If you could send a horse out to the best...

[columbus]

Who would it be?
If you wanted a classical dressage trainer...a very pleasant person who keeps contact with an owner...and of course who takes great care of horses and lets horses be horses. If you goal was to get the horse to Grand Prix but to have the horse shown as they go and are ready and not to show yourself. Assume a talented horse with the ability to do the work. Who would give you the best experience...make it a pleasure to have a partnership with. Thanks PatO

[Gucci Cowgirl]

I think it's a very personal opinion, and it depends in the owner's personality, the trainer/rider's personality, and of course the dynamic between your horse, and your trainer.

Sometimes it doesn't work out even when the most phenominal horse is sent to the world's top trainer.

For me, I would send a horse to my original teacher/coach/mentor. I know exactly what the routine is, exactly what the atmosphere is, and all the inner workings of the barn and the people in it. That what makes it a good decision, because I am informed. I know the horse would be comfortable, succesful, and treated fairly while advancing all the way to the top.

The people I lesson with now since I moved, I have a good idea, but am not completely immersed in the programs, so there are a lot of question marks still.

Too bad I don't have a horse ;)

[Miss Dior]

Sabine Schut-Kery in Cali. She is all that and then some. Has a FEI level groom that takes care of my baby and tucks him in/handles his turnout/special feed/wraps/laundry/rt medical care,etc. Will ONLY show when absolutely ready and has a work ethic that is outstanding. Honest/talented/the best!!! Pics/videos/telephone updates on a regular basis.

[Ashby]

Who would it be?
If you wanted a classical dressage trainer...a very pleasant person who keeps contact with an owner...and of course who takes great care of horses and lets horses be horses. If you goal was to get the horse to Grand Prix but to have the horse shown as they go and are ready and not to show yourself. Assume a talented horse with the ability to do the work. Who would give you the best experience...make it a pleasure to have a partnership with. Thanks PatO

Thomas Ritter. The guy studied with von Neindorff. He is really very brilliant.

[siegi b.]

Willy Arts of DG Bar Ranch, if you can get in there....

[petitefilly]

Peter Kjellerup in Florida. He is wonderful. Though, I am not sure he still takes in youngsters, but he'd be my first pick.

[grayarabpony]

Peter Kjellerup in Florida. He is wonderful. Though, I am not sure he still takes in youngsters, but he'd be my first pick.

So that's where he is now! I took 2 lessons with him in PA over a dozen years ago and he was amazing. He lived in eastern PA and came out to western PA a couple of times for clinics.

My OTTB mare did not have a reliable right lead canter at that time. She'd had a year off from the track and I hadn't been riding her very long. If I got her perfectly straight she'd pick up the right lead 50% of the time. It was beginning to look like we might be stuck in walk/ trot classes forever. :lol:

If I got her in the correct position to take the right lead, she'd freeze. He hopped on her, with clogs, didn't bother to adjust the stirrups, just crossed them over. He worked on moving her hindquarters way to the right. She got tense, so he just rode her on the buckle. At first all she'd do was stop when he got her in the correct place for a right lead depart. Then all she'd do was canter in place. Then she realized that she was free to go and that it was all right. She did not have a physical problem, it was all in her head. Coming out of the starting gate in the left lead, we wondered? She had raced for 4 years. This reschooling took 13 minutes. I have it on video. From that time forward I was able to get the right lead, no problem. At first I had her move the hindquarters over to the right first, then even that was no longer necessary.

I watched him give lessons to other people in the barn as well and he gave excellent advice. He is a first rate trainer.

[BaroquePony]

Originally posted by grayarabpony:

with clogs

:lol:

Yup, I have heard that Peter Kjellerup is excellent. Very broad base of knowledge.

[papony]

Unless there are two Peter Kjellerups, Peter isn't riding or training horses anymore. He and his wife Mandy founded Dansko years ago and its growth and success has kept them both extremely busy.

They have leased their Wellington, Florida facility to Legacy Farms. As far as I know (and I talked with him only a few months ago), he and Mandy are in PA full time with Dansko and his involvement with the horses is vicarious through his daughter, Mette, and his friends and former students.

I worked with them in the 80s for years. They had an enormous impact on my riding and my life....not the least of which was bringing over this 18 year old kid, named Lars Petersen, to work with us AAs during the winter while they went to Florida!

[slc2]

--There are a lot of people who could train and show your horse for you. The good ones can be quite expensive, though.

--I would suggest the most important thing for you based on your comments might be to be able to watch the trainer ride the horse frequently, so you can see exactly how things are going and if you are very particular about are comfortable with how it's done. I also know that can cause tension with a trainer, there are pluses and minuses on both sides.

--But, the ability to stop by and see the training may limit you to someone you can travel to easily and frequently.

-- Just in general, I think it's important to 'check up' on the trainer and be sure the horse is getting worked regularly - even, some would say, dropping in unexpectedly (certainly not after hours, but unannounced). I've seen enough of trainers not doing the work they're paid for, to very regretfully suggest it's worth checking up on most of them from time to time.

--Too, many trainers judge, compete, do clinics out of town. I think it's very important to ask point blank what the arrangements are for while they are out of town. Usually, an assistant rides the horse, but be very sure you are comfortable with the assistant's riding (they're usually excellent) and that there IS an arrangement.

--If the horse is very unfit (training with a top trainer usually requires a much higher degree of fitness), you may consider having the assistant 'leg up' the horse for a few months under the trainer's supervision, if that's available, it might be cheaper.

lets horses be horses.

--If this means many hours of turnout in a grass pasture, not many training stables have that sort of turnout available. That may further limit your choice of trainer - it may eliminate most trainers, in fact...and to be honest, I think that if the horses get plenty of attention, good feed, plenty of exercise and other horse company, they do very well without.

--As you know most horse people are very opinionated, and I wouldn't expect all of even the best of trainer/owner relationships to be 'a pleasure to partner with'. The trainer may have very strong opinions and he or she may have a very different perspective than an owner. If he or she is a good trainer it will, however, be the best way to handle the in-training horse.

[sid]

The Poulin's or Jim Kofford

[STF]

Whit Watkins -
www.whitwatkins.com (http://www.whitwatkins.com)

[BaroquePony]

The Poulins are an excellent choice. I have seen Mike Poulin lean over and apologize to his horse for giving an aid poorly (his giving an aid "poorly" is not noticeable to anyone but the horse). That is how he is.

He is very good.

[grayarabpony]

Unless there are two Peter Kjellerups, Peter isn't riding or training horses anymore. He and his wife Mandy founded Dansko years ago and its growth and success has kept them both extremely busy.

They have leased their Wellington, Florida facility to Legacy Farms. As far as I know (and I talked with him only a few months ago), he and Mandy are in PA full time with Dansko and his involvement with the horses is vicarious through his daughter, Mette, and his friends and former students.

I worked with them in the 80s for years. They had an enormous impact on my riding and my life....not the least of which was bringing over this 18 year old kid, named Lars Petersen, to work with us AAs during the winter while they went to Florida!

No, we're talking about the same one. :) He was talking about retirement from training/ traveling for clinics when I took those 2 lessons from him 12 or 13 years ago.

I took this question to be more of a "if you COULD"... not necessarily based in reality.

[slc2]

Another strong vote for the Poulins. They make a very dedicated team and work together.

I watched Mike at a show in Florida, warmup then show a horse many had found too difficult to bother with - he got the horse's trust. He warmed up with the reins dropped on the horse's neck, and if he was afraid, Mike was very gentle and sympathetic to him, the horse was petrified of some bystanders and it was just amazing to watch mike work thru that without ever touching the reins.

I think he can deal with anything and bring out the best of any horse.

An incredible horseman.

They seem to love all horses, two sisters ride and train incredibly well and so do both mr and mrs poulin. They have bred and trained many warmbloods but their schoolmaster Herb is a thb. They have worked with many Lusitanos, Andalusians, simply because they enjoy them. His daughter kate rode a 15.1 hand 'pony' (Dutch-Thb cross, just small) to medal in the Pan Am games. Kate is just absolutely incredible, fabulous hands.

[egontoast]

You could send your horse to slc.

She knows EEEEVVEEERRYYTHING!:winkgrin:

[ridgeback]

Or you could send it to egontoast who thinks she knows everything...:winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

[Roan]

Thomas Ritter. The guy studied with von Neindorff. He is really very brilliant.

I second this whole heartedly. Don't forget Shana, his wife. Actually, if I sent my mare to them I'd want Shana to work with her instead.

Eileen

[AZ Native]

I have it on video.


Wow! Anyway to get it to UTube so we can see ?

[grayarabpony]

The ride is on VHS tape and I couldn't post it on youTube without Peter's permission, sorry.

[PaddyUK]

It would have to be the one and only Mr Carl Hester.

I'm assuming - in this little 5 minute fantasy of mine - that if I can afford something good enough to go all the way, then I can afford his fees:lol:

Paddy

[goeslikestink]

i go along with that but also jennie laristone clark

[Fairview Horse Center]

Lendon Gray.

Another less well known person but gets very good results is Angela Sasso.

[Strictly Classical]

Without hesitation I would send a horse to Jessica Jo (JJ) Tate. She is a lovely, extremely talented rider who can bring out the best in any horse. She is also one of the kindest people you will ever meet. Lastly, she truly loves horses and puts them as her top priority. She will not compromise a horse to push them along too fast in the training. It takes however long it takes. She gets excellent results. :)

[Valentina_32926]

My OTTB mare did not have a reliable right lead canter at that time. She'd had a year off from the track and I hadn't been riding her very long. If I got her perfectly straight she'd pick up the right lead 50% of the time. It was beginning to look like we might be stuck in walk/ trot classes forever. :lol:

If I got her in the correct position to take the right lead, she'd freeze. He hopped on her, with clogs, didn't bother to adjust the stirrups, just crossed them over. He worked on moving her hindquarters way to the right. She got tense, so he just rode her on the buckle. At first all she'd do was stop when he got her in the correct place for a right lead depart. Then all she'd do was canter in place. Then she realized that she was free to go and that it was all right. She did not have a physical problem, it was all in her head. Coming out of the starting gate in the left lead, we wondered? She had raced for 4 years. This reschooling took 13 minutes. I have it on video. From that time forward I was able to get the right lead, no problem. At first I had her move the hindquarters over to the right first, then even that was no longer necessary.

Cool story - Thanks for sharing!:yes:

[DQonaDraft]

Another vote for JJ Tate!!!

Fabulous rider and trainer, loves the horses in her care, SUPER nice person.

Can not say enough good things about her!

[Bellfleur]

Michael and Vera Barisone

or

Jonhannes Westendarp

[ironbessflint]

http://rowestables.com

[SCFHan]

For young horses, no better then Bob Orton and Sherra Kosch. Yes you wont get the million dollar barn and the FEI groom, but you get great honest training and fabulous care of your horse while there. They are some of the few true, honest, hard working "Horsemen" still out there.

Could not be happier with work they have done for me and my horse!

[mickeydoodle]

Hilltop Farm- Chris Hickey is the head trainer, and they have two wonderful assistant trainers who are also fabulous with the young horses. They show extensively in hand and under saddle. The farm is beautiful with excellent care.

[sidelines]

If you are looking for the real deal, talent, knowledge, great references, great team, definately contact Ellie Coletti...781-789-3016...welcomes visitors ..attention to detail that can't be matched.

[Coreene]

Ollie would fly KLM and go to Sjef. :yes:

[tbtula]

Ingrid Klimke....love her. Seen her at NEDA twice, (and had the joy of talking to her) would fly my boy out in a heartbeat!

[sid]

Yes...I forgot to mention Bob and Sherra. They started Argosy for me and were just wonderful. Outstanding horsemen who are great with the stallions and super with the youngsters.

[veezee]

http://www.ridingmagazine.com/riding_onlinemag/rm_article_jan08_ljbanks.htm

LJ Banks would be my choice.:)

[Auventera Two]

Betsy Steiner
http://www.betsysteinerdressage.com/steiner.html

She spoke at our year end award's banquet one year and left quite an impression on me. She's a very kind and unbleivably talented rider. She gave everyone great words of wisdom that really sticks with you. She was also very funny and didn't take herself too seriously. She'll be in Minnesota in October and I would love to audit.

[mmt]

Many of those I like have already been mentioned - although obviously I would add Steffen and Shannon Peters to the list based on what I have seen in clinics and on video.

To mention another name not already listed, I have had very good luck with my young horses and FEI horses with Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel at First Choice Farm.

She, JJ Tate and Chris Hickey are in MD (although JJ and Chris go to Florida in the winter).

[Fairview Horse Center]

Yes, let me third Bob and Sherra! They do a wonderful job.

[patch work farm]

Where are you located or is that not an issue (based on the suggestion someone made of checking up, I would think you'd need to be somewhat nearby?).

If you are here on the East Coast, you have been given some of the best suggestions:
Sherra and Bob, Chris Hickey, Felicitous, JJ Tate and I can attest to the care/training given by my FEI trainer Todd Bryan, also in Md (actually about 10 minutes from JJ).

Todd had a horse of mine in Wellington for 2 winters and I was completely comfortable with the situation. I knew he was riding/showing him, they progressed to 4th level with high scores but I never thought he over worked the horse. What I liked best was that they do treat them like horses. He and his wife trained with Mike Poulin for a number of years.

[LD1129]

Todd is great! He is so nice and really treats his horses well! I have had the opportunity to watch him ride many times since we attend a lot of the same shows. He is always willing to lend a hand when needed:)



If you are here on the East Coast, you have been given some of the best suggestions:
Sherra and Bob, Chris Hickey, Felicitous, JJ Tate and I can attest to the care/training given by my FEI trainer Todd Bryan, also in Md (actually about 10 minutes from JJ).

Todd had a horse of mine in Wellington for 2 winters and I was completely comfortable with the situation. I knew he was riding/showing him, they progressed to 4th level with high scores but I never thought he over worked the horse. What I liked best was that they do treat them like horses. He and his wife trained with Mike Poulin for a number of years.

[Kyzteke]

I second this whole heartedly. Don't forget Shana, his wife. Actually, if I sent my mare to them I'd want Shana to work with her instead.

Eileen

They are (sort of) in my area (PNW), and I wonder why you say this. I know them only by reputation and I've seen Thomas at a long-lining demo and afew horse shows.

[Julz]

Brad Cutshall in MI. I would feel comfortable with my horses living there, and progressing well to their abilities. Maybe not a BNT, but talented enough to feel good about it.

[Lambie Boat]

I think Michael Etherly would be the guy for us. His love of horses, riding and training is pretty evident. Or Shannon Peters, because Steffen is really tooooo busy.

[Julz]

Yeah, I like Michael E too. He used to be in MI with Karen Reid Offield. I saw an ad recently that he is riding Andalusians- but I don't know where.

[columbus]

I also have non-continental warmbloods (Irish Draughts) so I would like someone who doesn't have a closed mind to horses other than the thoroughly modern warmblood. I was curious what "big" names might be on this list. I do realize that sending a horse out to a coast or Florida is a very scary thing but I also find that my IDs have pretty good minds to settle in and adapt and their charm is attention getting...they are hard to ignore. My goal doing this is to get these nice horses to people(trainers and riders) who attract a lot of attention. I have found I enjoy keeping a horse in training and showing though I never enjoyed showing myself. My breed needs to be seen to squash preconceptions about what an Irish Draught actually is so my thought is to find a platform with the right trainer who is wonderful and fun. I do have a great trainer now locally and we do very well but Minnesota is a pretty small world with a very short season. Anyway thanks for the ideas. PatO

[dalpal]

The Poulin's or Jim Kofford

Jim is working with my mare and gelding right now...I get to watch him work with lots of horses daily....he is WONDERFUL !