KNOWLEDGE ACROSS DISCIPLINES
On Nov. 5 the 84th champion of the prestigious ASPCA Maclay Finals will be awarded during the National Horse Show held in Lexington, Kentucky. The Maclay has long been recognized as the most prestigious junior equitation final due to its rich history and the multiple professional horsemen that have achieved illustrious careers after earning the title. Of special note, one of the two judges will be Bernie Traurig, a double winner in 1961 of both the ASPCA Maclay and AHSA Medal Finals.
Winning the Maclay is typically a major stepping-stone for riders who are serious about pursuing a successful career in show jumping and desire to represent the United States Equestrian team at home and abroad. Mr. Traurig followed this path and not only competed in 8 World Cup Finales, but he also accumulated over 60 grand prix wins. His proficiency as a horseman is unparalleled as he also reached the top of equestrian sport in all 3 of the International Equestrian Olympic disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. He has also been recognized for his success in the hunter arena as an inductee into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame.
The diversity of Mr. Traurig's acumen at the pinnacle of multiple disciplines is unprecedented, but it his dedication to teaching, perpetuating and sustaining the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System that is his largest contribution to equestrian sport.
"The biggest take away from this clinic is that each question in a show jumping course whether it be jumpers, hunters or equitation, can be answered with a series of formulas. For instance if a rider approaches a jump and does not see their distance at first, they can modify their turn until they see their distance and produce an effective jump that meets their goal for the course."
A TEACHER FOR ALL LEVELS
I first met Mr. Traurig six years ago to discuss growing his on-demand equestrian video database, EquestrianCoach.com. I was incredibly impressed that he gets EXCITED when discussing how best to use technology to share knowledge to a large audience comprised of riders of all levels across the world. His passion is the American Seat of Forward Riding an not only does he personally teach the fundamentals online, but he also seeks out the best in primarily the hunter, jumper and equitation arenas to create segments addressing popular topics (i.e. George Morris, Hope Glynn, Peter Wylde and many more). The content is constantly expanding, as are the topics on the website's blog. Additionally, Mr. Traurig has been working closely with the USHJA to implement a creditable trainer certification program to best designate the proficiency of professionals in our sport.
Mr. Traurig is also a very hands on coach that is persistent in advancing solid horsemanship throughout the entire industry. Two weeks ago he traveled to my current home town in Boise, Idaho and his clinic drew participants from several hundred miles away including Sun Valley, Idaho Falls and even Utah. All of his clinics are very well planned and he had forwarded predetermined exercises and courses to the host to ensure the clinic would start promptly. Elements were built in to each exercise to quickly analyze each horse and rider and to provide constructive feedback and solutions for each team. Additionally, the details for a successful "classroom" were provided by Mr. Traurig including a quality sound system for auditors, ear pieces for riders and a video and Q&A session on Saturday night.
"Bernie was amazing – he really helped with corners and set a great course on Sunday (day 2). We worked on real horsemanship. Love that!"
The hosts, Boise Saddle and Jump Club, could not have asked for better results. Mr. Traurig’s wealth of experience as a rider that has reached the pinnacle of success in multiple disciplines coupled with his ability as a teacher to to convey important principles created a large growth opportunity for equestrian sport in our region. From professionals to novice juniors, the clinic was a success that provided sustainable solutions for everyone involved. He not only worked with each rider, but he also welcomed their trainer into the ring during the entire session for added insight on the past and future course of action. It is without a doubt that Mr. Traurig will always have a warm welcome to Idaho!
JO-ANNE DIXON
Horse Show Pony Mom
Signe is 11 years old and her pony is just 6, she started riding her 2 years ago when she was nine and the pony was just 4. They are both greenies so clinics like this and great trainers like Teresa (Englehart of Autumn Hills Farm) have been really important to help her work toward her goal of one day getting to pony finals. I asked her to tell me what she liked best about the clinic and she said, 'I was a little nervous since this was my first clinic ever but Bernie was great. He was able to help me and my pony with some things we were stuck on. I really learned a lot. Bernie was awesome and so was my pony Biscotti.'"
MACY MITCHELL
Top 10 West Coast Hunter Finals, 2016 Multiple classic wins in both the hunter & jumper arenas
"It was an incredible opportunity to work with Bernie. He quickly identified the things I needed help with so I found the lessons to be efficient and accurate. He gave me some tools and provided me (and my trainer) with some exercises to continue the effort."
Learn from Bernie Traurig
EQUESTRIANCOACH.COM
On-demand instructional video library featuring 100’s of topics with content growing each month. The core instruction follows the principles of the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System and is a useful tool for riders of all levels, from novices to professional trainers. Monthly subscriptions start at $29.99 per month for unlimited access. For more information, visit EquestrianCoach.com.
HOST A CLINIC
A popular clinician around the world, Bernie Traurig is available to travel to your stable to teach riders of all levels. For details and his schedule, CLICK HERE.
EQUESTRIAN COACH WORKSHOP
(San Marcos, CA)
Bernie's Private "One on One" workshops are an all inclusive immersion course at his private facility in Southern California. Workshops are limited to 5 riders per group and video feedback is provided along with Q&A each session. Workshops also include one year of personal coaching through video feedback as well as a subscription to EquestrianCoach.com. For more details and dates of workshops, CLICK HERE.