Patewood Farm is honored to hold several clinics each year with the world famous Dominique Barbier. A master of the French classical discipline, Dominique brings a sense of joy to riding. His best selling book, Dressage For The New Age, introduced his gentle, intuitive and playful philosophy to a spellbound audience and Dominique has been sharing his gift freely ever since. Dominique’s background is extensive, including jumping, eventing and dressage. He studied with the great master Nuno Oliviera in Portugal as well as studying in France and England. Riders from all disciplines attend his clinics.

The clinics are arranged in a three day format. The first day is to figure out the horse, the second day to learn how to communicate with your horse and the third day is when the dance truly begins. On each day of the clinic, each horse/rider team works twice with Dominique – once in the morning and once after lunch. Dominique works with the horse in the morning session and then the rider works with the horse in the afternoon under Dominique’s tutelage. Each session includes lunging, in hand work and riding. The lunging and in hand work is crucial to Dominique’s training and allows the horse to discover its own balance and movement without interference of the rider. Watching Dominique ride is an education in itself as his lightness and simplicity are the goal of all riders. Dominique answers questions after each session. As an added bonus – these clinics are a lot of fun! Dominique is personable and friendly, treating each rider, from beginner to Grand Prix rider with respect and humor. It is a rare clinician that enjoys what he does as much as Dominique and his joy is infectious!