Dominique Barbier Clinic

Summary

According to Dominique Barbier, “When we encounter a difficulty, we always go back to the question 'do you want to dance with me,' because the mental agreement of the horse is fundamental. For the trainer, a clear mental image of what he wants is similarly important. As a horse's familiarity with a dance grows, he understands what is required and will enjoy it. Softness and comprehension is primordial. Understanding the needs of the horse with a lot of compassion will allow you to progress rapidly."

If you made it this far through my article, congratulations! This clinic by no means was "do this and it's magic" instruction. Any training method takes time and patience and repetition. All classical French dressage has the same aim and perhaps different methods of achieving it among trainers, this being one. But all French classical training emphasizes that the less you interfere with the horse, the less tense and out of balance he will become. This means less rein, less leg, more thought and "allowing" things to happen.

Many thanks to Staci Grattan, owner of Spirit Horse Center, for organizing this clinic. Staci is tentatively having Dominique back January 17 – 19, 2014. Contact her for more information at info@spirithorsecenterinc.com.