Chris Irwin Clinic

[poi-chick]

There's one coming up at the end of may and I'm trying to decide if finances would allow for it. Have any of you been to one of these clinics? Would you recommend it?

[intouch]

I've seen him a few times now, He's an excellent horseman and he can read horses like a book - but I can't warm to him....His wife Kathryn however is a different matter - I'd travel to see her.
http://www.chrisirwin.com/site/index.php

[magoozee]

I did participate in one of his clinics a couple of years back, very pricey, save your money and go watch is my recommendation. Then maybe follow through with Laura Domenica, who is his rep here, if you think his methods can do anything for you. You only get a taster of what his methods are in one session, it's a lot of money to pay just for that.

[Bobbi C]

yes, yes yes, he is amazing, and such a lovely genuine man. i did a full day clinic with him in coilog last year and it was worth the cost of everything (driving madame from galway, livery for 3 nights, and cost of clinic). he truely is an excellent horseman and excellent teacher. I went to his following clinic as a spectator (and helper) and this was excellent too. I'm gutted I can't get to his May clinics and I've asked Laura to try convince him to come back again later in the year :sniggers:

[jennyh]

Wasnt that impressed with him last time i saw him. Maybe if i spent some more time getting to know him, i might change my mind. But from what i saw of him, i wouldnt participate in his clinic. Wouldnt put my horse through it either. Might spectate again sometime tho. Have held a few clinics with laura here too, and must admit i prefered her when she worked more parelli style as opposed to chris irwin.

[Bobbi C]

how do you mean you wouldn't put your horse through it? I found him to be excellent with my horse when he handled her. She adored him, and she's not a horse who likes very many people!

[jennyh]

Im glad your mare liked him. its just that he used a few techniques that i wouldnt use on my horses. Like the vienna rein, were he attached a lunge rope from the bit, through the stirrup and to your hand for lunging. I dont much like the technique.
And another case when he was trying to teach a horse to lift its legs. Im sure he is a good horseman and a very good rider, but i think he appeals to the competition market more, because to me its not the sort of horsemanship i consider doing with my horse.

[poi-chick]

And another case when he was trying to teach a horse to lift its legs. Im sure he is a good horseman and a very good rider, but i think he appeals to the competition market more, because to me its not the sort of horsemanship i consider doing with my horse.

jennyh I 'd like to hear more about this opinion please.

[Bobbi C]

I would agree, I don't think he fits into the percieved class of "natural horsemanship" ie parelli etc, he is more good horsemanship and really knowing how to read your horse properly and effectively.

[jennyh]

Poi-chick, basically i feel that he would appeal to people who want to go on and do dressage, because of his technique, the tools he uses, and also the last clinic laura did she had a 12 year old boy riding his pony in spurs and trying to get him on the bit. I feel its to much focusing on the horse going into an outline, instead of dealing with other problems like lateral work before hand. Thats the picture i got from laura anyway, i am assuming he would be similar. Just my opinion, im sure others have different opinions of him.
And Bobbi c, yes he is very good at reading horses. And very interesting to listen to about training as well.

[shelly_4eva]

Went to Chris's clinic and I have to say, he was amazing, the horses' response to him is wonderful. he was worth every penny, and Laura is one of the best NH teachers in this country!! She has a great approach, both traditional and NH, and it has worked miracles with my mare. Highly recommended for any rider wanting to further their knowledge, and to create a balanced relationship with your horse. She truly amazes me with each session we do!

[gussmith]

Went to Chris's clinic and I have to say, he was amazing, the horses' response to him is wonderful. he was worth every penny, and Laura is one of the best NH teachers in this country!! She has a great approach, both traditional and NH, and it has worked miracles with my mare. Highly recommended for any rider wanting to further their knowledge, and to create a balanced relationship with your horse. She truly amazes me with each session we do!

Errhh s_4e - yer not on commission by any chance?

[shelly_4eva]

Errhh s_4e - yer not on commission by any chance?

haha no!! just an avid follower of natural horsemanship as I bought a seriously abused and dangerous mare last year!!! She is only still with me now because of NH (she is now broken and riding, an a complete sweetheart). I just like getting the message across about NH because to me, it saved my mares life! I now follow Laura Domenicas methods and regularly go to all her workshops and clinics. Sure any "horsey" person will tell you, you can never stop learning when it comes to horses, and I think people who recognise and practice NH can benefit from a better relationship with their horses!! :)

[High_Stepper]

Are you thinking of going with Molly PC?

[poi-chick]

Are you thinking of going with Molly PC?

Molly's not going anywhere big lame head on her. This was posted back in May.

[Teegee]

Molly's not going anywhere big lame head on her. This was posted back in May.

:nod: It get's very confusing when old threads are dragged up.

[High_Stepper]

oh yea! I did notice the May bit though and thought you were planning for next year with a sound Molly!!