Belgian instructor takes riders back to basics

"EVERYTHING is possible, you just have to find the right way."

The positive attitude and patience of visiting Belgian instructor Carlos de Cleermaecker at the weekend had everyone enthralled.

On his first visit west of a major Australian city, and only his fourth trip to our nation, de Cleermaecker was in Orange to instruct 12 lucky dressage enthusiasts from the Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo district.

As well as those riding, many took to the arena's sideline at Spring Terrace to share in his knowledge and skill, despite the sweltering conditions.

De Cleermaecker was keen to be back in Australia to instruct.

"Australians have a good mentality, so willing to take on new information, so curious, always wanting to know more. It is more relaxed here, not so much stress."

De Cleermaecker trained in Germany for many years before founding his own dressage school in Belgium. He instructs at all levels in many European countries. Before travelling to Orange he spent a week with both the Queensland state squad in Brisbane, the NSW state squad in Sydney and also will give lessons in the Newcastle area.

According to de Cleermaecker having visiting instructors is very important to becoming as good as you can.

"I think it is always important to have people to teach, you are told to do something one way, and then another teaches you another way, so when you are good enough you can take the best from everyone."

Current trends have many dressage riders and breeders looking overseas for the next Australian champion, but de Cleermaecker said maybe we are forgetting we have good horses as well.

"I cannot understand why people in Australia are buying horses from Europe, there are also very good ones here."

But of course it is not just having the best horse that will have you heading for that gold medal.

"It is not enough to just have a good horse, you also need a good combination of horse and rider together ... so you can reach the top."

As every combination is so different, de Cleermaecker was put through his paces to quickly learn the 12 different horses at the Orange clinic and help them perfect their individual combinations.

"When I train a horse and rider I first look to the combination, to the horse's ability and also to the rider's, then I try and make them the best they can be."

Two pupils who were taken through their paces were Jo Gilshenan and Jacqui van Montfrans, both of Bathurst.

Gilshenan, on board the very beautiful six-year-old gelding Iroquoi, rode through a combination of leg yields, shoulder-ins and half pass and de Cleermaecker even gave Iroquoi his first lesson in walk pirouettes.

"The lesson was great, he really pointed out some weaknesses I had. He had me concentrating on how I use my body in the movements by riding the quarter line rather than along the arena's sides,'' Gilshenan said.

"I had started riding some of the movements at home, but he has helped make them better."

Jacqui van Montfrans, who had two lessons on Saturday morning, was equally as impressed with his teaching.

She first rode eight-year-old gelding Scottie who is training towards advanced and then five-year-old gelding Garrison who is training elementary/medium.

"He has a lot of patience with the horses, some overseas instructors feel that they have to prove something quickly which can unsettle the horses rather than improve them,'' van Montfrans said. "Carlos on the other hand is very logical in his instruction.

"These clinics are very important to bring everyone together to refocus. There is a lot of talent in this area but it is widespread, intensive lessons like this gives everyone a new way of looking at things which can make it easier to absorb."

An instructor for 15 years herself, van Montfrans said the clinic was great for her so she can now pass on what she has learnt to her pupils across the state.

But all said and done, one thing de Cleermaecker believes Australian trainers have to take the reins up on is returning to the basics.

"I think it is very important here in Australia to look bit more at the base work ... the thing you miss here is really good base work. Many horses are doing tricks but the base work is not 100 per cent – that is what I try to make better."

And he surely did on Saturday in Orange.

The clinic was organised and hosted by Cathie Drury-Klein and Trevor Klein of the Central West Dressage Group.