Dressage Clinician Wish List

[atlatl]

I’ve ridden with the following and would rank them

1. Steffen
2. Mette
3. Melissa
4. Britta

All are good but Steffen is in a class by himself, IMO. He really focusses on the basics with a goal of having a happy and healthy horse long term. I really appreciate that. I got a lot out of the session with Britta, but I got the feeling I wasn’t quite “worth her time.” YMMV

Mette and Melissa are both good. In my experience, Mette plays to the audience a bit too much for my tastes, but there’s no denying her skill.

I’ve audited clinics by Carl Hester and Ingrid Klimke. Ingrid would be my first choice but only by a slight preference. They are both excellent.

[BWP]

I audited CH this year and have an Ingrid ticket for early next year, can’t wait!

[Mardi1]

1. Jeremy Steinberg
2. Paul Belasik

[BigMama1]

I’ve audited Carl once and CDJ twice. She’s very good but he is fantastic. Ingrid was here a few years ago but sadly I was working that weekend.

[BigMama1]

I’ve read one of Paul’s books but don’t know anything else about him beyond that. Jeremy is a very effective rider, trainer, and teacher and he really has a knack for communicating clearly what he wants riders to do. But he does seem to love hearing himself talk lol.

[BigMama1]

Oooh I forgot Debbie. She should be in my list. She’s working with a couple of Canadians now and I love it when they post snippets from their lessons online.

[netg]

@Mardi1

• Jeremy Steinberg
• Paul Belasik

I love riding with Jeremy!

[netg]

@exvet

netg if you ever find a situation where having Alex come out again and need to fill spots, contact me. I would haul and have the two…just sayin’

I’ll remember you if I ever can make it happen!

[Badger]

In addition to the popular mentions of Carl Hester and Ingrid Klimpke:

Christopher Bartle
Anne Gribbons
Stephen Clarke
Hans-Christian Matthiesen

[Jealoushe]

@Badger

Christopher Bartle

Yes please!

[Arlomine]

Susanne von Dietze Is amazing. Have ridden with her twice and highly recommend.

Same with Miguel Ralão Duarte. I’ve ridden with him many times, and end up with pages of notes from both my, and all the other lessons. Kind, effective, correct instruction.

[Absolut_Equestrian]

Surprised that Christine Traurig isn’t on this list yet. She’s a phenomenal teacher and trainer, from young horse to Grand Prix.

Highly recommend Britta as well, but you’ll definitely only get out of it what you put in. She’ll give you homework, and you have to do it to see results.

[libgrrl]

Alex was great! I’m sorry he doesn’t come in my direction any longer.

[Mersidoats]

I did one of those week-long stays at Paul Belasik’s farm when I was getting back into horses. Incredibly beneficial for my riding in terms of equitation and relearning how to ride from leg and seat into the hand. Worth every penny.

[libgrrl]

I did a clinic with Paul – and he disappointed me, frankly.

[Guyot]

Hands down best clinician I’ve ever ridden with in dressage is Charlotte Lassiter.

In eventing Lucinda Green and Wendy Schaeffer are both absolutely incredible.

I’ve ridden with many a good clinician and audited some or most on the list. But the ladies above made extreme fundamental improvements in not only my riding but my teaching.

[Arlomine]

Yup

[Mardi1]

A wide variety of names on the list. Some people are in agreement, others not so much.

But what’s missing is why we like certain instructors. Career highlights/awards/big names aside,
what was it about the instructor’s teaching that helped us to be better riders ? What did we learn ?
Let’s hear the reasons you chose whom you did. The reasons are subjective of course, so please, no arguing about someone’s reason, or trying to change their mind.
Who wants to go first ?

[Cowgirl]

Conrad Schumacher–great exercises to get your horse on the hindlegs and correct contact
Bent Jensen–quiet, correct classical training
Adrienne Lyle–amazing eye with a system designed to get you onto correct basics at a much higher level
Kelly Layne–how to ride forward
Gary Rockwell–basics, basics, basics

I’ve ridden with a lot of top names and these are it for me!

[BigMama1]

A great eye for detail in both horse and rider is key.

For me as an amateur without a lot of natural “feel” the ability to break down how to achieve something into really clear, achievable instructions is essential.

I’ve had instructors say things like “make him dance” which means nothing to me.