Lessons with a former spanish riding school trainer - should I go for it???

[Hels_Bells]

Am currently looking to improve our dressage scores as my boy has lately really got the hang of his XC and his SJ is ok so thinking some attention needs to be focussed on our dressage. I was looking into dressage trainers in our area until a friend mentioned that a rellie of hers who used to be a trainer at the SRS has retired back to her farm up here and would be willing to give us some joint lessons.

I was initially absolutely amazed, overwhelmed and hugely excited about this idea, however, having read a recent post about clashes between different styles of dressage instruction I wonder if it would be a good idea???? I really know very little about dressage outside of a the few unaff prelims I have done and eventing up to BE100 level. (We tend to score about 33/34ish in BE tests and it's improving in the right direction).

My current trainer is an excellent BHSAI, but I couldn't really suggest what "school" of dressage he teaches from other than the "stop mucking about and get on with it" one. We mainly focus on getting the horse "going" well on the flat (usually about 10-20 mins) then move on to XC and SJ. Also my horse has a few existing physical probs etc that do hinder his way of going a little, though I am working with a physio etc to try and improve/solve these as much as we can.

So, should I seize this opportunity by the horns, or be cautious that it may be worlds apart from where I am at and may clash with what I am trying to achieve at BE and therefore could be detrimental??? Do the objectives of the SRS style of classical dressage fall into line with what is expected in a BE test in any way, or are they chalk and cheese?? Essentially while I am desperate to improve our dressage and at the same time improve my horse's comfort and enjoyment of dressage, will my BE results suffer in the short term??

I have heard amazing stories about this person, however, am concerned that their skills may be better focussed on pure classical riders rather than a 30 year old still stuck in the pony club way of doing things!!!!

 

[Halfstep]

Do it! Be prepared to sweat and maybe cry, but it will be an amazing experience. Just have an open mind and try to absorb everything.

There is no difference between the SRS approach and that of the FEI/BE. The road may be slightly different but the aim - a light, forward, rhythmical horse submissive to the riders aids and straight, is the same.

 

[Pasha]

I agree! Might as well take the opportunity as you may learn something If not and you don;'t like the way he teahes, you don't have to go back!

 

[Hels_Bells]

Thanks halfstep - that is what I want for and from my horse for sure, but until I read another post on here it hadn't really occurred to me about a clash in different dressage fields/styles etc.

Am certainly preparing myself for pain!!! For me it seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity but at the same time my goals are very firmly around eventing and was just concerned there may be a parting of the ways (waves?) in the different approaches.

 

[Hels_Bells]

Thanks Pasha - that was certainly my initial approach then I got thinking that it might take us in a different direction to where we want to go!!

All excited about it again now! I will be over the moon if we see an improvement from our 30's scores!!

 

[Halfstep]

There is a difference between the "schools" but the main difference is between the Frence/Iberian schools and the German, not the SRS (which is much closer to what we think of now as German classical than to French). The main difference being the emphasis on forwardness and suppleness as first principles, rather than the Baucher influenced French school which emphasises lightness and balance before impulsion.

 

[epsilon]

Do try it, but be prepared to get very hot and tired!!!You can then make your own decision about whether you like what is being taught and whether it works for you. I had a lesson with an FBHS that every one raved about. All she did was shout at me and reduce me to tears (and I am a lady of a certain age, not a youngster!) so I voted with my feet. I was later told that was because she had thought I was worth improving - Didn't do anything for me at all! When my last horse was having confidence issues, I left my usual dressage trainer and went for lessons with an eventer. His dressage was not up to my standard, but what he taught me in terms of my horse was invaluable - Give it a go and go with your instincts.

 

[Hels_Bells]

Thanks epsilon! That's interesting, luckily I don't think they will be too harsh from a shouting perspective as thier goddaughter will be taking part with me (and i don't think they are that sort of person anyway), but am certainly prepared to be exhausted by it which is fine with me!!!! But agree, both my horse and i respond much better to positive encouragement than tough love/general berating!!!!

 

[diggerbez]

oooh sounds very exciting! yes definitely go for it- you can always stop having lessons if you find that it doesn't suit!

 

[camilla4]

Hels-Bells, I say go for it. Forget about the different schools and think more in terms of whether this trainer's personal approach actually works for you and your horse. One lesson certainly won't cause any "clash" with work that you've been doing so far and you never know when a particular trainer's approach will revolutionise your results! Give it a try and I reckon you'll know pretty quickly whether or not you're going to get anything out of it.

Hell, I'd go just out of curiosity

 

[FrodoBeutlin]

And possibly quite a few differences between Dutch school and the rest of the world

Agree with Halfstep re.the SRS, there are plenty of big names with SRS 'connections' - Jessica & Benjamin Werndl for instance use a SRS trainer to teach all of their horses piaffe and passage, I seem to remember he goes to their yard once or twice a month.

 

[Hels_Bells]

Brilliant - thanks so much for the reassurance everyone! Am now all goose-bumpy about it again and can't wait to have a go!!

 

[camilla4]

Brilliant - thanks so much for the reassurance everyone! Am now all goose-bumpy about it again and can't wait to have a go!!

We can't wait for you to have a go either so you can tell us all about it!!

 

[oldvic]

Who is the trainer ? There will be nothing controversial just good sound training and no place for short cuts. Everything I have learnt from SRS training has applied to horses from many disciplines, not just pure dressage.

 

[Allover]

I had training with a Classical dressage trainer and i loved it, i found the main difference to be that he really concentrated on me and not the horse. If i was not in the correct position then my horse cannot go correctly, i rode his very well schooled horses and i spent the first little while scooting accross the school at half pass when i had asked for something completely different (like trot)!!


I will say that if any trainer is shouting and getting upset with their rider then you should really look for another trainer, a good trainer should be able to get their message accross without having to resort to this.

Best of luck, i hope you get hooked!!

 

[Allover]

There will be nothing controversial just good sound training and no place for short cuts. Everything I have learnt from SRS training has applied to horses from many disciplines, not just pure dressage.

Could not agree more!