Rudolf Rostek Clinic, July 2007

During the week of July 12-16th, I had the amazing opportunity to ride with Rudolf Rostek, a bereiter from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria. To say that it was a remarkable experience would be an incredible understatement, so I will do my best to explain what I learned from Rudi knowing full well that my words will not be enough. I cannot begin to thank my dear friend Lori enough for this educational and inspiring opportunity, nor can I sufficiently thank Rudi for taking the time to teach me.

Star and I during the clinic....

I watched Rudi teach in both the January 2006 and July 2006 clinics, but this was my first time riding with him. I took four lessons in the clinic with my mare, Star, and also had four lessons with Lori’s Lipizzan mare, Luna, at home. Rudi emphasized the importance of continually preparing the horse for whatever task you will ask of them- if you do not set the horse up for a transition or movement and they falter, it is an error on the part of the rider and not disobedience by the horse. He noted the importance of allowing the horse to move forward in their gaits, and that true collection is far from slowing the horse’s motion simply so that it is easier to sit. The goal was always to have a horse that was through, supple, and using their hind end, and through Rudi’s instruction I could feel the change in gaits in both horses that I rode. His instruction with Luna changed the way I thought about riding her, and I have never seen such dramatic improvement in a green horse simply by being a more attentive and direct rider. Through his direction I was able to feel a much better connection with Star in the bridle, with a soft yet energetic feeling through the bit and reins. She is not always excited about working hard, but I was very proud of her efforts and thrilled to feel her working correctly and over the back when using Rudi's tools.

His teaching style was clear, kind, and honest; mistakes in riding were exposed and discussed, but praise was continually given for effort and improvement. I always left my lessons feeling like I had a lot more to work on, but never with the feeling that my issues could not be overcome with time, focus, and hard work. I watched five days of lessons and learned something from every horse and rider pair in the clinic, witnessing the classical methods work on riders and horses of every level. It was quite encouraging to see everyone improve and see that Rudi lead each rider to develop better movement and expression from their equine partners. He rewarded each horse with sugar after the lessons were done, and he always took the time to give the horses several pats and praise for a job well done. His true love of horses is evident, as is his knowledge of what it takes to have a partnership with these magnificent animals. The work was never stressful, and Rudi’s calm nature permeated every aspect of the clinic. The horses were pleasant and seemed quite happy to try hard for their owners.

I know that my explanation of Rudi’s teaching style is but a small glimpse into a bigger picture, so I shall close by simply saying that I have never felt more energized about my own riding as I do now. For that alone I could never thank him enough, and I can honestly say that I have never experienced the same intellectual and physical improvements in riding as I did in such a short time with Rudi. I have many, many things to work on, and I hope Rudi will return to California in the near future so that I can continue learning more. I would recommend his teachings time and time again, and I am so glad to have had this amazing experience. I cannot thank Lori Green and Bob Warren enough for hosting this wonderful clinic and making these memories possible. Riding under the instruction of an SRS bereiter was never something I could have ever dreamed possible, and without their help it certainly would not have been.

The above photos are from one of my lessons at home on Luna, owned by Secret Ravine Lipizzans.