Bert Gibson reports from the Stephen Clarke (FEI5*) Seminar

I am writing to report on the recent Stephen Clarke FEI5* (UK) and Susie Hoevenaars FEI5* (AUS) seminar and workshop that I attended in Geelong on the 4th November 2017.

The education seminar was organized by Dressage Australia and the Dressage Judges Education Panel, ably fronted by Susie Hoevenaars who does a wonderful job furthering the education opportunities for interested judges, coaches and riders in Australia. I must say it frustrates me that more people don’t attend. I have for many years attended education seminars presented by Stephen Clarke. He is able to impart a wonderful clarity of his knowledge, attention to detail, adherence to the training scale and good all-round common sense which I guess makes him such a well regarded and respected international judge. The combination of Stephen and Suzie presenting the morning theory session using good video footage, great discussion and questions was a very valuable experience.

In the afternoon we were treated to a wonderful variety of quality horses and good riding, with Stephen at the helm showing clear improvement in the way of going and the quality of the movements being performed. He not only is an international judge but wow, his coaching ability and effectiveness was excellent. So much to be gained from being an observer. It was great to see a few other Tasmanian judges attending, as did our State Squad Coach, Peter Fischer.

Cheers,
Bert Gibson
A Level Dressage Judge