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!
