT and thought he was great. I still use his serpentine exercises daily.

[HunterMolly]

I have ridden with Jeff about 3 times, and have audited twice. I always felt like he was fair and balanced with his attention to riders. I would ride with him again in a heartbeat. He is pretty great, in my opinion,

[kenyarider]

I had the good luck to spend 4 months with him this year - he is amazing. I have also watched him give clinics and never seen him focus on one rider to the detriment of the others. It is true that if a rider has a horse that needs more (looks like rider might fall off or another problem), he will work to get that combination in a better place and then continue with group. IMO that is being a good clinician because there’s nothing worse than a big crash in a clinic lesson. He is not a computer fan so you aren’t going to find him via the internet. If you want his contact information, I have it, PM if you need it.

[Lucassb]

I have ridden with Jeff several times (in CT, actually, before I moved south.) I’ve also audited a few times.

I have seen him focus on one rider once or twice, although I never had it happen to me in a group I was riding in.

I saw it several times when there was a weak(er) rider in a group that was really struggling and it appeared to be the kind of situation where things could go south and wind up with someone getting hurt. In other words, he wasn’t focusing on a favorite, he was trying to ensure that the less capable rider got some benefit out the session even though they were obviously not up to the same tasks given the more advanced participants. And I will admit that in every case, the riders who had to wait around while that weaker rider got Jeff’s individual attention/modification of the exercises, were mostly pretty ticked off. It is hard to pay that much $$$ for a group lesson if you are spending a big percentage of the time watching the clinician babysit a rider who has put themselves in the wrong group, while the horse you are sitting is getting cold.

That said, I personally thought his exercises were terrific and I learned a ton. He is a very articulate trainer and has a fabulous eye for detail. I’d ride with him again in a heartbeat.

[horsepoor]

I’ve ridden in his clinic only once, but would again if I had the opportunity. I never felt short changed at all, like the one person above described. I have friends who have also ridden in his clinics and none complained about that kind of experience. He is a good teacher and not too scary for kids and amateurs. I really enjoyed my one experience and wish I had the chance to do more.

[findeight]

Clinics, by anybody, are dependent on who is in the group. No matter how hard you try, it happens somebody is not up to par while others are above the rest of the group.

Theres no way to avoid that or those riders that want to monopolize the clinician with questions, war stories or excuses. The best clinicians know this and how to deal with it without pissing anybody off. Jeff is exceptional at it- but human like everybody else, plus he cares so occaisionally gets diverted.

But if it only happened in 3 of 20+or so clinics and lessons for me? I’d say its pretty unusual. Plus that, he continues to narrate as he works with that person so you do get something out of it if you pay attention. And ask yourself " what if that was me"? Most of the time, nobody planned for trouble, stuff happens that needs to be fixed.

[Calvincrowe]

I believe he is the resident trainer at Kilkenny Crest in Bend Oregon now. Perhaps you could contact the farm (website is out of date, but the contact information is still good) and get him that way?

I know that he clinics regularly at Cornerstone Farm in Portland Oregon, and you might be able to ask Linda or Wade Worley to give you his contact info. cornerstonehj.com

[horsepoor]

@findeight;7196746

Clinics, by anybody, are dependent on who is in the group. No matter how hard you try, it happens somebody is not up to par while others are above the rest of the group.

Very true. I used to ride regularly in clinics with one particular trainer, at different venues and put together by different people. The ones organized by one particular person were always less rewarding as the groups were always poorly matched. The clinician did his best to make it work, and often “reassigned” people to different groups on the 2nd day, but it did make things difficult. A good organizer putting on the clinic makes a world of difference, IME.

[STA]

Jeff Cook is giving a clinic in Monroe, CT November 12 & 13, 2014 at Shalimar Fields

[ColoradoCopper]

Not to jack this thread, but does anybody have a clinic schedule of his? I used to ride with him when I was younger and I would absolutely love to get in touch with him again.

Thanks!

[BITSA]

[QUOTE=HunterMolly;7196222]
I have ridden with Jeff about 3 times, and have audited twice. I always felt like he was fair and balanced with his attention to riders. I would ride with him again in a heartbeat. He is pretty great, in my opinion,[/QUOTE]

This. I just had a clinic with him last month and thought he was wonderful.