Derek and Jo Clark are the founders of Holistic Equitation and creators of the Schooling Made Simple online training and coaching programme. We've spent the last 20 years teaching riders how to build an amazing relationship with a sound and happy horse by working with their horse's nature instead of against it. Unlike many others who teach a 'one size fits all' method, we'll show you how to tailor your riding and training to get the best out of your individual horses, even the less talented, very sensitive or 'difficult' ones.
Nobody can argue with what you said, the only problem is you didn’t really say anything other than that there is a secret answer to “proper” dressage training which presumably if money is exchanged you’ll let people know. But, of course, if we still get low marks in a test it’s the judges fault because they clearly lack courage and integrity to reward “good dressage”.
Yes competition dressage has deviated over the last 40-50 years to the state it’s in now, which has no benefit for horses whatsoever. It’s about the human desire to be better than others humans at getting horses to do dressage tests. In this video Derek’s talking about the original purpose of dressage, which was extremely beneficial for riding horses. That’s what we teach. It’s a huge amount of fun for us humans and for our horses.
Very good explaination, dressage is fun, it's wonderful to ride a really good dressage horse. The basis of all good riding. My 23 year old pony is sometimes a bit stiff at first, but can still execute all movements and really enjoys it. After s good dressage session he's nice and relaxed. He lives out with his 30 year old pony companion.
Hmmm the hoary old chestnut of horses being able to do all the things they're asked to do in a dressage tests naturally in a field. No way, Josey. I've never a seen a horse doing repetitive passage until it injures itself, I've never seen a horse doing piaffe pirouette, I've never seen a horse doing more than one turn in a pirouette at a time, I've never seen a horse piaffing that number of steps etc etc etc......Thing is horses can do some of these things for very brief moments, they are also accompanied by inner emotions and reactions to situations that are entirely natural. They don't do these things without that motivation, ever. Never ever. It's not the same expression of inner emotion in a dressage ring, but rather a repetitive drilling on command which is completely divorced from why the horse would ever do it in a field (the wild) which is only ever in response to other horses around them and or the fight or flight response. They have meaning to a horse, for us we strip the meaning away entirely. Put it this way I would rather see one step of perfect joyeous piaffe than any number that you will ever see in a dressage ring. A wonderfully well schooled happy horse is a joy to ride and be with, forget dressage it's a traversty and something horses can well do without. Degree of difficulty, zero. Why do we need more? Ever more, the end result can only be tragedy.
I too have experience of this turn around in a horse l am training with Derek and Jo's Schooling Made Simple. The horse l am training was stamped dangerous, now he is the happiest, kind, loving, bendy and balanced horse, he runs to the gate, thrusts his head into his bridle, has a smile on his face when his saddle goes on and we have the best magic fun, love and laughter in our training. Jo and Derek, provide everything you need from A to Z, they are there to answer queries, to delicately assist in answering questions. Their work, dedication, love and support has given me and my horses strength, especially when so many people push to solve issues with the next gadget. This video is super ❤❤
Hello Darin. I have a 12 year old pureblooded Arabian mare. She comes to me from a breeder but spent a majority of her years in a pasture as a pet. I am basically restarting this horse. She did two halter shows at 1 and 3 and won so she is used to crowds; however, as I work through her training, I find myself conflicted with these leg yields. First of all, she responds well and is a fast learner but I have no way of knowing exactly what she reads as a signal and for what. I do not want to confuse her but I feel like I need to start all over. At this point, she ignores kicks when the first time I rode her, all I needed to do was squeeze my legs and she knew to go forward. Can you please tell me the best plan of action to teach her the leg yields effectively?
Great explanation of what dressage should be. Sadly, money and politics have ruined it at the highest level. FEI looks the other way. We need a new governing body concerned with true and correct dressage that holds horse welfare at the forefront. At the end of the day, they need to scrap the current system and start over.
Wonderful explanation Derek, of what dressage truly is. Being a member of yours and Jo's Schooling Made Simple, l have been blown away with the affect and effect of your schooling techniques that l use to train my young horse and rehabilitate the horses given to me by their owners at wits end. The magik that comes from the training, based on French Classical Dressage is astonishing, the horses are strong, flexible, light, well mannered, they run over to see me and get a wee bit down when we don't do any SMS on that day, on the days we do they feel great, at peace, in love with life, share their love and feel as if life is the best place to be. I love your videos, love to Jo too Derek. Keep them coming, this magik is so better shared ❤❤❤
Absolutely wonderful. Your consideration and thoughtfulness towards your horse is the way forward for all. I realise I have been taught to be too strict with my horse. Today is a day for change. Thank you
That was so beautiful, it made me weep. If only everyone who got on the back of their horse made the effort to think those thoughts. A rare but wonderful perspective. Thanks, Jo...and Magic!
We absolutely must not expect people and horses to “jump” from a struggle to a perfect Instagram presentation. I think it is so detrimental. The JOURNEY is everything - yes very easy to forget, but it really is. Of course he isn’t constantly connected and round and perfect. These two are amateurs and this is their hobby. The lady in the video is working to improve and learn, she is trying her best and the horse is clearly much happier and they are on the road to success. She is very brave to have come to the Internet to expose herself and her horse before they look perfect and she has done it to advance other peoples learning. In the kindest possible way - please , please think about this next time you comment.
Compared to what? This is schooling for the benefit of horse and rider. It's how we train horses to carry us comfortably and with ease. It benefits their physical and mental health. They enjoy being ridden and they become a pleasure to ride. Watch the entire video and listen to what Camilla says. When she started with Jakes, he was so bad no-one wanted to ride him. Now he loves life and they win dressage competitions. They are both very happy. Where's the problem?
Thanks, Derek! I, for sure, have been guilty of “Let’s do that just one more time.” NOW, through SMS, I have become much more aware of the little “wins” and can see that my horse is more relaxed and happy at the end of our ride. The result that I once thought was so important is not the “thing” to me now.
