I’d like to do some clinics this year and Peter Gray will be at a farm that is local to me. Has anyone gone to his clinics and can they tell me what he is like?
I would probably sign up for the BN or N slot. I’m comfortable jumping up to 3ft with my guy but need work on combinations and ditches.
My opinion is based on clinics over 15 years ago, so it’s possible this isn’t his current status. He knew his stuff. Had a tendency to pander to rich ladies.
He is extremely knowledgeable and kind. One of the nicest judges/clinicians I have met.
Like Peter a lot. Have worked with him on many officiating panels (was supposed to last Friday until my little Honda met a big Ford panel van and I got sent home with a pelvis fractured in three places). I find him kind and knowledgeable as well. Give it a try!
Oh my Pegasus! I’m sorry to hear that. :no:
Big ouchie - I hope you heal well and quickly!
To keep things on topic, I hear Peter is kind and certainly has a good eye. I suspect he would be one worth trying for a clinic. If you’d like to hear more straight from the horses’ mouth, here is a link to a recent podcast: https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2020/04/30/571-peter-gray-leslie-and-lesley-law-buck-davidson-and-david-oconnor-by-horse-trailer-pros/
I believe he did set up a YouTube channel shortly after but I haven’t seen the videos.
He’s GREAT!!! But, pay attention to his instructions! 
I’ve audited his 2-day clinic twice (flat/gymnastics day 1 and XC day 2) and really enjoyed it. He had a number of interesting exercises and explained what the purpose was and why he was asking the riders to do it. This also makes his clinics good for auditors!
I’ve also scribed with him a couple times and he was great to sit with.
I agree he is patient and kind, but do try your best to follow his instructions and at least give it a shot (also, that being the reason you’re there!).
Peter is fantastic, but I want to echo and emphasize what fanfayre said here. He does not appreciate riders not listening and following directions. If you aren’t sure what he has asked you to do, clarify the instructions.
He is one of my all time favorites – have fun and report back!
Personally wasn’t a fan, found him to be very biased on the riders. Spent more time with riders who didn’t exactly need ‘special attention’, but favoured them. Felt he picked on others on body structure more than anything. Wasn’t overly pleased with the clinic, thankfully it was free 
Huge fan of Peter Gray as an instructor and as a clinician. As others said listen carefully and do your best to follow instructions. He is not a fan of whining or someone who would rather chat than ride. Auditors are also expected to listen respectfully and not be chatting w their neighbor. My hubby is excited to have the opportunity to ride with him at two different venues in New England in the coming months!
Small world, I just signed up for a clinic of his – wonder if we’re neighbors?
I’ve never ridden with him but I’ve heard great things so I am super excited to go… How is he with HOH students?? Asking because I will try as hard as I can to listen, but I have a cochlear in one ear and hearing is not my strong suit… :lol:
@pegasusmom o m g !! How awful!! Heal up ASAP
I would just let him know at the start of your session about your hearing issue, and if there’s something specific he can do to make it easier for you. Then he’ll know you’re not ignoring him on purpose
Have a great time!
So heavier middle age woman shouldn’t ride with him? I’ve actually never seen him teach before.
If you are attentive, open-minded and eager to learn, Peter will do all he can to help you. If you think you’re going to show how good you are, chat with your friends and go get a sip of water between rounds - this isn’t the guy for you. As a dressage rider new to eventing, my first clinic with him was an eye opener re: need to modify my position more and less of a framed up connection. At first I took some of his instructions too personally, but I try very hard to do as he asked. Late the first day and all the 2nd, he was so encouraging and complimentary of the changes I had made. Have done a 2nd clinic with him. The only riders who did not like him were ones scolded for not listening while he described a jump course and those who went to the sidelines to sip water while he was still instructing (it wasn’t even a warm day). He was not critical of anyone’s body type, but he will correct your position!
Lusoluv…I asked because I’ve seen clinicians go after people who are heavier and not perfect body type. Or honestly…just not teach them well. If I’m paying for a clinic, I want it worth my time…and I don’t have the svelt body I did in my 20s. I’d never bother to ride with George Morris. I personally know nothing about Peter’s teaching style…so I actually asked that question legitimately. He certainly has the experience and I would think could be interesting to ride with.
^^ I know what you mean! I am a middle aged rider. He didn’t strike me as the GM type who picks on people over 110lbs. If you want to learn, he will teach you. I didn’t have a fancy horse and he treated me right. There were a couple drafty types and he showed no preferences. He also didn’t talk about body type (riders). Only correct position or not. I would encourage you to ride with him!
^ Me too! (Lusoluv’s reply)
And he has a great memory!
I ran into him at an event he was TD’ing 10 years after our last clinic, and he remembered where I came from and who hosted the clinic, and commiserated/sent his condolences that the property owner had passed away and the site was no longer hosting events or clinics. 10 YEARS!!!
Dang. most times I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast… Impressive!
I am excited!! I don’t get to ride with clinicians often so really looking forward to this one. I signed up for the BN slot with one of my greenies. I know I’m slightly hijacking but I will be back with updates :yes:
When I rode with Peter, that was probably 50-60 lbs ago, but I’ve never been (well, in my first year of college, after having my mouth wired shut for jaw surgery, maybe) anything close to svelte, and it wasn’t an issue at all. The only hesitation I’d have in riding with him now is that I simply do not have the fitness or balance to ride well to a fence at the moment. When I’ve been back at it for a while, I wouldn’t hesitate. And after a disastrous (for me) clinic with someone that is fairly popular as a clinician, I’m pretty picky about who I will ride with. With your experience and skill level, you will be fine, I would think!
Also, you may want to find Jon Holling’s YouTube video of Peter doing a critique/judging of his dressage test. It isn’t the same as a clinic, but it would give you an idea of his analytical style. 
thanks Bensmom. I will look him up on YouTube. Not sure I’ve ever seen him give a clinic in this area so will need to do some research. We have all been missing having Jimmy Wofford monthly…and while we has access to great instructors…I do think it is useful to get some ideas and perhaps new exercises from another quality instructor. So might be able the get him to this area at some point when boarders are open again.
ETA:and if I’m paying for a clinic or lesson I’m there for honest feed back. Not BS or praise. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy riding with Jimmy. He has a great eye and gives brutally honest feed back…without being condescending.
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