HomeTraining
Head trainer Craig Clermont trains according to the proven American hunt seat equitation system, as developed by US Chef D'Equipe George Morris. This incorporates dressage movements, lots of early pole work, gymnastics and low, but intellectually challenging course-work. Craig has nearly 20 years experience, mostly in Canada, developing his own and client horses for upper level jumping. Craig has started many young Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds and even Quarterhorses to be successful all the way to Grand Prix and World Cup level.
While technical expertise and natural ability of the trainer is important, what is more important according to Craig is overall horsemanship and a person's general character. Horses are extremely sensitive animals and will want to please, especially when people reach out to them with clear, patient expectations. Craig likes to emphasize this to students by reminding them to not only ride properly, but to really appreciate every opportunty we have to interact with horses, to be in nature, and share these amazing experiences with our fellow riders.
Craig's North American training influences are largely from training with and competing with several Canadian masters, including Hugh Graham and Ian Millar. Craig's European training influence was from Steve Smith of Great Britain and Gold Medalist Piet Raymakers of Holland. A third influence stems from long study of two martial arts, which emphasize proper form, focus, breathing and relaxation. From this practice, Craig has developed and teaches a series of exercises for riders to help improve balance and smoothness.
A horse's confidence, technique and scope is achieved through the careful use of marginally incremental gymnastics, with always very careful regard to maintain a relaxed experience. It is vitally important this process is not rushed, so the horse is both physically and emotionally ready for each success stage, by ending the training session on a very positive note. This way progress continually moves forwards, and over even just a few months, this continuous forward movement produces a solid foundation from which the horse can draw upon as needed during competition.
Training horses properly is similar to making fine pottery:
Let time, plus persistent patience work it's power to shape, without cracking the vessel.
Call 650 851-2230 or email Craig to set a time to discuss your goals.
Fanal was a nervous jumper and was being sold as a dressage horse just six months before this photo was taken. With retraining, including overcoming a phobia of jumping water, he went on to compete in the Young Riders Championships, two World Cup Qualifiers, and clearing 6'8" in a Puissance style "6-Bar" class.