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Marius Schreiner Returns by Daniella Widmarks |
How far will equestrians reach to find the best training for their animals? For Diane Carone, devotion to her 5-year-old Lipizzan meant a four hour drive in the pre-dawn light to Chino Hills, where the Spanish Riding School’s own Marius Schreiner presented a three-day clinic this summer. The clinic administrator, Deanna Cummins, dedicated months of planning to make the event a success. Her efforts were rewarded when over 100 riders, trainers and auditors met at David Wilson’s W Farms for the event. Thanks to the clinic’s popularity, Marius will return to Southern California Jan. 8-10 with a clinic at Brookside Equestrian Center, in southern Los Angeles County’s Walnut.
A growing trend in the United States, Spanish Riding School clinics reflect the passion and precision of Grand Prix riders trained in the heart of Vienna. In July, Marius Schreiner allocated much of his vacation to three U.S. clinics, traveling from Europe to the Southwest, the Gulf States and New York in a single week. Conversant with his hosts and gracious with students, Marius engaged his first audience in California as he answered questions and inspired confidence in riders. Embracing a tradition and philosophy which declare you have time, Marius patiently but firmly corrected balance and the use of aids, while drawing forth excellent carriage and muscular alignment from both the horses and their riders. Auditors listened intently as Schreiner instructed both professional and amateur equine teams. Diane, a retired dressage instructor, is currently training her young Lipizzan and relished the opportunity to watch one of Vienna’s Master Riders handle horses. “I have used the Spanish Riding School methods as a certified dressage instructor for 30 years,” she said. “This is a wonderful refresher for me.” Returning to audit the clinic several days in a row, other dressage enthusiasts displayed equally keen interest. “The Spanish Riding School sets the standard,” said Pamela, a seasoned rider from the San Diego area. “I came to the clinic to honor Marius’ trip, as much as to review for my own work training young riders.” Also in attendance was distinguished equestrian Mike Harroun, a choice for the 1970 Olympic team who declined in favor of medical school. Gratified to observe the growing dressage network on the West Coast, Mike asserted, “Marius represents a rare quality. This clinic is a lucky event for dressage riders.” Individualized, classical instruction at the Schreiner clinic left riders feeling their improvement and revealing it in their eyes and smiles. Sarah Lockman, a Prix St. Georges level rider and manager at W Farms, has ridden since childhood and knows from her mentor David Wilson that dressage is not only a beautiful sport, but an art form as well. “We have to pay attention to detail in order to be the best,” said Sarah, who reflected that Marius Schreiner paid special attention to little things, like weight shifts, which made “the difference between night and day” for many clinic riders.
Jennifer O’Gara, another clinic participant, has a love for riding which stems from her earliest years. With a Western aficionado father and an older sister sharing the saddle, Jennifer admitted later: “I thought that dressage was only for Lipizzaners.” Always admiring the graceful breed, she is now happily disillusioned. Lunge line training at the Schreiner clinic granted Jennifer and her 2-year-old Friesian much needed confirmation in the deliberate process of dressage, in contrast to advice from others who suggested shortcuts. “The partnership between horse and rider requires consistent contact and communication,” she said. “Marius is extremely helpful and encouraging.” By the close of Marius Schreiner’s West Coast clinic, all present stepped away with a renewed sense of the beauty and intricacy of dressage. The success of the clinic led organizer Deanna Cummins especially to recognize that the partnerships in this artistic sport extend far beyond that between beloved horse and dedicated rider. An equine community with personal, statewide and international ties has every indication of increasing in its strength, and Spanish Riding School clinics are one of the most anticipated outpourings.
For information on Marius Schreiner’s January clinic, contact Deanna Cummins through her website: www.equineclinics.net. |
