Has anyone had a lesson with Stephen Clarke?

[milliepops]

I see there is one slot left on a BD clinic.
I am a fan of one-off lessons now and then, I have had some super breakthroughs particularly with people I really respect. I have enjoyed watching Stephen at demos doing live judging etc so this does appeal.
Anyone had a lesson in the past? it's eyewateringly expensive, which is my reason for hesitating *weep*

 

[Tiddlypom]

Go for it! I’ve never had a lesson with him, but he’s local and very highly regarded by folk I know and respect. He’s not at all snobby about less conventional dressage horses, either .

 

[milliepops]

well I saw there was also a freebie space for a demo rider for a judge seminar the next day so booked them both. Darcy can do that if they will have us (it's intro C!!) and K can do the pay-thru-the-nose lesson eep.

Yes TP I really enjoyed his "dressage for all" slot at the BD convention a few years ago which had all sorts so I feel quite happy to take my stumpy native

 

[milliepops]

*hopes that none of the people on the "how to save money" thread stalk me to this one*. Training is my biggest financial weakness!

 

[McFluff]

There are worse things to have as your weakness!
I’ve not had a lesson with him, but a friend has, and she loved it. Said it was a real lightbulb lesson for her.
Enjoy. Life is for living

 

[hottoddy]

You won’t regret it, he’s a man of very few words (will be different if you ride in the demo!) but can make a massive difference with a few sentences.
Will look out for you on Sunday!!

 

[daffy44]

Yes, I was a guinea pig rider for a demo he did years ago when my mare and I were green at psg. After the demo he offered to give us a lesson, and he was very good, but a little too nice maybe? But still gave me some brilliant new exercises and I really enjoyed both the demo and the lesson.
I was a guinea pig again for him last sept with my youngster, we were the 4yr old horse for his training forum, and he was fantastic with us, couldnt have been better. I'd seize the opportuntity!

 

[splashgirl45]

he came to my old yard and did a clinic, i couldntr afford a lesson but i watched every one and learnt quite a lot. i liked the way he taught, no shouting and a nice way of explaining stuff...please post a report after you have been

 

[ycbm]

I train with Paul Hughes who is sole tenant at a yard Stephen owns and was taught by him, and I would say if you can afford it, go for it. I've seen him train locally and I like his quiet, calm delivery with good explanation of the why as well as the what.

.

 

[milliepops]

I train with Paul Hughes who is sole tenant at a yard Stephen owns and was taught by him, and I would say if you can afford it, go for it. I've seen him train locally and I like his quiet, calm delivery with good explanation of the why as well as the what.

.

Well I can't really, but YOLO and all that ?

 

[madamebonnie]

My friends and I train with a lady who works closely with him. A few of them go for lessons regularly, I've been to watch a few aswell. Absolutely go for it. Hes lovely and everyone has come back ecstatic. I keep putting off signing up for a lesson thinking we're not ready yet but next time ? I'm my own worst nightmare.

 

[claret09]

sounds amazing. enjoy

 

[timbobs]

*hopes that none of the people on the "how to save money" thread stalk me to this one*. Training is my biggest financial weakness!

I see you! ? ? I’d totally book though, so no judgement here!

 

[milliepops]

I see you! ? ? I’d totally book though, so no judgement here!

???? this is why I'm broke ?

 

[scats]

Not personally but my friend did. Stephen very kindly shared his packet of digestive biscuits with me on a very cold January morning!
The lesson was excellent.

 

[Tiddlypom]

???? this is why I'm broke ?

Much better a single lesson with a top trainer than x sets of new matchy matchy IMHO. Training is always worth it!

 

[Auslander]

I had a lesson with him donkeys years ago, on a horse that was very talented, but incredibly complex. It was one of those lessons you never forget - I loved it. The horse entered the arena backwards on his hindlegs, and came out all soft, compliant and lovely! He's a magician!

 

[Wheels]

Have a great time MP! I'm sure you will get a lot out of it

 

[ITPersonnage]

Forgive me if I'm speaking from ignorance as I've never met you or seen you ride, but from your postings MP, of all the people on the forum you are probably one of the elite who could properly benefit from expensive tuition!! I'd help crowd fund you if you needed it Go girl !!

 

[Ossy2]

He’s my trainers trainer and I’ve had a couple of lessons. I really liked but as others said he’s a man of few words lol I could through a lesson with him saying all of about 10 words, albeit over and over again lol but somehow we always learn loads and go better than ever.

 

[rara007]

Enjoy!

 

[outdoor girl]

Had lessons from him many, many years ago on a homebred horse with lots of issues. A man of few words, but the results say it all. The main words I remember coming from his mouth were "now she looks like a dressage horse"!!!!! No idea just what I did to get that comment, but he must have told me to do something which worked. Just go for it. It's a lesson you'll remember for ever.

 

[Goldenstar]

He trained me years ago I had lessons one to one with him every day .
Go he’s the most incredibly talented man .

 

[Rowreach]

Forgive me if I'm speaking from ignorance as I've never met you or seen you ride, but from your postings MP, of all the people on the forum you are probably one of the elite who could properly benefit from expensive tuition!! I'd help crowd fund you if you needed it Go girl !!

I am so going to be giving MP a hard time from now on

 

[milliepops]

Forgive me if I'm speaking from ignorance as I've never met you or seen you ride, but from your postings MP, of all the people on the forum you are probably one of the elite who could properly benefit from expensive tuition!! I'd help crowd fund you if you needed it Go girl !!

well that's a nice thing to say but I think everyone can benefit from great training

 

[outdoor girl]

Be sure to ask someone to film all or at least part of the lesson. I used to go to mine with a friend who filmed mine. It's lovely looking back and seeing my ugly duckling turning into a swan and even now, many years later, we talk about the lessons and just how much we both learned. Unfortunately the horse had an accident so swapped career to become a brood mare and long time field ornament until she went over the rainbow.
P.S. Remember we all want to see the pics

 

[milliepops]

Be sure to ask someone to film all or at least part of the lesson.

I will try
My bestest one-off lesson was with CDJ and I have the whole thing on video and watched it on repeat for about 2 weeks afterwards, ramming the full thing into my brain!

 

[Nicnac]

Oh wow - what a fantastic opportunity (you can't take it with you so may as well spend it whilst you're here!). I have never seen him teach, just watched him judge and can't wait for your write up. Enjoy!

 

[Goldenstar]

If you only have one lesson you need a focus to get the most out of it
Steven was the person who helped me understand feel and how it develops and contact as a progression through the scales of training
he favours bold riders who are prepared to make a mistake or two
you could also use his judges eye
Just thought this might help you plan your session .

 

[oldie48]

Ill come and video or even better bring my little camera?