I am very excited to ride in a Les Vogt clinic in July. I was wondering if anyone had ever ridden with him and what I could expect. I have followed some of his Cowhorse U program in between lessons with my trainer, and have had good results. I can’t wait for the clinic! Any info would be great!
I have never ridden with him but have run into him at some of our shows. I’ve followed him a bit and like him alot. I think you’ll have a blast!! Be sure tell us all about it and have someone get some pix so you can send us a link to them!
I’ve never ridden with him, but I have three pairs of his spurs and they’re my favorites…does that count?
I’ve admired him, though, for years. Definitely give us a report.
Yikes…he’s still alive? I swear he was old when I was a munchkin and I ain’t no spring chicken anymore.
He used to put his name on some damn fine bits/silver.
He was a bridle horse master back in the olden days and hard to beat.
I thought he retired back in the early 80s and started up a mobile tack shop - hit all the shows from Denver west and points in between.
Haven’t seen him show in a long time…don’t know how “trendy” he is anymore, but I would imagine if you want to learn from an old master, he’d be one of my favorites.
Thanks Everyone! In his videos, he looks like he is very nice and has a good sense of humor! Since most of the video was shot at clinics, I was able to get a good feel about how he works with everyone! I will give a report but the clinic is not until July. I am not looking forward to riding outside, in July in Alabama though! :lol:
I rode in part of a clinic session with him at Equine Affaire several years back…first and only time I’ve ever walked out of a clinic.
[QUOTE=sahqueen;6318791]
I rode in part of a clinic session with him at Equine Affaire several years back…first and only time I’ve ever walked out of a clinic.[/QUOTE]
Why? You can pm me if you like.
Would you mind sharing why?
I’ve ridden in a ton of EA sessions, so understand that they are different than normal clinics, in that the riders aren’t necessarily the main focus of the clinician, that they are trying to teach the entire audience, not just those in the ring.
Without getting into a ton of detail, even knowing what I know about EA clinic I felt that my time was wasted and that I was basically using my horse as a couch, sitting around for almost 3 hours listening to a lecture. Of the three riders participating, I was the only one to show up for the second part of the clinic later in the day…Just once in the second session I got a quick glance and the comment “that looks much better…” Better than what, since I hadn’t received any direct instruction before (or after) that point. I was just riding a bit and take advantage of my time in the arena rather than stand around some more.
Maybe it was a bad day…but overall can’t say I was impressed with either the info and how it was being presented to the general audience or the lack of direct involvment with those of us who paid to ride in the sessions. It all ended fine, I walked out, tucked my pony in for the night, went to dinner earlier than planned, EA refunded the clinic fee and had a wonder ride in a clinic the next day with a different presenter.
[QUOTE=sahqueen;6319362]
I’ve ridden in a ton of EA sessions, so understand that they are different than normal clinics, in that the riders aren’t necessarily the main focus of the clinician, that they are trying to teach the entire audience, not just those in the ring.
Without getting into a ton of detail, even knowing what I know about EA clinic I felt that my time was wasted and that I was basically using my horse as a couch, sitting around for almost 3 hours listening to a lecture. Of the three riders participating, I was the only one to show up for the second part of the clinic later in the day…Just once in the second session I got a quick glance and the comment “that looks much better…” Better than what, since I hadn’t received any direct instruction before (or after) that point. I was just riding a bit and take advantage of my time in the arena rather than stand around some more.
Maybe it was a bad day…but overall can’t say I was impressed with either the info and how it was being presented to the general audience or the lack of direct involvment with those of us who paid to ride in the sessions. It all ended fine, I walked out, tucked my pony in for the night, went to dinner earlier than planned, EA refunded the clinic fee and had a wonder ride in a clinic the next day with a different presenter.[/QUOTE]
Thanks, I am going to a true clinic not at a big event. It is limited to 15 riders. I am hoping it will be more like I have seen on his video.
I’m sure you’ll have a good time and learn lots! Riding in a “regular” clinic is nothing like riding in a “demo” clinic at Equine Affaire - I’ve ridden in a few of the Equine Affaire clinics and they are definitely there for the trainer to show off his program and not for the riders in them. I’m still looking forward to hearing about your Les clinic! :yes:
That’s what I thought too 
I rode in a clinic with him ages ago… probably around 1995 or 1996. It was an evening talk, followed by 2 days of riding and cow work. I learned a lot and still use some of his very effective body control exercises that I learned there, like properly backing a circle. My horse and I had never done flying lead changes, but with Les coaching, we hit several at the clinic with pretty much no effort. Then, of course, I chased that at home for about a year… nothing is every as easy without a coach going “lift, push, push, now push the hip over…now!” lol He also appropriately called me out on not being demanding enough with my horse. He did it in a humorous way, but I got the point, and haven’t ever forgotten it.
I’ve seen the videos for his first Cowhorse U course, and he’s developed and refined the exercises since the clinic I attended. He’s definitely a good ole’ boy, can be kind of dry, but entertaining, and he does like a good horse.
I rode with him years ago - GREAT horseman! One of a kind. I would keep my ears open and enjoy the day! I had no idea he was still offering clinics - I would go again in a heartbeat!
Bumping this up because the clinic is in a few weeks and just received a 60 page clinic guide! Yikes!!! I am getting excited and nervous!
I am a bit worried because my horse has had some lameness issues over the past few weeks and I am hoping he will be able to attend. If not, my trainer is going to loan me her reining/reined cowhorse mare. It will be fun but I would prefer to ride my guy! I will post a clinic report in a few weeks!
YIKES is right!! :eek: What the heck are in all those pages???
[quote=spotnnotfarm;6386300]It will be fun but I would prefer to ride my guy!
[/quote]
Keeping my fingers cross your guy will be sound and ready for that are in those 60-pages! :yes::winkgrin:
[QUOTE=kewpalace;6386332]
YIKES is right!! :eek: What the heck are in all those pages???
Keeping my fingers cross your guy will be sound and ready for that are in those 60-pages! :yes::winkgrin:[/QUOTE]
I have not read them yet but would be happy to forward them to you if you pm me your email.
I hope Grover is ready too! It would be fun to take my trainers horse but I would rather learn on the one I ride!
Never ridden with him but he was da man back in the day! Loved his bits and spurs. Pics and let us know how it goes.
He’s not doing too badly now, either! He came in 3rd last weekend in the Intermediate Open division of the NRCHA Derby with his stud Nick It Smartly!! :yes: (Photo is from the 2011 NSHA Snaffle Bit Futurity).
[quote=spotnnotfarm;6386481]I have not read them yet but would be happy to forward them to you if you pm me your email.
[/quote]
OOOOO, cool!!! 
You’ve got PM!! Thanks!
I just finished auditing a clinic with Bryan Neubert and he showed us quite a few things that he learned from Les Vogt, he has a lot of respect for the man.
Bryan is a good hand that worked with the Dorrance brothers and if he says that Les is good, then he must be worthwhile.
