Scott Hassler Clinic: notes!

[Trixie's mom]

Hello all,
I just had to share what a great time i had this morning riding with Scott Hassler. What a great instructor...here is a recap of some really important things he said...

1. Harmony, Coaching, Correction
These are the criteria he follows in training. Develop harmony...for example...he watched me warm up and said that it was good and 'harmonious'...when we began to address some outside rein issues, Trixie got anxious and nervous and here is where Scott said to 'coach' my horse. He said to help her through the tough part, that i needed to 'be there for her to show her the way'. He was very clear that a coach develops, helps, encourages, gives the tools to improve the movement. He then said that if in coaching a horse requires some discipline then one would bring in the Correction. He said he felt that if i was consistent in Coaching Trixie i wouldn't probably ever have to correct her.

2. it is very important that when we ask a horse for something that we prepare them in such a way that the horse is capable of a response. In order for the rider to have the right to ask, we must show/coach the horse how.

3. in a horse that rushes...the rider can't slow a rushing horse with their hands because it is the legs that are rushing. he had a rider on a young horse that rushed on the long side so he had them develop Harmony on a circle then go up the long side...if the horse rushed, he had the rider circle to reestablish the balance. in relation to this point, keep the horse's poll and neck 'open' to keep the balance on the hind end easier for the horse to attain.

4. he didn't allow riders to demean themselves...for example one rider said they were just doing 'beginning things' he said that everything is important from training to grand prix...

5. i think i remember this one right...he said that some horses that are dull to the leg are actually stiff in the back because the rider is neglecting to allow the horse to go forward when leg aids are applied. a horse must go forward promptly but the rider must be responsible to give the horse somewhere to go.

i'll write more after i get my kids in bed!! i'm also attempting to upload some video of some discussion during my session...

[swgarasu]

Cool post! I always enjoy reading people's clinic reviews. :)

[slc2]

"some horses that are dull to the leg are actually stiff in the back because the rider is neglecting to allow the horse to go forward when leg aids are applied"'

The man is so wise.:D

[Brooklyn Born]

Thanks for sharing Scott Hassler's tips. He sounds like a great trainer. I'm writing some of them down! I'm working hard now to establish a good connection with my wonderful 5 year old mare, and Scott's insights are spot on!

[dkcbr]

2. it is very important that when we ask a horse for something that we prepare them in such a way that the horse is capable of a response. In order for the rider to have the right to ask, we must show/coach the horse how.


5. i think i remember this one right...he said that some horses that are dull to the leg are actually stiff in the back because the rider is neglecting to allow the horse to go forward when leg aids are applied. a horse must go forward promptly but the rider must be responsible to give the horse somewhere to go.



Now I want to ride with him!! These two are GEMS for my own horse and me. Thank you for posting your whole report, but especially these points. :)

[hsheffield]

couldn't agree more: I've been impressed by his coaching-I think he's tactful, helpful and great at getting the most out of a pair.

[XHalt]

Thanks for posting. I get to ride with him again in a few weeks. He's truly one of my favorite horse people!

[wildswan]

Hello all,
I just had to share what a great time i had this morning riding with Scott Hassler.
.....
i'll write more after i get my kids in bed!! i'm also attempting to upload some video of some discussion during my session...

Great post, thanks for sharing. MORE, MORE please, and the video too???? when you have the time.

[Trixie's mom]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WQRWGwsGy4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75i7BykYV6k&feature=channel

It's taking a lot of courage to post these links so, please, no critiques on my riding!! <Wink, wink...> Scott is talking a lot so you can hear a lot of what he thinks is important and his coaching/teaching style.

Two other gems that were discussed during breaks were:
1. Another way to exercise a young horse (or seasoned for that matter) is put the horse in side reins, get two other people and go into the arena. Obviously the arena needs to be fenced for this one! One person stands in the middle and the other two each stand at the ends. Using lunge whips, guide horse freely around arena. the middle person can guide horse to change direction across the diagonal. Scott said he does this with 3 year olds and they really like it. They enjoy the relative freedom and he says that when he goes to ride them, they already know training level patterns!

2. A horse that 'runs' away on the lunge is just like a horse the bolts with the rider...a horse needs to be controlled on the lunge just like when they are ridden.

3. When dealing with a nervous horse, he might spend 5 minutes with them several times a day so that they are conditioned slowly and regularly so they learn to accept direction from the trainer. He will take stuff int he stall with the horse- grooming supplies, a saddle pad so the horse gets used to being handled. If i remember correctly he said the same of ropes from lunge lines and long lines...a horse needs to be comfortable with equipment.

4. He kept reiterating that you must care for the horse from the inside out...cover all bases before you decide that a horse is being 'bad'...be accountable to your horse.

[slc2]

(Jaw drops on floor)

Oh MY that mare looks good!

You get a gold star! REALLY nice job bringing her along! And you definitely know who to work with.

I see such a huge difference in this horse and the progress that has been made is just great!

WOW!

She just looks so elegant and correct. Wow wow and triple wow!:D:D:D:D

[Phaxxton]

Fantastic post - you guys look great.

I ADORE Scott Hassler. I cannot wait for him to come back to my area for a clinic. LOVE HIM!!

[Trixie's mom]

thanks...the positive comments are very encouraging...it's been a tough few years for me personnaly and Trixie has been my guiding light...another important reason for us to care for our horses inside and out!!!

[dressagediosa]

Congrats on a great clinic! Scott will be at my place tomorrow for our montly clinics with him, very exciting stuff.

[Gucci Cowgirl]

he gives effective advice but his delivery is really not my style...

good riding, though!

[Trevelyan96]

Wow.. beautiful mare, great riding, nice video! Thanks for sharing!

[slc2]

"his delivery is really not my style..."

Here's my take on that.

No, I can't say it, I am LMAO.

If someone like Scott Hassler 'wasn't my style', I think I need to change my style.

In fact, with access to knowledge like that, I think I'd stop thinking about 'style'.

[sid]

Scott and Suzanne are two of the finest horsemen/trainers I had the pleasure of dealing with many years ago though all of our contact was by phone. My stallion Boleem (newly acquired by me) stayed at Hilltop for several months to be collected and frozen. During that time, I didn't want him to be idle as he was long-listed. Scott and Suzanne agreed to keep him in work..

They were meticulous and the most professional people in the world of dressage that I've ever encountered. From being on top of every aspect of aspect of his care, staying in contact with me -- and, of course, riding that horse with a keen eye for him as an individual, keeping him at his best...and happy in his work at that demanding level. That was due to their skill and concern for the horse itself.

One would be a fool not to absorb every word either one of them had to offer in a clinic or otherwise when it comes to developing dressage horses. Stellar in all ways.

BTW, Klimke was a proponent of using multiple assistants in the arena when putting a horse in side reins and asking them to go free. Glad to see these "tricks" (as someone called them) have not been lost in the basic training.

I think of them often, now that "Bo" is an elder statesmen and am glad to see how others can see, too, how special the Hasslers are to this sport.

[slc2]

They are both great assets to the dressage community.:)

So has been Mr. Boleem.

[Gucci Cowgirl]

"his delivery is really not my style..."

Here's my take on that.

No, I can't say it, I am LMAO.

If someone like Scott Hassler 'wasn't my style', I think I need to change my style.

In fact, with access to knowledge like that, I think I'd stop thinking about 'style'.


I have access to a person with more experience and knowledge than Scott Hassler, so I am quite comfortable with knowing who's teaching style I prefer. After 10 years of riding with this person, I still learn new things every time I ride with them.

I just find Scott's deliverance to be too patronizing and wordy. (FOR ME). Other people might like that kind of teaching, and really thrive on it. I don't. I am allowed to have a prefered learning and teaching style, thank you very much.

Frankly slc2, your tone is getting increasingly condescending all across this board.

I believe everyone learns differently, some people need a different type of teacher, and a different type of delivery. Some people like to be talked through the ride step by step, some people need to be able to think a little for themselves while they are being taught. Who really cares?

So do you think every single horse learns dressage exactly the same, they all need the exact same style of rider, program and approach? If you do, no wonder you are on the boards instead of out riding and training and giving lessons.

[Brooklyn Born]

I just learned that Scott Hassler will be giving a clinic in my area on January 24th. I am so excited. I will definitely audit it. What a timely post! Thanks!

[sid]

Gucci -- I don't know how to do quotes. But I'll summarize that which I think you were saying...that Scott has a "cookie cutter" approach to dressage training the horse and the rider. And he's too verbose.

That may be your "take", but some educational words are well worth listening to. Even if there are a lot of them to digest.

I've had many a pro pass through my professional endeavor with dressage horses. Regardless, Scott and Suzanne have a wealth of knowledge and skill that few others do. Those in the USA, I can count them on one hand (living, that is).

[Gucci Cowgirl]

Gucci -- I don't know how to do quotes. But I'll summarize that which I think you were saying...that Scott has a "cookie cutter" approach to dressage training the horse and the rider. And he's too verbose.

That may be your "take", but some educational words are well worth listening to. Even if there are a lot of them to digest.

I've had many a pro pass through my professional endeavor with dressage horses. Regardless, Scott and Suzanne have a wealth of knowledge and skill that few others do. Those in the USA, I can count them on one hand (living, that is).

no no, that's not it at all. I have nothing but good things to say about the content of SH's teaching and his theory. I happen to think he is one of the very best young horse trainers I have seen. The only thing that doesn't fit me personally is the way he delivers the information. I could only watch the video posted for about 20 seconds before I had to stop it. If it was in a book I would quite enjoy his comments and his instructions.

[sid]

Gucci--I understand what your are saying now.

You know, I suspect that if you told that to Scott he'd adapt his "delivery" just for you.

I think he's just that kind of person...wink!

[Gucci Cowgirl]

I wouldn't expect anyone to have to adapt their delivery for a person they don't know! Personality and delivery is what makes a person an individual, I think.

Although, if his delivery style were more like my coach's, I would be all over him in a second. (For clinic lessons, I mean) He has a lot to teach!

[patch work farm]

Numerous times I have posted about how much I like riding with Scott and today was no exception. I find it hard to think of him as being wordy-maybe I am just needier than someone who might think that of him.

Frankly, my trainer also trains with Scott and their deliveries are very different, but equally successful. It might just be my situation, but I find Scott to be quieter and he says less but gets results immediately.