To the question of more green riders taking a clinic with a BNR, I would say that you can’t underestimate how those clinics will go in terms of being a factor in the riding career of the rider.
I was exceptionally lucky to ride with Bruce Davidson in 2 day clinics at my school back when I was in the 7th and 8th grade. In the first year I was on my first pony still and had never ridden in an event. In my second year I was on my Tb mare and we had evented a couple times at Novice. (Called Pre-Training then and at 2’11 it was the lowest level)
It was a HUGE learning experience with all the elements that still make Bruce (in)famous. There were huge jumps, solid skills required and minimal sympathy when things didn’t go well. My second year was more fun because my mare was an insane jumper and she never stopped at a thing in her life.
That said since this goes back to dates in 1984 and 1985 Bruce was hot and it was sure fun to say that I had ridden with THE Bruce Davidson. There were lessons within the lessons that I still hark back to today. So while I understand that green riders may not NEED to ride with a name rider, I don’t think you can replace that kind of idol motivation and surreal nervous excitement with 6 regular lessons from your local coach.
I really do think it’s good for all levels of riders to be nervous about doing their best in front of a name and then having to get through the nerves and the possible mistakes one can make due to them. I would even go so far as to say that surviving riding for your idol can be similar to surviving the nerves of an event you’re keyed up for.
~Emily
