References

Dana Stephens

Ralf's clinics are always tremendous for not only remembering the basics of riding, but learning the refined effects of how NOT to interfere with the horse's balance and ability to perform. We are incredibly lucky to have training of this high caliber available to us twice a year!

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Dee Napier

I absolutely loved my sessions. I believe that I make much greater strides with Ralf than any other instructor I've ever worked under. My horses are moving so much better and I feel so much more confident and capable than I ever have in my riding life. Ralf's methods are thorough and direct with each ride packed with information, practice and great feedback. I cannot wait for October but I have lots of great "homework" until then!
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Linda McMullen

One of the many things I like about Ralf Schmitzer's dressage clinics is that once you relate to his method of training, you become more capable of correcting yourself and your horse when working on your own. Emphasis is put on the rider/handler being dominant (I can hear Ralf saying, "Active walk!"), therefore being in control of the horse in a consistent, knowledgeable, and kind manner. The horse learns to be in self-balance ("Widen your hands.") as the rider works toward the same goal of self-balance and effective aids ("Activate with the inside leg only.").

Ralf teaches that the schooling exercises are not to be done for the sake of just doing them, but for the development of the horse's muscular readiness to proceed with each dressage movement. There is never pressure to rush the process in order to compete, and the ongoing process of accomplishment results in a feeling of camaraderie and elegance between horse and rider. To me, this is the essence of classical dressage.

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Dorothy "Dotti" Elfers

I found the Ralf clinic to be the best experience I have had with my horse He gave me so much confidence in myself and my horse ,with sensitivity and technique. This horse has never been an easy horse for me , but with Ralf's guidance , I have come to appreciate his brilliance and his abilities . I look forward to returning next spring to achieve even more . The drive from Wisconsin was very worth it . Thank you Ralf , and Simone for putting together such worthwhile four days . My horse and I have benefited greatly from these great masters of classical dressage, and I now realize that dressage is not just putting your horse in frame.

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Lori Passaro
Wow! I am thrilled that I have been able to attend the past two clinics with Ralf Schmitzer. I attended the spring clinic for three days and was so impressed with the knowledge and the teachings of Ralf that I could not wait to attend in the fall and was determined to ride all six days. I rode all six days in the fall clinic and found myself a little sad on the seventh day when I was not off to the barn to ride again.

The experience I have had with Ralf and Simone at the clinics has been the best! I am learning the importance of trust between myself and my horse. The clinic with Ralf and my consistent lessons with Simone have resulted in me learning clear leadership from the ground with my horse and a corresponding leadership on her back. I love the adjustments made in my seat, the softness of my hands the forward motion in my horse, the flexion she is now able to demonstrate in both directions and her comfort with the learning. I believe that the clinics and the lessons that Ralf teaches have been integral in creating a partnership between my horse and me. A partnership that leaves both of us happy and eager to learn more!!!

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Cindy Schindler

We were so lucky to have the opportunity to ride with Ralf this past month. My horse (Legs) and I have participated in Ralf’s clinics in the past, but it’s been years. Essentially, I had become disenchanted with standard “dressage training”. You know the kind of lessons I’m talking about, the instructor stands in the middle of the arena and screams at you to go faster and faster. So we quit and have been trail riding instead. We’ve had a lot of fun but honestly kind of missed up our skills. So when I heard Ralf was still coming to Colorado I looked forward to taking his clinic again. Well it couldn’t have gone better. We remembered quite a bit, were challenged without being over whelmed and look forward to more constructive work along with our trail riding. My sincere thanks to Simone and to Ralf and Martina for giving us the opportunity to get “hooked in “ again.

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Pauline Foss

My experiences in the Ralf Schmitzer clinic.I took two clinics with Ralf (my third and fourth) and as a budding dressage rider (aren’t dressage riders always “budding”) I am happy with the progress I have made under Ralf’s instruction. He describes, explains, and encourages with good humor and keen observation. He teaches a gentle and humane method of dressage where both the horse and rider communicate with each other through body language. I find this way of riding liberating and tranquil. In those two clinics he gave me some techniques to practice that will help me become more aware that the smallest move can make a big impact.

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Lori Torrini

September 17 - 19, 2010 I and my Arabian gelding Sueño participated in a clinic taught by Ralf Schmitzer. Ralf and his wife have a Classical Training Center in Germany. Local classical dressage instructor, Simone Windeler, trains with Ralf and facilitates his yearly trips to Colorado where he holds clinics at Whispering Winds Farm in Monument. On Saturday evening Ralf presented a lecture on bits and how they fit in, and affect the horse's mouth. The lecture was very beneficial and well worth attending. Ralf did a wonderful job putting together photos and graphics to illustrate important learning points. My lessons all three days went well and left me with a renewed desire to continue to train and further my learning in classical dressage. Ralf's teaching style is quiet and methodical, taking care to work on every small detail of your riding while always keeping the comfort and well being of the horse in mind. Ralf took the time to help me with saddle fit for Sueño, which due to his short back and wide shoulders has always been challenging. Ralf generally comes to Colorado twice a year and I will definitely take advantage of his visits in the future. Sueño wasn't too thrilled with arena work but did enjoy the bundle of carrots Ralf gave him at the end of the weekend!Special thanks to Simone Windeler for making it possible to meet and train with Ralf, and for translating during the lessons. Thank you to my husband, Jim, for supporting me during the weekend and for taking care of my horse so I could benefit from watching other lessons.
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Karen Gilchrist

I really loved the clinic with Ralf. Even though I am new to dressage, I felt really comfortable working with him. I was impressed with the way he observes you and your horse in warm up and then tailors your session to what you both need. I learned a lot and it inspired me to work my horse in a whole new way.
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Cat Holtman

I really got a lot out of the clinic. I never realized how important the walk is and I am now working probably more than half of my ride time on the walk. It was amazing to get to that point where I felt like she was carrying herself and I only had the weight of the reins in my hands. Sometimes it's really hard for me to feel that "lift" on such a big horse and now I want to strive for that all the time. Ralf also gave me a lot of critiques on my position, particularly my hands and it made me very aware of all the small things I do that can be confusing to my horse. I really feel that I am more in tune with her and that I am able to communicate what I want more effectively.