Lessons with professionals

[PoppyAnderson]

I ride regularly with an Olympic dressage rider (he's not in Paris but is GB). Not once has he been harsh towards my horse, nor encouraged me to be harsh. In fact, he's never blamed my horse for anything not quite coming off; it's always clear that I need to be better so my horse can do it, which I think is right. He's a really nice guy and the lessons are fun. I have no complaints.

I've also had a few lessons with another Olympic dressage rider. He was also very kind and understanding, didn't say or do anything which anyone could complain about as being too harsh, violent etc.

I had an XC lesson with an Olympic eventer once as well, a few years ago now. He wasn't too tough either, he was just completely disinterested. the lesson consisted of him pointing out jumps and saying "do that one" Blooming expensive lesson it was too. Still, we got a nice photo of him towering above my little horse afterwards.

Is it Gareth Hughes? I always think he rides beautifully and calmly and his daughter, Ruby, looks to be going the same way. Ruby is the next generation of team GB and I so hope that continues to ride and train in this way.

 

[PoppyAnderson]

Duplicate.

 

[PoppyAnderson]

Whilst I've always admired CDJ's riding, I've never thought much of her teaching. Carl articulates himself very well, whereas Charlotte doesn't ever seem to convey her training points effectively. I think this contributes to her frustration levels. She can't get her point across, the pupil struggles therefore to apply what she's saying and CDJ gets irritated. Instead of trying a different way of explaining something, she just seems to shout louder and repeat herself.

 

[Orangehorse]

To be a coach is an art in itself, and not everyone can be. Its well known, surely, that just because someone has been a very successful rider doesn't automatically make them a good instructor.

Of course they try, they have to make a living and the success means that they can charge a good fee. I think the sensible ones stick to producing horses and keep away from pupils. The trouble is that the more talented someone is as a rider the harder it is to convey what they do to a rider. Why doesn't it just happen like it does when I get on a horse? And try to convey what they are doing to their pupil.

Of course some are great, and have lots of experience and tools so it isn't just one system to fit every horse, but it isn't for anyone.

 

[McFluff]

In my personal experience the standard of coaching now is better than I’ve had in the past (30 yr ago) - such as recognising that tack, rider skill or pain could explain a behaviour. I’ve been going to lots of clinics with ‘names’ as well as coaches with good qualifications and all have been good with horse welfare in evidence. I tend not to carry a whip or wear spurs, and my horse is sparky and forward, so that is maybe a factor.
Years ago my friend had a very bad experience as a work rider at a showjumping yard. Her lovely mare (and indeed my friend) were never the same after. However, in balance, she felt that was a bad egg compared to any of her other coaches.

 

[LEC]

Whilst I've always admired CDJ's riding, I've never thought much of her teaching. Carl articulates himself very well, whereas Charlotte doesn't ever seem to convey her training points effectively. I think this contributes to her frustration levels. She can't get her point across, the pupil struggles therefore to apply what she's saying and CDJ gets irritated. Instead of trying a different way of explaining something, she just seems to shout louder and repeat herself.

Have you been taught by Charlotte? Everything I have watched over the years has been excellent though admittedly in public settings, I have watched maybe 10 demos? I have watched her teach Maxi cobs through to posh ponies and it’s always the same message. Absolute world class basics.

 

[Janique]

In 1999, i was a working pupil at quiet well known eventer yard.

He had financial troubles and he took it on the horses, you could tell when he was going to be hard on them.

He rode the other working pupil Anna little bay mare and was very rough with her, he always wanted her to carry her head lower but i guess, she wasn't really built for it.

He was putting so much pressure on her that she started rearing all the time....

Then Anna rode her and she went over, breaking the poor girl's pelvis, she was off for a long time and never rode again.

I left shortly after that incident, luckily, he didn't like riding my own horse but i know that if he had tried on mine, i would have left immediatly.

I really hate it when people have a go at the horses because they have other problemes.

Needless to say, he was never successful at high level, his temper did let him down.