Clinic Report
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Rudolf Rostek Clinic July 2007 |
| Around The Bend Farm Dressage Training by Karmen Mills |
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.
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.
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