Thanks to everyone who took part, spectated and supported the clinic on the 7th. In a nutshell it was a great success and the day was both informative and a good laugh.
Lauren Wilson started the day with her horse Harry and produced some fantastic lengthening and collecting work. Within the space of 45mins Harry was working with enhanced elevation and for us spectators it was very interesting to see a horse with established correct paces, being developed further to produce real spring and lift, especially in the canter work.
Lorri Ould riding Zurito at the A.P.H. Show at Pachesham, Leatherhead.
We progressed to the training in process of an advanced Andalusian Stallion, ridden by Lorri Ould who now takes part in Demos with Peter and El Caballo de Espana across the country. Lorri happily admits that 3 years ago she was just a happy hacker, thus is hope for us all !!!! and indeed she wowed us all with her grace and well…anyone who saw Zurito will know what I mean, when I say, it was a real novelty to see what correct training and observation of Classical concepts can produce..Truly enlightening!!!!
We also had two younger Andalusians, owned by Sally Pentrides and ridden by Lisa Cahill, going through their paces. It was interesting to observe the exercises that were producing such relaxation and cooperation between young, inexperienced stallions and their riders. Again illuminating the importance of consistent and correct training of the youngster.
Of course us mere mortals also had a go, Laura Haywood and Prince worked on stretching and flexion work in walk and rider position and its effect on the horses way of going. Laura experimented with different movements of the seat and hip, to allow Prince to stretch and start working through his back.
Lorri Ould riding Zurito at the L.B.S. Show at Hartpury, Gloucester.
The real highlight of the day was Lauren Taylor (11yrs) and her pony Clyde (150yrs). Indeed if anyone thinks these clinics are just for adults with big flashy horses then think again. Lauren impressed us all with her quick understanding of principles that most adults do not understand, let alone execute. Peter made her session fun and easy to understand, resulting in a very different pony, working from seat aids and correct use of the rein. Lauren started to work the pony without the tell tale childish pulling on inside rein and like Laura, started to work on her own position in relation to Clyde's way of going. Really great to see a youngster comprehending and enjoying riding in a correct manner, indeed after the session Lauren asked if she could have another lesson with Peter next week!!! Coming from a child and pony partnership who have found the school rather boring and tedious, it was great to observe newfound enthusiasm.
Then there was me, well to keep a long story short, anyone who knows myself and Chunk, knows he has not been the most forthcoming personality when it comes to training, yet Peter managed to tap into the enthusiastic side of Chunk's character and thus had best and most productive ride with him, since his purchase. A step in the right direction!!!
Peter will be taking clinics here at 6-8 weekly intervals, and they are open to any horse/pony, child/adult combination. There is no pretence in his teaching and thus, fat, hairy cobs and hunters alike can all learn and progress using a correct system of training. All too often riders and horses become stale, due to inconsistent and incorrect schooling.
Hope to see more of you at next clinic and thanks again to all who helped and supported, cheers, CB
Feedback from the Enlightened Equitation Forum:
Many thanks to you for organising Peter's clinic. You did a brilliant job and coming to Honnington from Shoreham instead of travelling upto Northants was a wonderful plus for me - especially as it only took 25 minutes instead of the usual 3 or so hours!
I am sorry Redbloom that I wasn't able to stay and watch your session but I trust that you, the other riders and the spectators found Peter's teaching fired you with enthusiasm. Certainly Cobstar has understood the message!
Peter is a very unique person - unlike most well-known trainers, he does not have to rely on competition results to enhance his own reputation. I know he has successfully competed over the years but does not feel the need to broadcast the fact. He has far greater integrity. For Peter, in the equation of learning, it is not the teacher who is important, but the student. He is as genuine helping a novice combination as he is teaching a serious-minded competition rider. Testiment to him though is the fact that he does have a yard full of horses who could successfully compete tomorrow in affiliated competitions. These horses (mostly stallions) have been trained by him and his partner Danielle or through him via his grooms.
In general, there persists a sterile atmosphere of 'you are only as good as your last dressage score' whereby trainers and riders are more interested in competition results. It is probably as well to remember that the greatest and most historic of horse trainers were not competitors... but Peter's fundamental methods remain completely in line with the most forward thinking modern trainers, whilst maintaining the classical emphasise - i.e. training horses and riders systematically and correctly. He constantly maintains that the horse should be trained in an athletic way which enables it to respond effectively to the riders' commands whether they are riding a Grand Prix test or hacking across a busy road! One of the most genuine and original instructors I have ever seen, his ability to get straight to any riding problem and show the student how to correct or improve it, means that the student does not spent months literally going round in circles. He or she actually learns how to influence their horse and improve its' way of going.
With so much current emphasise on everything 'classical' it has become a catchphrase, not to mention a licence to print money. Redbloom, you and I know there aren't any shortcuts in riding. A horse and rider combination will only learn if they are taught correctly and if the rider understands exactly the information the teacher is trying to impart. Cobstar - you could see this as your comments show.
I know that Peter's aim is for each combination to reach their own goals and develop their potential to its' fullest. As I have said elsewhere on this forum, I have learned more from Peter about riding and schooling horses in the last 3 years than I have during the rest of my life (and I'm 40 plus...).
It only takes someone who can teach and someone who is willing to learn.
To anybody teetering on the edge of the learning pool, please jump in - you won't sink - honest.
Thanks again to Redbloom and Peter.
Warm regards Lorri
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Thank you for all your hard work in organising the clinic - and to Emma for supplying the venue. Your family helpers made sure that everything ran smoothly - and your Mum makes excellent tea! And thanks to Peter and all the clinic participants for letting us come along and watch.
Him indoors was keen to come along and support Redbloom and Chunk. I didn't force him to come - honest. But I did say we'd just watch three or four sessions and we ended up staying till the bitter end We both enjoyed the clinic. Him indoors reckons that it got him out of having to organise anything for our wedding anniversary.
I'd hate for Peter to get too big-headed but I was very impressed with him as a teacher. I liked the way that he kept emphasising the need for a structure to a schooling session, as well as to the need for a progressive training programme. Also that he adapted his teaching style to the needs of the horse and rider concerned.
You could see an improvement in all of the horse and rider combinations that had a session - including those that Peter hadn't taught before. Not flashy improvements to show off the brilliance of the trainer, rather fundamental improvements to strengthen the foundations for horse and rider to enable them to progress from where they were currently.
There was an interesting mix of horses and riders and it was a very informative afternoon/evening. I get the feeling that him indoors (who would have been a totally non-horsey person if he hadn't got involved with me) isn't going to let me get away with bimbling round on my mare now that he's seen what Peter expects and gets from those he is teaching.
I trust the judgement of those on the EE forum, but I always like to see things for myself. Some others that are promoted as great horsemen/women on the internet have been a disappointment when I've seen them teach/ride in person. Peter more than lived up to the high expectations I had from the glowing reports I'd read. Cobstar
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