Holistic Equitation Clinics with Derek Clark

Do you care what your horse thinks of your riding, training or handling ? Do you have a problem or difficult horse that won’t accept the bit or doesn’t go forward? Do you want to move beyond the lower levels of dressage to lateral work, piaffe, passage and flying changes? Are you willing to change what you do in order to find a solution rather than buy a new horse, get physical or add more gadgets? Based on centuries-old French classical principles, Derek’s clinics are ideal for anyone who would like to learn how to truly dance with their horses.

Contrary to the widespread beliefs that riding is difficult and advanced riding impossible for all but a very few with very special horses, Derek will show you how anyone can learn to make riding a two-way conversation built on lightness and conducted without force "by the weight of the rein and the draft of the boot".

Derek's style of teaching makes it so easy to follow his instruction and it always feels so positive. He has an amazing ability to put you completely at ease while subtly encouraging you out of your comfort zone. Compared to other instructors, well, there is no comparison. Derek is operating from a level far higher."
Julie Lines

Derek is an internationally respected coach and teacher who has been helping ’ordinary’ people produce extraordinary results for over 25 years. He believes that the essence of great teamwork is great communication and this becomes even more critical when part of the team has four legs and doesn’t speak English! Derek is also a firm believer that if something seems difficult or impossible, it's only because it's insufficiently understood - perhaps by the instructor! Having begun riding as an adult, he selected his own riding instructors very carefully. As well as working first-hand with modern day experts such as Craig Stevens, Derek has studied philosophies and methods of riding and training from around the globe and devoted countless hours to understanding the texts of the old masters, many of which are unavailable in English.

As a former coach of Olympic rowing teams, Derek is as comfortable working with high-level competitors as he is with complete beginners. His experience and skill as a master communicator and Certified Trainer of NLP give him an unrivalled ability to identify the core issues that can stop riders making progress and offer solutions that are simple, straightforward and effective. A cornerstone of his own philosophy is separating out the ideas and techniques he has learned that are merely modern-day fashion from the underlying fundamental principles - by testing them daily with his greatest and most demanding mentors, his own horses. Above all, riding with Derek is fun as well as educational - for both horses and their riders.

"Really positive. I thought that the one to one aspect of the clinic was great. Being a spectator was very informative. Derek can teach, he knows his subject and does it with understanding for the horse and rider. This leaves you feeling encouraged, inspired and with clear objectives."
Jenny Newton

Clinic format - what to expect

The atmosphere is very open and friendly and questions are encouraged. Lessons are 45 minutes in duration and there are a maximum of 12 lessons per day. Lessons can cover any aspect of groundwork, lunging, work in-hand or riding. There is an additional 5-minute period allocated between each lesson for questions from the rider or spectators.

There is a ten-minute break for tea or coffee each morning and afternoon and a one-hour break for our delicious, 2-course, home-cooked lunches (available to order in advance at £5 per person per day).

2010 Forthcoming Clinics

• March 13 & 14
• May 15 & 16
• July 17 & 18
• September 18 & 19
• November 13 & 14
• December 11 & 12

To subscribe to our free email newsletter and receive advance notice and reminders of future clinics and events, send a blank email to ridingnews@aweber.com

Please do contact us if you would like to discuss hosting a clinic at your location.

Accommodation for horses and humans

There is a good variety of local hotels and B&B and we have plenty of turnout available for horses. Please ask for more details when making your booking.

Fees for 2010

2-day Riding Clinic - £80.00

Includes two individual 45-minute lessons (typically one on each day) plus tea or coffee and biscuits at break times. Riders are also entitled to spectate during all other lessons over the course of the clinic. Places are filled on a first come-first served basis and multi-place bookings are accepted. Please note that clinics do tend to sell out in advance so please call or email now to secure your place.

Spectators/auditors are also most welcome:

Spectators (1 day) - £15.00

Spectators (2 days) - £25.00

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