Dressage Academy with Lisa Todd

At Barguse, we pride ourselves in producing riders from beginners to advanced. We have a strong junior base and once our junior riders have a solid grounding in the basics we offer them more specialised training in the three disciplines. This is aimed at those riders who wish to develop their knowledge and further their riding skills. It is open to riders who own their own ponies or wish to use ours.

The dressage academy is specifically aimed at juniors who wish to learn in more depth about the German scales of training. This is fundamental in understanding what dressage is all about. The lessons will comprise of both mounted and dismounted work, lunging, video analysis and competition preparation.

These sessions are taught by Lisa who is a long standing pupil of German dressage trainer, Michael Beining. Lisa spent many years’ under Michael’s guidance learning the art of the correct seat and how your position can influence your horse. It does require discipline to want to achieve the correct way of going without taking shortcuts. She hopes to convey to her pupils that although it’s hard work and at times frustrating, that the benefits long term for both the horse and rider are worth it. That is that the horse develops into a calm, happy, supple and flexible athlete who is willing to work with it’s rider rather than dealing with being pulled and “held” into position! It has to be a more pleasant experience for all concerned! Providing your foundations are sound, the rest will be comparatively easy!

These sessions run monthly at a cost of £12.50 for the hour. If you would like to attend or just come along to see how it works, please e-mail or contact the office.

NEW for 2010>>>

Michael Beining

Michael has worked with two of the world’s most renowned trainers, Willi Schultheis and Rudolph Zeilinger. He has a vast knowledge of the German Training System and is best known for his work on the bio mechanics of the dressage seat. All of his long time students are known for the effective, secure seats which allows them to give specific, refined aids to the horse.

Michael is not only able to diagnose problems but we guarantee that you will not finish a lesson without learning more about your riding. Michael takes riders of all levels and riding disciplines not only dressage.

Michael Beining’s Credentials:

• Certified Pferdewirt from the National Riding Federation of West Germany.
• T.E.A.M. graduate of Linda Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Program.
• Trained in Feldenkreis, Eutonie body awareness and mental training techniques.
• Seminars based on these techniques called "Bashindo."
• Frequently asked to teach at the German riding school (Deutsche Reitschule) where the German professionals are tested, and the USDF recommends Americans in Europe seek training.
• Certification from the Chamber and Jockey Club of West Germany for Thoroughbred racing and breeding.
• Multiple clinics with the German master Willi Schultheis (Rudolf Zeilinger's coach and mentor) and co-organizer of Schultheis' American Tour.
• 3 years of apprenticeship under the German riding master Reiner Kretzschmar (protege of Egon von Neindorff) at the Institute for Diagnostic Schooling and Correction.
• Owned and operated academy for 3 1/2 years in Freiburg Baden training horses and riders through the movements of Grand Prix.
• Student of animal behavioralists: Dr. Birmelin and Dr. Zeeb DVM (consultant to Germany's FEI team horses).
• Protege of Dr. Graf Duerckheim, founder of the Schule fuer Initiatische Therapie -- holistic learning center, training of the inner self, Zen meditation and martial arts.
• Jumping instruction from Rolf Becher of the Kavallerie School of Hanover.

Some of Michael's Students:

• Andrea Leinker - Germany, FEI; 8 yrs training with Michael; 1999-2000 Berieter for Rudolf Zeilinger.
• Leigh Cochran - Seattle, Grand Prix; 5th in 2000 at Gladstone, New Jersey; 2nd in California at PSG.
• Sue Dorset - Seattle, FEI level.
• Roxanne Christenson - Seattle, Grand Prix.
• Douglas Patenbaugh - Seattle, FEI level.
• Elisabeth Britton - California, Grand Prix; USDF 4th level instructor.
• Kathrin Poll - Germany, FEI level riding Trakehner Breeding stallion Benz.
• Thomas Oberdieck - Germany, FEI level, judge in Germany.
• Cath Creemer - United Kingdom, in 2000 10 tests at 3rd level with 9 wins.
• Katrina Cantrall - United Kingdom, FEI level; in 2000 rode the Oldenburg breeding stallion Woodlander Markies to a championship score of 82%. Alternate of the British Team for the World Championship of 5-6 year old horses in Arnheim.
• Jill Haywood - United Kingdom, in one year from Training to 3rd level qualified in the UK for the 3rd level championship with over 70%.
• April Austin - Australia, Grand Prix. After riding one year with Michael, rode to PSG championship with 67%. USDF Bronze and Silver and Gold medalist.
• Karin Glynn - Norway, FEI level; riding Flaneur - imported FEI level horse under Michael's guidance. USDF Bronze and Silver medalist.
• Mary Forck, USA, USDF Bronze & Silver medalist, trainer and rider winning numerous shows and multiple levels through FEI.