Are these instructors "enlightened?"

[CityGirl]

Im thinking of doing a 1 week training vacation this summer or fall & wondered if anyone had any knowledge of these centers/instructors & their teaching methods?
1. Hunt Seat Training England - At the Yorkshire Riding Centre - Jane Bartle-Wilson & Christopher Bartle
2. Hunt Seat Training Ireland - at the Clonshire Equestrian Center - Sue & Dan Foley.
3. Cross-Country Training England - Devon, w/Bertie Hill
4. Riding Camp Ireland - Calliaghstown Riding Centre
Any info/feedback/other reccommendations are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[alexis]

Can't say about the instructors but it would be worth checking out how much it would cost to put the package together yourself.

I know a few back a friend found it much cheaper DIY than going with I think CC International.

Alexis

[anuvb]

Chris Bartle was one of our best dressage riders in this country and now has a v'good reputation as a three day eventer. I have only heard great things about Jane and Chris's courses so will be very jealous if you manage to make it on of their courses. I have decided to treat myself in a couple of years time once I am financially more settled.

If you do decide to go there for a course then let me know all the details.

I "think" from other posts on here that Heather really rates him as a rider - but I could be wrong and don't want to misquote anyone so hopefully she'll post and tell you herself. Have you not thought about contacting Heather about courses? Or is it specifically eventing type things you want to concentrate on?

[Heather]

Jane can be a bit scary! - but Chris is great. He teaches my good friend Grand Prix dressage rider Jenny Key and she is full of praise for him.

My only concern, in a series of videos of Chris teaching his students that I subscribe to, he seems to make very little comment on the rider's position and absorption of the movement, and also told one rider to 'bounce on teh horse's back in siitting trot' adding that they like that and will bring the back up to your seat the more you bounce. I have to say that I was gobsmacked!! Another very well known Classical trainer bounces like mad in the saddle and I have always decried this, as have other trainers who have witnessed it. Now along comes Chris and actually condones it! Said other trainer wil think it was right all along! It ain't!!

If you bounce on the back, sure many horses will indeed bring the back up but in self defence. It is a bit like if I said I was going to chop you on the knee. The first time, your knee would jerk, but if I told you I was going to do it again and again, you would resist by holding your knee back tightly against the other leg. This is in essence what the horse is doing- rounding the back up by tightening the muscles, which will not encourage the back to swing softly and be easy to sit to.

On the second video, one rider on an advanced dressage horse- her own horse- is wanging away with the legs in sitting trot- the view is from the rear, and the legs must be coming off the side about 12 inches at each stride. Chris doesn't discourage this, but just says 'tac, tac, tac, tac' as she flaps away from him, as if again condoning this very obvious and crude use of the leg.

Those of us who aer buying the videos are allowed to aske questions on the website pertaining to it. I intend to ask him these points, and if I get a reply, will of course post them here.

Heather

So yes, in so many ways, I like Chris Bartle's teaching- but just wonder quite what he i

[anuvb]

...really? I would have thought that logically it wouldn't have any benefit to bounce up and down for exactly the reasons you describe Heather.

Would certainly be interested in knowing what he says in reply to your e-mail out of curiosity to understand the logic more than anything. It hurts to have a kid bounce up and down on your back so I personally can't imagine it being very comfortable for the horse.

Thanks for the informative reply!

[CityGirl]

Alexis - Thanks for the heads-up. I actually was looking at doing it though CC International so will definitely check out the price difference.
Anuvb- I'm not set on anything but do really love what little jumping I've done so am thinking a hunt seat/cross country thing would be loads of fun.
Heather - do you do any type of 1 week riding courses? If you do, I would love to know what type of training/pricing/locatio/dates etc.
Also - can't imagine bouning on a horses back would be comfortable for the rider & I know it couldn't possibly be comfortable for the horse. Isn't the whole point to work in harmony instead of having 1 or both parties involved tense up? I'm very interested to hear the answer to your email.

[Heather]

HI Citygirl,

I no longer do any courses except the one day simulator workshops. I loaned out all my schoolmaster horses to friends as I had been keeping horses, to take courses to keep horses, which is what it boiled down to, always working seven days a week to keep the place going, and hardly ever having time to ride.

I will put my thinking cap on to try to think of any place over here that woudl be of use to you. What is your main interest/disclipine?

Heather

[Wally]

Heather, if you can think of anyone who would have the right mind to teach me on some horses that would put up with me PLEASE give me a shout.

I need some lessons, I'm getting into bad habits again!

I need dressage mirrors that can shout rude remarks to me!

[Heather]

Will think Wally- but so far not coming up with much!

My friend Jenny Rolfe is bringing a very good 15 yr old Lusitano schoolmaster over in the spring when she brings her young stallion back from Portugal - has has just gone over for two months schooling- and will lend him to me for teacher training etc whenever I want another horse. He does everything, including the 'airs above the ground'!!


Heather

[Wally]

I'm not sure someone as daft as me is safe being let loose with a horse who can perform at height...poor Millie almost did a levade at my bungled over collection!:D :D

Seriously though if you do ever take on ridden students again e-mail me!

Or if there is anyone out there who you think would take me on on a 2-3 day course I'd love to know.


Mind you I'm not averese to learning the odd "whee ally up"! but I have to get half pass and travers sorted first.

[CT]

Hi Wally/Heather

A friend of mine has had some lessons with Julian Marczak at Suzanne's RS on his advanced horses and speaks very highly of his teaching. I am contemplating going there for a lesson or two. Not sure if he does courses as such/what level Wally is riding at (quite a high level from the comments I've seen on here from time to time), and whether picking off a few lessons from different, but similarly minded people would be a help? Heather?

Caron

[CityGirl]

Heather:
I've only been riding for a year now (2x a week in private lessons). I've just started jumping & really love it so ideally I would like something w/a mixture of flat & coursework. However, the insturctor has to be someone who doesn't mind teaching someone who is at the early stages of well - everything:) unlike someone for Wally.
Really, I'm looking to take a week & just concentrate on "putting it all together" on the flat & over the fences!

[Nich]

I love Porlock Vale on Exmoor - it is a civilised and friendly small hotel (not boarding school style accommodation!) with an equestrian centre attached. They do lessons/hacks to suit, for all levels of riders.