The clinician I love isn’t coming to my area as much, so checking out options. Two barns host Patrick King. I did a search and limited info in older threads on him. Wondering if he’s good or a snake oil salesman? Feel free to PM as well. I may audit, but will save the effort if not worth it. Thanks!
Patrick King, not Patrick, Saint? 
I haven’t heard of him.
But I’m located in Cali so maybe he doesn’t come out this way.
my current train happens to be in Ohio for the summer (sucks for us but 🤷”♀ï¸). Is that where you’re located? I saw on your description.
maybe you could help organize something with her? I think she does clinics and some travel lessons in Ohio.
Lehua Custer.
look her up. She rocks!
COTH magazine just did an article about her too.
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I’ve seen his videos and website, which is why I wondered what people had to report personally from the experience. IMO, some of the NH stuff is awesome - not original, but good horsemanship. Some is KoolAid.
Does he teach dressage?
google doesn’t show much.
and a USDF score check doesn’t show a competition history.
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He claims to combine classical dressage and NH. I do know lovely classical trainers that don’t compete a lot, so not worried about the score check. I’d be more curious about any student accomplishments and feedback on the horses’ reactions to his methods. One of the hosting barns isn’t one I know that well, the other has a trainer I’ve seen ride in other clinics, and no red flags…
He was just in my area (Western NY), I wish I had at least gone to audit.
If interested in riding with this flavor of trainer, you should find a clinic with Buck Brannaman. Know quantity.
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Yes, he’s one of the good ones, but Patrick King is coming to my area, hence asking about him. Would LOVE to hear if he’s like BB!
When they start with the head and jaw, I get turned off.
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I have followed him for a few years and rode with him last year. He is extremely kind to people and horses alike. He is still young and learning-- but he is learning from good people. His flavor of natural dressage revolves around biomechanics more than cowboy natural dressage. He is probably not the instructor those who just want to move up the levels. But, he is the instructor for those who want to move up the levels with a happy, sound horse. Just my opinion.
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My favorite clinician is a Cadre Noir grad, but not Philippe Karl school. However, I definitely appreciate the French philosophy instead of pure German. Forward into a locked jaw isn’t going to unlock the jaw…
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Until riders come to the understanding that the locked jaw is not the source of the problem, but a symptom of the problem progress can’t be made.
There is also a misunderstanding of the word forward. The dressage pyramid doesn’t get to impulsion in the beginning. There is entirely too much emphasis on the head and jaw entirely too early in most instruction. If you simply ride the horse forward in rhythm without worrying about the head connection,& impulsion will come, as will relaxation.
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Not derailing into French vs. German thread;).
I’ve been to a few of his clinics that were hosted by a friend. I very much enjoyed the practical application of dressage principles to any horse and rider team. I’m not sure how someone super well versed and competing in dressage would appreciate his clinics, but at the same time, I haven’t seen one of his clinics were there were competitive dressage riders and horses. It’s definitely worth checking out, I really appreciated his methods and they were very practical. I might ask the venue the type of riders and horses that will be participating–it might vary and you might prefer one versus another based on your background.
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