Eddo Hoekstra Clinic - Houston, Texas
May 26-29, 2011
Eddo Hoekstra will return to Sonesta Farms for 4 days from May 26-29, 2011. We have a couple of riding slots left, so if you want to ride with Eddo, let me know ASAP. Otherwise, please come and audit. You are sure to learn a lot and enjoy it.
There was an article in Chronicle of the Horse about his last clinic here, written by one of the auditors. Link to the online version is:
Here’s what riders from previous clinics had to say:
“I think Eddo is the most positive and encouraging clinician I have ever ridden with. He stays focused, and keeps the riders and the horses relaxed. He is constantly giving the pieces of the puzzle of the final “movement” but he never drills the movement itself. The exercises are logical and lay the groundwork for the completed picture of a movement, be it half pass or canter pirouette. He cautions the rider not to stay in a movement or a gait for very long, thereby keeping the horse interested. Sometimes during a ride I might think to myself “I know this…why don’t we go to something different?” Just about that time, my horse’s back comes up underneath me and he becomes lighter in the forehand and magic seems to happen. When he gets you to that place you want to ride forever.” – Merry Vickrey, USDF Silver Medalist
“I have been riding with Eddo for about 4 years, and each time I gain a greater understanding of the basic principles that were introduced in my first lesson. Eddo always focuses on the basics to achieve the more complex movements. He stresses that each ride should be a blend of lateral, forward, and collecting work. It is also very important that the horse to have “side-to-side” balance as well as “front-to-back” balance. When the horse is balanced, calm, and forward, then he can achieve great things, all through relaxation with no force! This kind of focused, gentle work is something that is always present in Eddo’s lessons!”
– Laura White, 2nd Level Dressage
“This was my third Eddo clinic. I have had a great experience at all three. He give you exercises to take home by teaching them to you as you ride them. He is all about up and forward and getting the butt working first. Light and soft. I got two important things out of last weekend: don’t try to control, create. And consistent communication is necessary to keep the horse from becoming bored and looking elsewhere for communication. If you haven’t watched him or ridden with Eddo, I highly recommend it. And if you can get to Rebecca’s, she is an awesome hostess. Her barns are very spacious and well kept. Her dogs are just bundles of soft fluffy puppyness. And her crew there are friendly and helpful. It was an awesome and fun weekend.”
– Darlene Howard, 1st Level Dressage
About Eddo
Eddo Hoekstra will return to Sonesta Farms for a series of clinics in 2011. The dates for these clinics are January 13-16, May 26-29 and October 20-23. His 2009 and 2010 clinics at Sonesta Farms got rave reviews from all the riders and auditors.
Eddo is fully devoted to dressage as a sport and as an art. He has competed internationally at FEI and nationally at Grand Prix. Eddo has trained with renowned coaches such as Robert Dover (USA) and currently rides with Walter Zettl (Canada). For those who try to clinic with Walter Zettl whenever possible, Walter (affectionately known as “WAZ”) considers Eddo his clinician/trainer of choice for them between his clinics.
Other coaches that have a strong influence on his riding/training approach are Jan Kluijtmans (Holland), George Williams (USA), Anne Rawle (USA) and Rick Klaassen (Germany)
Because of his training approach he is a very sought after clinician both in Canada and abroad. When at home at the HDI training facility in Peterborough, Eddo works with his students and their horses.
Riders at all levels and on all types, breeds and ages of horses will benefit from Eddo’s insights into creating a happy, forward, relaxed and willing horse. Riders will learn to work with their horses to form a partnership in the classical dance of dressage.
Eddo’s auditor-friendly style makes it certain that auditors will bring away from his clinics almost as much as the riders. So, do not hesitate to join us to watch and learn.
Limited rider slots - $165 per ride
Auditing - $15 per day or $40 for all four days. Bring a chair for auditing.
For more info visit www.sonestafarms.com/eddo.htm or contact Rebecca Pennington at rebecca@sonestafarms.com
