Bakersfield Dressage
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Horse Expo Clinics (Part 3)

2/9/2013

 
TM and I have seen a lot of big names at Equine Affaire (now Horse Expo). We've seen John Lyons (humblest guy ever), Pat Parelli (too much show boating for my taste), Julie Goodnight (very approachable), Monty Roberts (that horse did NOT Join Up!), Craig Cameron (Extreme Cowboy Race - FUN!), Nick Karazissis (twice now), and of course Christian Schacht. There have been other bigs names as well, but they weren't familiar to me at the time.

On this particular day at Horse Expo, the final clinic we saw was done by Chris Cox. Chris is a regular on RFDTV, and while I am not into western riding, his topic piqued my interest, "Building Rider's Confidence." Right up my alley; we took a seat.
Picture
Chris Cox and one of them demo horses - poor quality photo; I know.
The best thing Chris did was endorse the use of helmets. He started his lecture with a story about his young daughter and how she always wears a helmet. He admitted that he doesn't wear one, but went on to explain (erroneously, of course) that with his skill and knowledge he felt safe enough without the use of a helmet. Even with that, I still appreciated that a top trainer was urging less experienced riders to protect themselves.

The point of his lecture was to help riders who lack confidence find some. Chris pointed out that it is through education that we build confidence. We need to replace fear with knowledge. He stressed that ALL riders need to find professional help, especially those who lack confidence. He also stressed the importance of having a horse that suits your experience level. He joked about uneducated owners who buy 2 year olds. Bad combination. Sadly, I heard people murmuring in the stands how that was them.

While Chris talked about how to stay safe and get an education, he began working with three different horses while their owners watched. The first horse he worked with was an amazing mustang. The owner was terrified of him, but it was obvious that he was a very nice horse. Chris demonstrated that virtually all of the problems we see are actually caused by the riders themselves. To demonstrate, he cantered, did a million changes of directions, did some halts, and a variety of other things to get the horses' feet unstuck. None of the three were scary or naughty at all. 

The mustang was simply lovely, the second seemed very willing, and the third was just uneducated with a rider who lacked even more knowledge than the horse. In each of the three cases, the riders were riding with tensed, hunched over bodies, clutching at their horses' mouths. He showed the riders how to open up their hip angles and let go of their horses' mouths.

There were times when I thought he was a bit harsh in his comments to the riders, but they probably deserved it. The first thing he asked each lady was why she didn't have a helmet. And when they hemmed and hawed in their answers, he just dug a little deeper at them. He next criticized one of the riders for the huge spurs she was wearing; I could see them from where we were sitting. He pointed out, quite correctly I thought, if someone needs more confidence and is fearful of the horse, she shouldn't be wearing spurs. 

It was a very serious clinic addressing very serious issues. Yes, he was hard on the riders, but I could see where he was coming from. I am sure that he gets sick of seeing people who hurt their horses, or themselves, simply because they don't know what the heck they're doing, and they won't get the help of a trainer.

Near the end of the clinic, Chris finally had each woman get on her horse and ride him around. Each was successful. When they got off, he gave each a big hug and told her that she could do this. I am not sure that any of them developed a new sense of confidence, but I am certain that the audience, which was huge, learned a few things about being smarter in how we choose to ride what we ride.

The one thing I really appreciated about Chris Cox was his complete lack of salesmanship. He wasn't there to sell a program or a halter. He was just trying to get people to think about their relationship with their horses and to evaluate it honestly. He also pointed out stupid when he saw it which is a trait I admire. He might have lost some followers with his biting honesty, but I know he gained a few because of it. He's a trainer that I'll keep my eye on.
Picture
This paint was the least educated of the three horses. He bonded to Chris immediately and followed him all over the place. You could tell he was so relieved to have finally found a leader in Chris. I felt sorry that he had to return home with his owner.
The Equestrian Vagabond link
2/9/2013 12:29:31 am

I haven't seen him yet. BRAVO to him for advocating helmets. I do like watching all of these guys, even if I don't like certain ones for their conceit and sales pitches and dissing of helmet-wearers. you can still learn a lot watching them. I was impressed with Guy McLean when I saw him at a small expo.

Karen
2/9/2013 12:32:41 am

I agree - watching anyone good at what they do, regardless of the discipline, can be a learning experience. And yes, he hit the helmet thing pretty hard. I am not familiar with Guy McLean ... Maybe now he'll crop up since I've heard his name! :0)

Val
2/9/2013 01:17:32 am

Chris Cox gave a clinic (here in NJ) at the farm I worked at years ago. This was before I had Harley, but I adopted some of his groundwork techniques and still prefer them today.

I think that you totally hit the nail on the head regarding his personality. He is not a people-pleaser, but his timing and understanding of horses is remarkable. He likes to show riders that the error is usually theirs, which is not always pleasant for the rider, but usually correct.

Karen
2/9/2013 07:34:47 am

I have seen him on TV many times, but this was the first personal encounter. I LOVED that he was more concerned about the horses than about the people. It must not hurt his business too much as he has quite a following!

Kelly link
2/9/2013 06:01:33 am

Sounds like a clinic that pertains to all disciplines - interesting I bet to watch! I am hoping for good clinicians to watch at Ohio's EA in April.

Karen
2/9/2013 07:25:44 am

It was ... Ohio's EA is probably bigger than our event which means you'll probably get a wide variety of clinicians. I hope you'll share who you get to see!

Erica link
2/9/2013 09:34:27 am

I'm jealous! I enjoy watching Chris Cox work. I also really like that he looks out for the horse instead of the rider's ego.


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
    Picture
    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
    Picture
    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
    Picture
    My favorite breeches!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    Watercolor Artist and Friend

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

    State Horse Awards
    Picture
    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    Picture
    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

    Working Towards:

    CDS Sapphire Rider Award
    Third Level: 63.514%
    Third Level: 62.105%
    Fourth Level:
    Fourth Level:

    2023 Show Season

    Show Rating
    (***) CDS/USDF/USEF 
    (*) CDS
    (s) Schooling
    (c) Clinic
    (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic
    2023 Show Schedule
    TBD

    ​2023 Completed …
    Pending

    2023 Qualifying Scores 

    Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC)  
    Qualifying Training Level
    3 Scores/2 Judges/60%:
    Score 1:
    Score 2:
    Score 3:

    Archives
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    DIY
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    Find Your Joy
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    M.A.R.E.
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home