Going Backwards In Your Horse Training - Not By Design

Grand Prix trainer Paul Alvin-Smith at home

 

Training horse and rider takes a lot of time and patience. It can also be a very rewarding experience for all parties. Trouble is, as a trainer it can sometimes be equally frustrating because just when you feel you have had a breakthrough with both horse and rider, they bob off somewhere else to work due to other factors like seasonal migration. 

Regardless of whether you are a horse trainer/instructor located in the fish bowl that is West Palm Beach or Ocala, Florida, or the similarly horsey neighborhoods of Aiken, South Carolina or the Hamptons - or you work in Upstate New York or New England, from time to time you may find yourself giving pause about taking on students who migrate elsewhere for half the year.

Of course the answer is to be the trainer that also migrates to better climes during part of the year with the entourage of students hopefully in tow, but this is not always practical. So the compromise of sending the horse out of town and flying in and out to pick up a very occasional lesson or a few days for a show is the norm. 

Horse and rider can regress in their training no matter how much effort has been put in by everyone to date. But at the same time, riders and horses will still be learning something, even if it is somewhere else with someone else. It is best to view this as an opportunity.

The reality is that often equestrians come to you in the first place for help to fix something they are having a problem solving that has occurred either in their own or their horse's progress. Usually rather predictably, both. The issues are often based in the horse's previous handling and training, and are mirrored in the student in front of you as a mini-me version of their previous trainer's methods.

This is inevitable. Trouble is, you solve the issue and progress the education of both horse and rider and eagerly move on, building on what you now feel is a solid foundation. Then the pair disappear elsewhere and it all goes backwards and starts again.

As a trainer you obviously cannot be everywhere and wouldn't want to be anyway, but it is nevertheless a seasonal situation that makes you wonder if your efforts are all rather pointless.

I was once advised that you should be careful who you work with equestrian training wise as you will end up riding and looking like they do in the saddle, with similar good and bad traits. As humans we all have shortcomings and no-one is perfect. For this reason it is essential as a trainer you also continue your own education in a positive direction to improve yourself, otherwise your own bad habits will become ingrained and the students down the line (and their horses) will suffer the consequences.

 

My husband Paul and I are both Grand Prix trainers and regularly travel to continue our education

 

This isn't to say that the rider and horse haven't learned a new technique or improved during their transitory time with you, just rather it will be very difficult for them to continue that progress under a different tutor especially when that tutor is one that set them up for the problem initially. 

The tutor is usually is totally unaware of what has created the pause or halt in rider and horse progress. No-one is at fault, it's just that we all are learning and are all works in progress.

Paul working at home 

 

At the end of the day the best way I advise my fellow trainers to deal with this disappointing reality is to try and be satisfied with what has been achieved to date, and hope that the difference that you did make in the horse/rider partnership will hopefully resurface at some future point. 

Otherwise training wise you feel you are just treading water when the student returns to you the next year, and seems back to where they started with you six months before. Send them on their way with good wishes and just hope they have retained some of what you have spent time imparting and training. 

Not that you really have any choice in the matter anyway. It's simply a part of their equestrian journey and yours. 

Paul Alvin-Smith working with a student at a clinic

 

Though the poor horse is the worst one off for he truly is in for a confusing time. And that is the crux of it all for me. But as a lovely chef at a Portuguese restaurant once said to me as he de-boned a freshly harvested and beautifully cooked fish at our table, "You have to learn to work with the fish." Indeed we do..

 

Winter Horse Training Tips 

 

When winter finally arrives - and it will - motivation to keep your horses in full training can often wane. 

 

There are many stellar reasons to take a step back and modify the training schedule. Not just you, but also your horses would likely appreciate an abbreviated work program. One that allows them some respite and downtime to refresh. 

 

In the North-East U.S.A, inclement weather often makes for a slip/slide affair on outside arenas. Those blessed with access to an indoor arena are obviously much more inclined to keep a full work program on point than those folks that need to work around snow and ice and dark evenings with no lights outside.

Professional trainers will often opt for heading South, Florida and South Carolina being the most popular destinations. You only have to look at the events calendar on our publication to see that the Florida Winter Circuit is already to go. With just a small list of local events to attend, the page is full of tempting sunny locations for winter work and competition.

Horses do seem to actually love the winter. And do enjoy keeping some level of activity up under saddle to keep their minds busy and bodies active.

Willowview Hill Farm, located in Stamford NY, keeps all horses in training all winter long. And even Grand Prix horses like this one enjoy long turnouts.

But what training can you do to keep your horses ticking over during winter months and how best can you take advantage of the quieter moments on the farm? Here are some tips on how to accomplish that - 

Winter is....

 

A great time to train your young horses to longe and free longe. Boot and wrap them if needs be to avoid injury from slipping over or catching a hoof with a shoe, but get them active.

 

 

 

An opportunity to take advantage of breaks in the weather to get out in the fields and ride. The fresh air is good for the lungs for both horse and rider. The horse has a long neck so cold air is not a big problem for the healthy horse.

Often a peaceful time at the barn - these quieter times offer more opportunity for training new tasks where the horse can focus wholly on the rider, without interruption from others using the space. Try and pick those very quiet times for best results. Added bonus, it is always good for any horse to be used to working in a space alone versus company.

Winter is also a great time for social equine horse events that include a good dose of education. Here our very own publisher, Horse in a Kilt Media's Paul Alvin-Smith - Grand Prix dressage trainer, is training an ANCCE Andalusian stallion at home 

(above photo) and also can be found out and about regularl giving clinics (below photos).

 

Always park your horse trailer in a handy, accessible location and keep the snow plowed out for easy hook up. Even if you are not going to a clinic it is always important to have it handy in case of an emergency.

Don't forget to clear the 'clutter' from horse areas, especially those where you plan to exercise your horse. Safety first!

Take advantage of winter riding gear to ensure you are comfortable temperature wise - otherwise you will be tense when you ride and that will translate into a tense horse beneath you. Insulated/heated riding boots, heated vests/jackets, ear warmers and of course, gloves!

 

 

Clinic Season Popping - The Joy Of Giving Horse Clinics Abroad

Travel is always both fun and difficult for a horse owner. The benefits of being able to get 'off the farm' for a respite from the daily work is welcome but the convoluted world of air travel can make the idea of taking off for different climes and countries a stressful affair.

But once I am safely seated in my international airline seat, I know there is nothing to be done but kick back and enjoy the ride. A bit like when you finally enter at A during a dressage test as an experienced competitor. It's time to put the nerves away and just get on and enjoy the fruits of your labor.  

 

Once you have safely landed the next major happy moment is seeing your luggage come off the carousel. For every passenger seeing that their suitcases are present and intact is always a relief, but for a horse clinician or competitor, it is especially significant. Let's face it, replacing your custom tall dressage boots or perfectly fitted riding helmet on the fly would not be easy to do.

 

Arrival at an English-speaking company is always easier than one where you have limited (if any!) comprehension of the language. Visits to give clinics in Europe for hubbie and myself, have always been difficult where the audience is not all ex-pats that speak English or even the younger generation of EU riders who can manage to converse in English reasonably well. 

Portugal and Spain are notably harder to navigate than France or Germany, and Italy is definitely one where a translator is necessary at the clinic events. Technology options not withstanding, it is still an challenging task to get the message through at times. Though many laughs are often had along the way.

Horse keeping methods and horse barns are always interesting to observe during your travels. In Portugal horses in training are often stabled for much of the time, as grazing is very limited due to the lack of grass available. 

Meantime in Britain, where grass is plentiful, livery barns of all grades offer plenty of turn out. And of course my noted fellow countrymen, Charlotte Dujardin ( actually grew up in my hometown!) and Carl Hester, advocate the benefits of grazing for even their most elite equine superstars.

 

Even at the most prestigious world renowned dressage masters' private yards, care is sometimes more rudimentary than you might expect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horses in the U.K. are most commonly pastured most of the time.

 

One of the superstars at a clinic event we gave in the Lake District, UK. No fancy stabling but a beautifully fit horse and well-kept.

Not just the horse housekeeping but also the horse training and workout methods are also different globally. Pounding horses around the indoor day in day out is frowned upon most everywhere. 

In many countries getting the horses out on the road, exposed to everything that is there at an early age, helps set them up for success when it comes to the busy world of showgrounds and competition. And of course, linking up from bridleway to bridleway is a great way to enjoy trails elsewhere.

Safety first when on the road is a must. Boots and jackets for everyone.

Riding through the villages is great fun.

 

There is always a lot of driving involved when giving clinics abroad. It is important to be a good map reader, because navigation systems only go so far. It pays dividends to take a good co-pilot along with you. It makes things much easier. 

 

And of course, when you're not pouring over maps and devices to find your way, there will be beautiful scenery to enjoy. And random food stops!

Lake District - Windemere

Tavira, Portugal Algarve Region

 

 

Converted dairy barn in farm county.

Random spots for a coffee stop, including renovated stables!

And don't forget the foodie fun. Exploring different cuisines is all part of the adventure. But I do carry some SNZ antibiotics, charcoal tabs/psyllium tabs/ Immodium and Gavescon with me just in case needed! Don't want too much adventure, and feeling poorly when you've got to stand in the center of an arena giving instruction for 8 or 9 hours a day is no fun.

 

Don't forget to try the local wine

Living dangerously with cured meats - but delicious fare is worth the risk (pick a clean/good quality restaurant though!)

Don't forget to take time out to relax. Especially after all that driving and standing/walking/riding about... , 

Nikki at the Estrela Pousada, Serra da Estrela. highest point on mainland Portugal.

 

In all, getting yourself out of your own 'training' rut and out and about, shopping/competing or giving clinics is always good for the mind and soul. 

Don't be shy to expand your horizons, the rewards are well worth the expense and effort. And meeting fellow equestrians from different backgrounds and countries is always a treat!

 

Paul and Nikki Alvin-Smith, The Algarve, Portugal.

 

When East Meets West - Western Dressage Versus Dressage

 

It's sad to say it because so many would like to believe it to be true, but Western dressage simply does not equate to regular dressage.

The idea that you can take an regular dressage trainer's experience especially a classical trainer of today with an actual background of working with masters of the sport, that is well-versed in the art of the discipline, and anticipate that they can simply translate what they know to help the Western Dressage rider may work O.K.'ish' at the very basic levels. But once you get past the simplest of work, the most basic of basics, it simply is not the same method.

Yes there is training for similar principles of rhythm, bending through the entire horse on a circle, same size arenas and letters etc. But there are many differences too, not least the tack and equipment allowed and how it is utilized Here is a super article that explains the differences between English, Western and Cowboy Dressage.

 

The idea of marrying the two is not new and many riders have given demonstrations of Pas De Deux of English riding and Western riding (the latter sometimes being reiners versus Western Dressage which is of course different). Since the 1980's two time Olympian Lendon Gray was seen showcasing her dressage art alongside various Western cowboy riders, and such as Rocky Dare. The Cowboy Dressage rose to fame with Eitan Beth Helachmy in 1993. Other notable dressage riders such as Olympic Gold Medalist Anky Van Grusnven have switched to riding reining horses, though not sure if the idea of Western Dressage occurred in her world.

The Western Dressage arena is often opted into as a show place for the dressage rider who has determined for one reason or another that they would prefer to compete in this somewhat 'smaller' and less competitive pond. Reasons such as the horse's ability or temperament ( bearing in mind Western Dressage judges score based on very different values including the breed and innate movement of the horse), the rider's ability or temperament, or simply to try something different.

In Portugal and Spain the Gaucho - their version of a cowboy, has come to more prominence in equestrian competition in the U.S.A. but this is centered in recent decades, quite literally, around the bullfighting heritage more than herding cattle.

The seasoned Grand Prix dressage competitor/coach or clinician can likely turn their hand to offering some helpful instruction to the aspiring Western Dressage rider, but of course, having spent much of their careers specializing to such a high degree in the English version, they may be recalcitrant to play.

As a competitor it is possible to switch back and forth showing horses between both disciplines. But most proven advanced level clinicians in English dressage that spend many hours on the ground or in the saddle training horses and coaching students would likely argue that the ability to focus and switch out body movements, the way aids are applied (especially those from the seat), that have become innate through much hard work and diligence would become undone and cause negative results in terms of success on the winner's podium.

 

Specialization is likely to aid the aspiring student and the aspiring trainer. Of course you only want to train with people who know more than you do and equally importantly, don't just know how to ride it but also can convey their knowledge in an accessible manner in their teaching methods.

It is important to show humility in life and certainly in all things equestrian. We all have riding disciplines we excel at and/or prefer, but that is no reason to look down and frown on others or to set oneself on a pedestal. 

I firmly believe every horse person has something they can teach me. My mind is always open to new things and new methods that will benefit the horse and improve the communication and understanding between me and my equine partner. 

But it is also important to accept with equal humility the fact that you cannot do everything well. Focus is of critical importance when it comes to attaining advanced levels in any athletic endeavor. Accept that an English dressage trainer may not wish to work with gaited horses even though there is a USDF breed competition for dressage now, or an English dressage trainer may not wish to work with a Western Dressage rider or horse or train a horse that they consider is too small for them to ride due to weight percentages and fit. This is not a rejection, more a question of where the trainer feels they can best help.

Whether you choose to compete or whether you ride for your own satisfaction outside of the limelight, neither option is better or more valid than the other. Whether you ride in an English saddle or a Western saddle, a bit with two reins in hand or a bit with one rein in hand, or are simply constantly working with horses on the ground furthering knowledge on communicating with the equine mind from that perspective, all are to be equally respected.

But be cognizant that your choice of trainer and 'help' in reaching your goals needs to be a person driven to your goals. For many of us clinicians, the passion for dressage has been a lifetime of experiences all navigated with good heart, sharing our knowledge as we go. It is tiring, hard not to burn out over time but on good days, rewarding too. 

Earnest trainers will be honest and forthright about their talents. Earnest students will be honest and forthright about their talents too. 

Big pond or small pond, English or Western, as long as the horse's health and interest is always put first it will all work out at the end of the day. 

 

 

 

 

Why Clinicians Ask For Videos

 

 

Participation in a clinic can be an expensive enterprise, especially if the clinician is a higher profile equestrian with a proven competition career at advanced levels. Prospective riders that show interest in securing a slot to partake of the event experience are sometimes baffled by why they are asked to send a recent video of a schooling session with their horse, some folks are even offended.

Just why do clinicians request a video before agreeing to teach a rider?

 

The answer is it's different for everyone. Each clinician has their own set of reasons based on their professional experience, but here are some common reasons for the request:

Is Your Horse Sound? 

It's sad and somewhat amazing to say that sometimes even trainers don't seem to notice, or care to notice, that their student's mount is behaving badly due to a soundness issue.

Unfortunately, the clinician is faced with a difficult situation when this occurs. As horse folks themselves, for clinicians the horse's well-being is always their top priority. When a rider/horse combo enters the arena and the clinician can clearly see that the horse is in discomfort or even pain, the only compassionate thing to do is address the issue, which necessarily sincerely upsets the local trainer and/or the rider. The often anxious, slightly nervous and keen rider has invested financially to participate in the event, and has also expended emotionally with much hard work to prepare for the opportunity to ride in the clinic. No clinician likes to be faced with this issue.

By requesting prospective participating riders that are interested in the clinic submit a recent schooling video, the soundness of the horse can be evaluated. The viewing of the video is not about offering a veterinary opinion, it is about sharing the wealth of knowledge that the clinician probably has on the matter of soundness for task, and giving a 'heads up' to folks that might not be aware of the reason why the horse is not performing to its full potential. This information gives the rider time to have their horse evaluated by a qualified medical professional before the clinic so that issues that may be present can be addressed before the rider commits to a spend on the clinic ride.

It is ultimately the clinician that is responsible for the welfare of the horse and rider in front of them, morally at a minimum and even legally in some States and circumstances. Thus it is understandable that the clinician wishes to see beforehand that the horse and rider are 'good to go.' 

 

What Benefit Will The Clinic Provide To The Auditors?

Many clinicians have guidelines as to the rider's level of training and their horse's age/level of accomplishment that they require for participation in a select event. This is especially common when a large gathering of auditors is anticipated. 

The idea being that the horse/rider combinations need to be at a stage in their training where corrections and instruction given can be taken on board and executed, to showcase to not just themselves, but also to the paying audience to educate as to how the correct training can quickly progress the horse to a more advanced level. A learning opportunity for all. 

For certain clinicians this can be vanity based, as they do not wish to be presented with a horse and rider they are unable to help improve in front of the public. 

 

What Benefit Will The Clinic Provide To The Entrant?

If a clinician is offering a specified topic at their event as is often the case, then the horse and rider will only benefit from that particular clinic if they are at a stage in their training where they are ready both physically and mentally to advance.

For example, if a jumping clinician is offering a clinic to aid riders deal with jumping a course of spread fences/oxers or water jumps, there is little point in a novice rider/horse combo showing up. Similarly a dressage clinician that is offering a clinic on collection and lateral work will not be able to instruct a rider on this topic if they don't have an independent seat and their horse has not attained the prerequisites of basic dressage.

A first hand view of a video ride will allow the clinician to evaluate whether horse and/or rider will benefit and are ready for what is intended to be taught at the event.

As a rider paying good money for help from an expert in their chosen discipline, this is surely an advantage? If the clinician does not feel that you are ready for the work or if your horse is not at the level of training to address the requests that would be made of it, surely it is better to know before you get in the ring?

Take Home Message

Don't be offended if a clinician requests a video before slotting you into a clinic. It does not mean they are not offering to teach all that want to participate, especially if it is an open clinic with no topic specified. It just means they want to be sure horse and rider are fit for the task.

If the clinic is specifically geared to a certain level of training or if the event is more a symposium than a clinic, then expect that the horse/rider will need to submit a short video of themselves at work, so that their talents can be evaluated as far as readiness for the task they will be addressing training wise.

Everyone, including the barn host, local trainer, riders and clinician should want the best possible experience for the participating riders and their horses. 

Unfortunately many trainers make plenty of pre-clinic prep lesson money from their students and can sometimes be blind to the fact they are over-schooling or pushing the horse, even to the point that the sudden increase in work can cause a previously sound horse to become sore and resistant. 

This is an inconvenient truth that experienced clinicians see all too often. Hence the requirement for video submission is more commonly requested by the experienced clinicians than those just starting out in their careers.

 

 

 

Is It Just Me? Or is everyone else itching to get back to clinics and competition?

A Personal note from Editor/Catskill Horse magazine, Nikki Alvin-Smith

 I do confess that I cannot wait to get back to giving dressage clinics, coaching at competition and offering dressage training at our farm here in Stamford, New York.

Everyone has endured a very turbulent and strange 2020 and as we canter into the last month of the year I cannot but hope that next year things return to some semblance of normalcy. 

 

 

For my husband and I, both international level Grand Prix dressage competitors/coaches/clinicians, the year has been a very quiet one. Our decision was to postpone our busy clinic tour, including trips abroad as there was no way the necessary quarantine needs could be met once there - and the idea of masking up to give instruction for 10 hours straight a day was an impossible ask. 

We LOVE our clients and missed the hugs, conversations, and frankly income, that our horse business provides. But, patience will hopefully pay off in the long term with a return to good health and better times.

Our life probably mirrors that of many other trainers. A mix of clinic giving, boarding/training, travel and ongoing personal education with other colleagues.

Here's a snapshot of ours:

Hubbie Paul coaching an accomplished hunter jumper rider.

Paul at a Finger Lakes clinic training Kim Preston - a dressage trainer in her own right.

Kim Preston visiting on site at our farm for a few days dressage retreat.

Another hunter/jumper rider gets some help on the flat.

Young Riders are all part of the action.

As we look forward to getting back to giving clinics we also look forward to welcoming boarders back that seek dressage training for their horses. 

 Once again being Covid careful we halted on site visits and training for others at our farm for 2020. It just seemed the right thing to do. But in Spring 2021, as vaccines hopefully become widely administered and the pandemic crisis abates, we expect to be back to full training at our farm.

Paul training ANCCE stallion Celesto V at WVH.

 

 We also look forward to training time with our own horses of course. We have sold off all our breeding stock but we have kept two special horses in our private yard, a 3 year old Lusitano/DWB homebred gelding called Extravaganza WVH and this beautiful soul, Tiberio Lafite aka Tigger, who we have owned since a youngster and is now 26 years old and still going strong. Though his Grand Prix moves are not requested anymore!! 

Travels abroad should also be back in play (we fervently hope!) as the year of 2021 progresses. We sure miss our friends, family and clientele abroad. The opportunity to take in some ongoing education from some of the world's best trainers is always a treat.

Paul and Stal Andre outside Lisbon, schooling on the great late Lusitano stallion Rico - as Portuguese dressage master Antonio Borba looks on at his retired stallion go.

 

 

 

 

 

Certainly all of us wish to be back at it all and busy with our chosen career paths. It is a great time to set plans in motion, to dust off any depression, and encourage our hearts and minds with positivity towards the future.

So don't be shy to get on it! The winter in the NE is the perfect opportunity to set the hooves in motion for 2021 and canter down the centerline in an optimistic frame of mind.

Don't forget to send news of your forthcoming shows/clinics and other horsey events to Catskill Horse magazine for free inclusion on their events page.