That was what we experienced last week at the Syracuse (N.Y.) Invitational/National Horse Show. On the first night of the show, a seminar was given by jumper greats Ian Millar and Anne Kursinski and dressage superstar Courtney Dye-King (it was supposed to be George Morris instead of Anne, but he was unexpectedly unavailable; Anne was certainly a valid substitute!).  The clinic was guided by John Madden, the genius behind the Syracuse Invitational and husband and trainer of Beezie Madden, arguably the best jumper rider in the United States, if not the world.

The spectators got more than their money’s worth, as the three riders shared their training philosophies and methodology, demonstrating exactly what they were talking about. All three riders were quick to point out that we all have the goal of developing a straight, balanced horse with trust and respect. But, they stressed, you need sound basics in order to achieve that true connection. And it takes a lot of time. “Listen to what the horse needs. Think about what the ride was and use that to plan the next ride,” said Courtney. They emphasized education, and it became clear during the seminar that we all need the eyes of a good trainer, at least every now and then, as it can make a huge difference in your riding.

I was impressed when Ian Millar stated that listening to Courtney as she explained and demonstrated half-halts, right there, helped his own half-halts (you could see him practicing, as she was speaking).  He was inspired by her comment that a half-halt should be quicker than he was doing it. You immediately release the horse so the horse can carry himself. 

We also watched Ian training over a combination, working to correct the horse’s landing and take-off, and then we heard John Madden’s suggestion to Ian to change the distance just a bit. The result was greatly improved. Here were four equestrian greats, all humble and eager for more knowledge, all listening to each other, learning themselves while teaching us.

Anne Kursinski reminded us that there are no shortcuts in training, and that safety is the No. 1 rule (stressing the need for helmets, which was echoed by both Ian and Courtney). Second is to do no harm. Challenge your horse, but don’t over face him.  Use simple, quiet, clear aids. Too many aids at once, and you’ll confuse him. Be consistent, and use discipline when it’s fair. And it’s fair only when your aids were clear. That means you use one aid, get one response and reward the horse, generously.  As John Madden said, “You need to have empathy for the horse.”

There was discussion about both rider and horse conditioning. Anne talked about her many years in California, training with the legendary Jimmy Williams, and how she learned to ride all types of horses in all disciplines (she said she once won a saddle-seat class), and how that helps you become “one with the horse.”  They all ride about six hours every day!

Ian also stressed conditioning, stating that your horse should be fit enough to jump a course four times, and that takes a lot of time. Conditioning is developed through transitions (sit-push-strengthen), hills, trotting poles, longeing over poles. Include leg yielding, shoulder-in, gymnastics.  Use interval training, with a lot of galloping. And, Anne said, it’s very important to do it yourself. “Don’t let everyone drive the car.”  Amen to that.

The evening went by far too quickly, and I left the arena feeling refreshed, motivated and determined to better my own riding. The most inspiring quotes of the evening to me were: 

“There are more important things in the world than riding a horse, but not while you’re riding the horse.” Courtney King-Dye.

“Bad judgment leads to experience and experience leads to good judgment.” Ian Millar.

“We all have the same problems and the same goals, just at different levels.” Anne Kursinski.

I think they should be posted in every barn.