Good Things Can Happen When You Take A Chance!

Funny how things work out. It was about one year ago I went to Wellington, FL with my two friends, Samantha and Lindsey. We had gone down to watch the beautiful horses at Global Dressage Festival, visit friends, enjoy the weather and of course do some shopping. We had the opportunity visit my friend Dani Banner at the farm she trains out of in Delray, FL. While there she was having a lesson from Christian Garweg. I was so impressed with how well Dani and her mare Levi were progressing. It had been approximately a year since I had last watched them. Dani’s riding was so much more sophisticated and Levi had really grown up. Her ability to sit and collect with a swinging relaxation was so impressive. There was no racing around, pushing or heavy handed riding as can easily be found in some dressage arenas. This softness is exactly how I want to ride with subtle aids creating a power and relaxation that flows in every direction.

Around this same time I was struggling in my own riding particularly with my Prix St George horse. I was working with a wonderful trainer who was helping us work through some training issues. She was and continues to do a fantastic job helping me but I wanted a fresh set of eyes. I feel it’s important not to limit yourself when it comes to education. One trainer may see the same thing as another but explain something in such a way that I finally get it or they may have a different exercise that really helps with a particular horse. The way I look at it the more tools I can add to my tool box the better rider/trainer I can become.

After going home I started considering if it would be possible to have Christian come to Virginia for a clinic. I spoke with Dani about it and she encouraged me to give him a call. I then discussed it with the barn owner where I board my two horses. She was agreeable, so the next step was asking a few people I know if they would be interested in riding with Christian. The response at first was reluctant. Trying to find dressage riders willing to step outside of there comfort zone and try a new trainer, particularly when the cost of the clinic is not insignificant and it is a trainer they are not familiar with was challenging to say the least.

Despite these challenges I went ahead and contacted Christian. Keep in mind I’m not one to typically contact someone I’ve only met once and say “Hey want to come spend the weekend and teach me on my horses?” Particularly when I was well aware that if I did arrange this and couldn’t find riders I might get stuck with a sizable bill for four lessons on my horses. So what the heck I did it anyways and took a chance. The arrangements were made and Christian started coming to Virginia on a somewhat regular basis.

This past weekend was the most recent of these visits and I’m so pleased with how everything went. The overall feedback was incredibly positive. Each of the “regulars” making sure that they are placed on the list for the next clinic in March. We also had a good number of auditors. I personally was very happy with my lessons. As always Christian gets right to the exact thing I’ve been struggling with and addresses it. He has a way of pushing me to be better than I think I am. For example my lesson on Sunday was completely without stirrups to get me to stop clamping with my thighs, sit straight and use my lower leg and my core more effectively without constantly pushing with my seat. So shoulder in, haunches in, half pass, lengthenings at trot/canter and work on flying changes all without stirrups. Talk about stepping outside of my comfort level! So I survived even if it was a bit messy at times. Particularly when the dogs decided to run through the arena and scare Saltira. Later that night as I jokingly commented “at least I didn’t fall off!” Christian looks at me all serious “Did you actually think you could fall off?” as if that was completely impossible. Um yes the thought did cross my mind!

I’m so happy that I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. Each and every horse/rider combination that has been taking lessons regularly has improved so much. I wish all of them could tell their individual story on how Christian has helped then. Susan riding Zavachi went from a very timid rider and being told to “suck in up and ride the horse you bought, he’s your toy!” to now doing lateral work and flying changes in a much more educated and controlled manor. In fact Christian declared at the end of her lesson that she won the tiara for most improved! It also makes me so happy that the clinics have rekindled Lea Ann’s desire to get back in the saddle. She has ridden Kasini in the last two clinics and the improvements they have made in this short time are very impressive. Yet its not just how much improvement everyone has made it’s also about how happy everyone is. Billy raves about how much he has learned and can now apply to Louie and Ella. The huge smile on his face says it all.

My only wish is that more people would step out of their comfort zone and try something new. I understand wanting to be loyal to your trainer but getting help from someone else shouldn’t be viewed as being disloyal or a betrayal. The sport of dressage is hard! Not every trainer is an expert at everything. Maybe you need a little extra help with flying changes or piaffe. Find that person who can help. Growth is uncomfortable. Take a chance and step outside of the box.