[QUOTE=KHAT;3335553]
What does everyone think of Clinton Anderson training methods for dressage horses?[/QUOTE]
IMHO there is a big disconnect in the understanding and training of dressage – the only dressage i know of, is the ‘classical’ teachings – forward, energy, etc…
"Veteran eventing coach and Olympian Jim Wofford lists the classic dressage texts he says every rider should (read from PH).
Jim Wofford says that classical dressage theory has been oversimplified, resulting in too much kicking and pulling, sharper bits, tighter nosebands and “other implements of the devil.”
To counteract this trend, Jim recommends reading–or rereading–the classical dressage texts mentioned in the following list. You’ll find they make no mention of kicking and pulling a horse into a frame. They stress relaxation, throughness and quiet hands that don’t pull back on the reins. They emphasize patient and systematic training. And they underscore the need for the rider to have a good position.
Happy reading and riding!
Academic Equitation -General Decarpentry
Advanced Techniques of Dressage - German National Equestrian Federation
The Complete Training of Horse and Rider - Alois Podhajsky
Dressage Riding - Richard Watjen
The Forward Impulse - Piero Santini
Horsemanship - Waldemar Seunig
Riding Logic - Wilhelm Müseler
CA’s methods do work, not only for dressage horses, but also for eventers, hunters and jumpers :yes: Once the horse has the basics of his groundwork and basic riding series – the horse is ready to go in any direction the person wants – be it reining, hunters, or dressage.
For example, his cruising exercise teaches to the horse to carry himself at the gait you want. The passenger exercise teaches the rider an independent seat. Through both of these exercises the horse is learning to go forward. if you can’t get a horse to carry himself forward and freely (i.e. not micromanaging), how do you work on the rest???
CA’s groundwork exercises prepare the horse for the undersaddle exercises – in all his exercises – he over exaggerates the teach and refines the cue once the horse has the concept. I don’t see his methods as getting the horse to be submissive, but more responsive to the riders cues. once you have the basics… you start to refine, same with classical dressage, engage the horse by going forward, not pulling back.
I have been using his program for the last couple years and have noticed a tremendous difference in the way my horses will naturally carrying themselves. Initially, the hardest part of his program – dropping the reins and not micromanaging my horse – To be partners, each has responsibilities.
CA learned to ride and took english lessons (hence he still has shorter stirrups than most western folks 
but being bombarded by sit up, heels down, leg back, toe in, hands up, eyes up (all in the same sentence) he developed a program that he could understand. He admits up front, he didn’t develop or create the methods, but he broke the steps down and packaged them so he could – just happens, lots of people understand better when the steps are broken down, but more importantly they are explained.
as far as leading the horse, his program has the person walking next to the horse (between the poll and withers)
if you have problems on the ground, they will be magnified undersaddle – If you have a horse that doesn’t want to go forward on the ground… do you think it will go forward undersaddle??? sure if you use iron management.
IMO, CA’s program works to have a more willing partner by starting on the ground and then working undersaddle and is very similar to dressage, he stresses forward movement before you can teach refinement.
Clinton is also the only clinician that puts his name on the line by showing with the ‘big boys’ in reining.
That horse is so “brow beaten” it is pathetic. IMO, of course.