Donald Kear

[Kentisheventer]

I had a lesson with him last year, and am looking for someone to have some SJ lessons with over the winter. How do you guys rate him as a trainer? He seems quite 'jokey' but in a good way- i liked that, but in one lesson wasnt able to completely decide whether i liked him or not. Thanks

 

[Divasmum]

Only know him through Riding Clubs and BHS but has loads of knowledge and a very good reputation. If I were you I would have another lesson and then decide.

 

[rolyview]

i had a few lessons at bhs camp and i really liked him ....i quite liked the fact that he was jokey but i know everyone doesnt like that but he does have alot of knowledge! i agree with divasmum have another lesson or two then decide

 

[Rowreach]

I love him!

He stayed here last week to do a clinic and I had a couple of lessons with my 4yo, and have to say they were among the best jumping lessons I think I've had. He has phenomenal knowledge which he is happy to share, and a great feel for the people and horses he is teaching.

And he did the washing up

 

[teabagtoyota]

A friend and I had a lesson with him a few years ago AND he fell asleep in his chair in the corner of the indoor school covered up with a horse rug and his hat just over his eyes so you weren't really sure.......... my friend and I where both gobsmacked, stopped for about ten mins and stood in front of him to see if he would wake, after a few snores we realised it was a lost cause so carried on using the indoor school then left, never in my life have I felt like such a sh1t rider when my instructor falls asleep! Did no good for my confidence and put us off for years before finally getting more lessons!

 

[cavalo branco]

I really like him for lessons, he's fun and very knowledgeable. He does XC, gridwork and flatwork as well as SJ, mainly for riding clubs. Perhaps its because he calls me "dolly" when I am clearly over the hill!!

 

[bu_apple]

ha ha he calls me Dolly too!! I think he is great- re falling asleep! that is pretty funny!!
He is a very good instructor and knows his stuff -his motto is 'get the basics right and success will follow'' which is very true- i know alot of eventing people like him.
He's not every ones cup of tea but i think thats because he is so honest and some people don't like th truth!

 

[gw171093]

Watch his grid work with slightly unconfindent horses - it involves a LOT of poles! At Pony club camp he made us trot down 32 poles in a row - i have to say the poor horses were slightly confused! I think he is good for one off lessons but i think after a while he gets quite tiring!

 

[SpruceRI]

[ QUOTE ]
Watch his grid work with slightly unconfindent horses - it involves a LOT of poles! At Pony club camp he made us trot down 32 poles in a row - i have to say the poor horses were slightly confused! I think he is good for one off lessons but i think after a while he gets quite tiring!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes - our RC gridwork sessions are like that. A sea of poles. I think he uses every single one we own!!

I get called Dolly too, that must be when he can't remember your name.... that's after he's called you other rude names and answered his mobile 10 times!

He's good fun but I've never had a one to one lesson with him. Not sure I could stand the verbals on my own for a whole hour !!!

 

[scally]

His gridwork lessons are brilliant, one of the old fashioned trainers that actually knows how to do grids and get the horses thinking, using themselves and gets them up in the air, and the rider not interferring.

He is certainly not a trainer for the sensitive rider, but if you are hardworking and trust him in what your abilities are as a trainer he is more than worth the money.