what sort of trainer do you take dressage lessons from?

[slc2]

what sort of trainer do you take dressage lessons from -

non competitive, local, regional, national, low international (competed in european dressage shows) or elite/higher level international (olympics, worlds, etc).

[hitchinmygetalong]

Why don't you start the discussion by answering your own question? The rest of the class would love to hear your answer! :)

[2DogsFarm]

Back in the days when I trained regularly - once a week - with a goal of advancing my horse's training, my trainer was local and had been schooled in Germany. He was the first to put me on the longe line for a lesson. In the 80s this was a novelty but it is certainly responsible for my secure seat and soft hands. When I stopped riding with him my horse was schooling 3rd Level. Occasionally Geroge would get on to show me something, but generally I rode in lessons myself.

A couple times a year I'd try to fit in a clinic if a Name was in the area.

Nowadays I ride for my pleasure only and my trainers are a friend who coaches me in exchange for dinners as she has Amateur status and a local gal who rides GP with her horse. I average a lesson maybe once every couple of months. Since my goals are not oriented to showing this works fine for me and keeps it enjoyable. If time & $$ were no object I'd train more often - once a week would be ideal with the occasional BNT clinic for good measure.

[seabreeze]

When I used to take lessons (back when gasoline was $1.75 a gallon, which wasn't too long ago), it was from a non-competitive trainer who has spent his time training with international BNTs. The only other person in our area is a competitor and an "r" judge.

As an aside, sometimes I get really discouraged reading this forum, the dressage board particularly, because of comments such as the one posted by hitchinmygetalong.

[Roan]

I take lessons from an ex-eventer who hasn't really done any dressage for 10 years and now shows on the 'A' jumper circuit. :D

So why take lessons from her?

She trained classically for nine years under Hungarian Cavalry officer Major Bela Buttekay -- was, and still is damn good at it, when I get her on my horse -- and she also trained with the US Olympic Team.

She does not take short cuts. She WILL not rush. She has ridden MANY different types of breeds, but pretty much shows TBs and OTTBs -- and she really knows the baroque mind. Her teachings parallel the SRS and that's what I want.

She can take me to fourth level (as if I would ever even make it to 2nd) and that's more than fine for me.

IMO one doesn't have to be a BNT or BNR to give proper instruction. In fact, a lot of classical people do not compete. They are in it for the joy and journey of it all and competing just isn't that important to them.

My 2 cents
Eileen

[Trixie's mom]

I train (twice weekly) from a friend who trained in England and France (carde noir). She doesn't compete anymore and really doesn't train anymore...she's just helping me out and I'm getting the enormous benefit of her knowledge, experience and wisdom. She SHOULD get back into it...she's fabulous. Lucky, lucky, lucky me.

[slc2]

no one, hitch. now with that highly fascinating tidbit of info in hand for the usual nasty pm's and gossip, perhaps the question can be discussed...:lol:

seabreeze, you are right, but there IS that good old 'ignore' button that masks posts from a list of logins you create, whenever you are actually logged in. in any case, there is always plenty of other types posting - and people with a genuine interest in what you want to say. even on a bb devoted to some benign, cuddly, hopefully less cathected subject, such as feeding kittens, there are 'hitches'.

[Hazelnut]

The Federation Equestrian Internationale's sanctioned competition for dressage is a CDI. If a person is showing at a CDI, they are showing at the International level. They are ranked at the international level.

Is your trainer not competing; or competing at the regional; national; or international level? If at the international level is your trainer in the top 100?

Here's the World Rankings...my trainer is is an internationally ranked rider...and not down at 600+ with 50 points. So are a lot of trainers from the USA. The person I clinic with is a national level rider and is not on this list.

https://admin.fei.org/Disciplines/Dressage/Results/Documents/D_rankings_88.pdf

[~Freedom~]

Why don't you start the discussion by answering your own question? The rest of the class would love to hear your answer! :)

But this is for her to gather the information to...

1) Dump this info in a huge post later or

2) discuss every post with her own words of wisdom.

[slc2]

the question isn't a snobby one - i'm trying to get a general 'demographic' of lessons, shows, etc, as part of trying to understand the impact of qualification and rising costs, how it's going to change our sport.

[claire]

the question isn't a snobby one - i'm trying to get a general 'demographic' of lessons, shows, etc, as part of trying to understand the impact of qualification and rising costs, how it's going to change our sport.

Won't it be difficult to get any reliable information or "general demographic" from a small and limited respondent pool like the COTH Dressage forum? :confused:


But, FWIW: h/j rider who regularly clinics with a GP dressage LNT :cool: in addition to regular lessons with h/j trainer.

[slc2]

yes, claire, it is a very limited sample. but for one without a very big budget and a lot of time, it's at least something.

[exvet]

Interesting question in that I don't see how the categories really provide much information and how they relate to anything meaningful. I have taken lessons in the past from a variety of sources that meet just about every criteria listed; however, 4-5 years ago I left the individual I had been taking lessons from for a little over 4 years and have been with my current riding instructor ever since. In that time frame I have advanced further, accomplished more and realized some very specific goals that seemed hopeless before. I continue to have some specific goals ahead of me and have no intention of switching instructors at this time. She does not compete and hasn't in many years. She's local. She has a "real" job and teaches lesson on the side. Her horses are all retirees/rescues. With such a list of accolades one might think I'd being doin' well just bump my way through a schooling show without falling off :winkgrin:

[ctanner]

In the past I have trained with some very big international dressage riders and some world class eventers.I cliniced with the same level of riders and had a lesson or two with some of the other big wigs.If I were half as good as my lessons I would be amazing!Sadly,I am not:(I also was unaware of the gifts I was being handed.

However I am now older and wiser(let's hope) and I have a trainer that is fabulous!She anwsers all of my questions and never loses her patience.She is willing to work as hard as I am,okay a bit harder.:yes:

My horse is currently out of work.He will be until late this fall or early next year.I can't afford to lease another horse at the moment,but as soon as I can I will be back in the saddle with her on the ground,and no matter how many head scratching,jaw dropping moments I have she will kindly adjust me and KEEP ME MOVING FORWARD WITH THE CORRECT BEND.Now isn't that what dressage is all about.

And I have this board to thank for putting me in touch with EqTrainer.

I wish you all good relationships and the right trainer for you and your horse.

[Hazelnut]

the question isn't a snobby one - i'm trying to get a general 'demographic' of lessons, shows, etc, as part of trying to understand the impact of qualification and rising costs, how it's going to change our sport.

Low international (compete in europe) is NOT accurate of what constitutes an international level rider nor does it describe many of the USA riders who are actually ranked in the top 600 internationally.

That's the top 600 dressage riders in the WHOLE WORLD. That's not snobby, that's competative accomplishment. Elite riders all - but competative elite is the top 100.

Low international (compete in europe) is snobby

[CatOnLap]

i'm trying to get a general 'demographic' of lessons
Probably the best way to do that would be to go and have one.

[FleetwoodStarr]

Well I haven't figured out what this board has decided is international leve, but I consider my trainer to be someone who rode at an international level. She took her hometrained thoroughbred and showed him at the big southern california CDIs and placed under all the really big name riders. Now she lives in the hills and trains like three horses, but she is really great. I usually take one lesson a week, but sometimes with scheduling it doesn't happen. Oh, and now she does show, usually at closer shows, but that is more due to the gas. One horse she is showing is ranking first for his breed at third in the allbreeds award. I guess I don't really know what to classify her as?

[neVar]

well lets see- she's a h/.j coach.

She's been long listed for the team

Hasn't shown in 15 years

Hasn't ridden (really other then occasional hop ons) in about 8

[wildREDhorse]

My best friend trains with one ranked in the top 110 :) does that count? Can I live vicariously through her since I don't take lessons? (can't afford them) lol

[rabicon]

She is an x-eventer and now does endurance races and trains, her daughter is big in pony club games and does novice eventing. She is thinking about getting back into dressage but for right now she is aiming for the world games in 2010 with a horse she has for endurance.

[Ambrey]

Seabreeze, you have to understand that SLC bashing has become a competitive sport! I think there are even judges that rate people on how badly they can insult her. I give the snark on this thread a 4, pretty feeble effort!

As for the original question, I started out with the working students of a GP trainer. Both were competing at FEI levels. My current trainer does not compete.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

My trainer does not show now, in fact, I couldn't tell you, when she did show, what level she showed at. She has been, in her life, a working student with many people, and worked with many people - several disciplines, but, I think, mostly dressage.

And I don't give a flippin rat's a$$, pardon my language. She is the first trainer who has helped me to understand my body position and its tremendous influence on my horse's movement, both in the saddle and on the ground, who has taught me what good movement should be, who has shown me ground work, who has helped me improve myself and my horse.

I did ride with a woman who qualified for the German nationals, clearly rode FEI level. But I don't think she was that fabulous a trainer or a teacher.

I don't care if I never make it to second level, at this point, because what I am doing now is "real." It betters me, it betters my horse. We can do some things that are way beyond second level, but there are gaps in other things. I'd rather have this trainer, and do things the right way.

It's not just the improvement in strength and ability and carriage that I see in myself and my horse. It's when we finish a ride, and he is relaxed and content and I know it's been positive in many respects. Makes us both look forward to the next time.

[IdahoRider]

I take twice weekly dressage lessons from an event rider that competes on the west coast.
Sheilah

[Tiligsmom]

Wow.... I'm amazed at how a simple question can raise such nasty remarks! I really don't get the animosity and nastiness that is heaped at slc :confused:

Anyway...I ride with a local trainer who competes Regionally. She was long listed years ago in eventing. She studied most of her life with Deitrich vonHopfgarten up until his death.

Some of her students compete, some don't. I compete when I have a sound horse :winkgrin:

[Moderator 1]

Please focus on the topic and avoid the personal commentary directed at other posters.

Generally speaking, while some posters may not find value in comments made in threads and are welcome to disagree with opinions held by others, the personal, sniping comments detract from the thread. It degrades the overall accessibility of information provided by all posters for those who are interested in the discussion.

So please keep the personal comments off of this board.

[Denali]

I ride 3 to 4 days a week with a trainer who was a member of the US Olympic Dressage Team

[goeslikestink]

mines an x 3 day event rider whom has a proven carreer path and is an acrredited trianer in both british show jumping association and british eventing
and still competes
having him i have covered all three displines as one would if a 3 day eventer he also taught pippa funnel to name just one of his success stories

but hes only one of the top notch riders that i know personally

so i am lucky being that they are my freinds

slc2 if you want to be taught then i surgest a 3 day eventer-- with proven pass
lots of them do clinics my trianer comes to usa to do clinics in maryland and ohio
charlotte all round that area

[audgesmom]

I ride with an r judge who is incredibly patient and has a great sense of humor....THANKS DOT!

[merrygoround]

I have ridden with a BHSI instructor, a top event rider, an Olympian, a wanna be top dressage rider, a USDF certified instructor or two, and and a very experienced, horse wise instructor. I took something away with each. ;)

Some were more talented as riders than teachers, some were great at both.

And yes I have worked with those who were a complete waste of time ;)

[Tory Relic]

Former 3 day rider that holds a certification in dressage instruction.

[Lambie Boat]

old school ex SRS guy

[JRG]

My coach is a Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist who also has one heck of a keen eye.

[dwblvr]

The only trainers i work with have been to grand prix several times, have trained in Germany or taken a LOT of instruction from several popular international trainers. My major condition is that they are understanding of my level but most importantly my horse's level.:yes: They also must be kind to my horse and ANY horse they ride and train - I understand there are times for an a** kicking with a horse, but reward them when they are good and do something right. that to me is critical.

[WindsongEq]

I ride with Willie Arts mainly and clinic with David Hunt. So national instructor and international coach.... BTW neither of them are on the top 100 list. I have not made the list yet, but have been close... Maybe next year?

[Mardi]

I clinic with a current competitor who shows nationally (CDI's, Fest. of Champs, etc). Before he moved to another part of the country, my horse was in training with him.

[GeminiPony]

Hi there!

Eventer venturing into dressage-land. I love my jumping, but am also equally in love with dressage.

I take dressage lessons from an advanced eventer. However, she has trained in Europe and some of her past horses have trained the GP movements. She's great for getting you to work through some of those 'sticky' situations that we all get into in the training curve ;).

GP

[Gucci Cowgirl]

I have not been able to train with anyone consistantly for a year now, but I had 6 years of full time training with one rider currently in the top 100 on the int'l list, and had quite a few lessons with another rider currently in the top 100.

Not having your own horse really puts a cramp in your style - instead I get to train horses for other people - way more riding, but it is never the same!

[bcjb]

Competitive, national level. Has students riding from training to PSG. Has taken a couple of her own horses from 0 to GP. Student's horses range in age from 3 to 23 and from "no name" breed to imported warmblood.

[Janet]

My first dressage instructor was ex- SRS, and a judge. I do not know whether or not he rode competitively.

My current dressage instructor has ridden competitively at the FEI level (up to Grand Prix) in the US. However, due to some physical problems, she no longer rides competitively.

[Valentina_32926]

I have two
Trainer #1 - "L" judge, also rides competitively, trains her own horse. She's great at recognizing what I'm doing that's causing the problem :winkgrin: and can provide direction "in more than one way" to fix a problem (like when she tells me do X and that doesn't work she'll say do Y before X). Trained in Europe.
Trainer #2 - Rode GP, was 15th in the nation her first year at GP. Took her horse to GP. No longer competing and no longer working full-time in the industry, yet staying active. Still rides but not as much. Totally "in sync" with Trainer #1 - i.e. they see the same issues and work in similar fashion to resolves it slightly differently but harmonious. :D Trained in Europe.

#3 is a clinician I work with a few times a year. Trained in Europe, has ridden internationally... very classically trained.

[Coreene]

My current trainer does not compete.Yes he does, both dressage and jumpers. He just hasn't been to any shows yet in '08.

[Ambrey]

Yes he does, both dressage and jumpers. He just hasn't been to any shows yet in '08.

Where does he find the time? :eek:

eta: I knew that he had competed some, but as you said he hasn't since I have been with him.

[Gracie]

I clinic about 6 times a year with several international-level dressage competitors/trainers.

One was one of the first to certify with USDF dressage teaching program.

[Mardi]

Question for those who clinic regularly with different people:

do you find their riding principles/teaching techniques/advice to be similar ?

or do some offer what the others don't ?