- 02 Feb, 2010
- 0 Comments
- 1 Min Read
JUMPERS • HUNTERS • EQUITATION • DRESSAGE • EVENTING
As a Horseman, Bernie is renowned for not only his riding talents but for his teaching and coaching gifts. As a competitor, Bernie has represented the United States Equestrian Team both at home and abroad on many occasions and reached the top of the sport in all 3 of the International Equestrian Olympic disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. In 2009 he was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. In 2010 the California Professional Horsemen’s Association honored him with their Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012 he was awarded the USHJA President’s Distinquished Service Award. He is recognized as a legend in the sport. As a teacher and trainer, he is one of the most sought after clinicians in the country today. His talent for teaching goes back to his roots where he was fortunate enough to have been educated by some of the very best Master Instructors this country and the world have to offer. He served as the West Coastʼs associate Chef d’ Equip to George H. Morris, the former Chef d’ Equip of the United States Olympic Equestrian Team. After amassing over 60 years worth of training and riding techniques and experiences with thousands of horses, Bernie is driven to give back to the sport that has given him so much fulfillment and success. Click here to learn more about Bernie.
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BERNIE’S VIDEO TOPICS:
Bernie’s Must-Reads for the Die-Hard Equestrian
Here’s a look at a handful of books that Bernie considers valuable reading for those looking to supplement their equestrian education.
Running Time: 3 mintues and 58 seconds
Links to Books Discussed in this Video
Note: Since some of these books are out of print, we highly suggest checking your local library. If the book isn’t found locally, the library can often times order them from other libraries/schools around the country for you. And the best part is, it’s free! If you want to own a copy, we have provided some Amazon links for you, since that is a common place to buy. But you might also want to check out some used book stores for lower prices. A little research can save you some money.
Training Hunters Jumpers and Hacks by Harry D. Chamberin
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0668026200
Commonsense Horsemanship by Vladimir S. Littauer
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0668026022
Give Your Horse a Chance by Lt. Col. A. L. d’Endrody
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570765529
Horse and Rider by Alois Podhajsky
Can be checked out for free at Archive.org here: https://archive.org/details/completetraining00podh
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQZ5NVS
Hunter Seat Equitation by George Morris
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385413688
The Dressage Horse by Harry Boldt
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3885427605
Progressive Dressage by Andre Jousseaume
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0851312314
The de Nemethy Method by Bertalan de Némethy
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0933316909
Reflections on Riding and Jumping by William Steinkraus
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570760438
The USPC Manual of Horsemanship
https://shopponyclub.org/products/uspc-manual-bundle?variant=999548937
101 Jumping Exercises for Horse & Rider by Linda L. Allen
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580174655
Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse by Paul D. Cronin
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0813922879
Modern Gymnastics by Jim Wofford
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DIL1UJS
The Evolution of Modern Equitation & Classical Riding
Once again, Bernie was honored to judge the 2nd Annual American Tradition of Excellence Equitation Challenge, presented by Whitethorne at Blenheim EquiSports during the June Classic 3. This year he judged with Geoff Teall to pin this educational class with a unique format (http://showpark.com/2018/06/equitation-excellence-returns-to-blenheim/). Bernie produced the following video for the interactive Q & A session where riders & trainers were able to pick the brains of the panel. Bernie put together this evolutionary journey of the American Forward Seat to provide this latest generation of riders with some valuable context and history.
Running Time: 29 minutes and 29 seconds
How Idle Dice Met Rodney Jenkins
Hear the story of Bernie’s connection to one of the greatest grand prix horses this country has known, the first horse inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, Idle Dice. In the late 1960’s Bernie played a critical role in the pairing of the dynamic duo, Idle Dice and Rodney Jenkins, and the rest is history.
Running Time: 4 minutes and 53 seconds
Click here to view the video: A Tribute to the Thoroughbred Sport Horse
Cavalletti Safety Tip
A few years ago, in preparation for a clinic abroad, Bernie asked the clinic host to have some cavalletti at hand in the arena. The host refused to provide them because two pony club members had recently been injured when their horses tripped over the cavalletti and fell on their riders. He has taken this information to heart, and since then he warns his students about the potential danger of cavalletti when they are negotiated the wrong way. Cavalletti can be an invaluable tool when schooling your horse, so find out how be safe out there and use them the right way.
Running Time: 1:19
Full Length Cavaletti Topics
Advanced Exercises To Develop A Better Eye: Part 2 by Bernie Traurig
Daily Pole Exercises by Armando Hassey
Dressage for Jumpers by George Morris
George Morris’ Key Steps to the Show Ring Part One by George Morris
Incorporating Cavaletti with Fences as Developed by Bert de Nemethy by Bernie Traurig
Pole Exercises by Judy Martin
Equitation Tips – Seats on Course
In the third video from the Equitation Tip Series, Bernie discusses a quality that the top equitation riders possess – an independent seat. This allows the riders to utilize all seats on course where they apply. Bernie offers various exercises to develop a secure, balanced, independent seat and enhance strength along with an adjustable hip angle.
Running time: 2 minutes and 38 seconds
Links to topics referenced in this video:
Getting Secure in Your Seat and Legs, Val Renihan
The Independent Seat, Denny Emerson
Building Blocks to a Great Position, Parts 1-5, Bernie Traurig
Equitation Tips – Impulsion
In this second video from the Equitation Tip Series Bernie looks at a common trait that the top equitation horses in the country share. They are all in front of their riders’ legs, allowing for beautiful upward transitions that appear to be invisible. These horses are trained by their riders to be light to the leg and Bernie shows us how to achieve this with your horse.
Running time: 4 minutes and 35 seconds
Links to topics referenced in this video:
Fundamentals of Flatwork – Part 2 – Intermediate
Equitation Tips – Legs
Bernie further breaks down equitation to it’s component parts, referencing the great examples of beautiful and effective riding that we saw in our topic, Equitation – An American Tradition of Excellence. This is a series of how-to tips to take your equitation to the next level. We start with the foundation of every rider’s position, the leg.
Running time: 4 minutes and 46 seconds
Links to topics referenced in this video:
Building Blocks to a Great Position: Part 1
Equitation – An American Tradition of Excellence
According to Bertalan de Nemethy, “nothing of any substance can be built on a flimsy foundation, and the horse and the rider who don’t know what they are doing will always fall far short of realizing their full potential.” It is with this in mind that we share this topic with you, for the fundamental principles of equitation begin with mastering the basics of classical American Forward Riding. This mastery takes time, determination and dedication but yields a riding style that is not only beautiful to watch, but effective in practice. Let’s analyze some of our most recent Champions, Hunter Holloway, TJ O’Mara, McKayla Langmeier, Victoria Colvin and Zazou Hoffman, as they answer the weighty questions posed by an Equitation Finals course with a sophistication that will, no doubt, serve them well wherever their riding careers take them.
Running Time: 18 minutes and 44 seconds
Evaluating The Off The Track Thoroughbred For Purchase
Join Bernie Traurig on a shopping trip for retired racehorses in the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington, Kentucky. As a huge advocate for the Thoroughbred, Bernie supports the efforts of those who work to give former racehorses new careers. He discovered one such program that sets the gold standard for reschooling Off The Track Thoroughbreds. The Kentucky Horse Park is home to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, where tremendous care is given to the selection and training of these wonderful equine athletes and finding them suitable new homes. Because of the unique nature of this facility, Bernie is able show us the process he uses to evaluate a horse and predict its potential as a prospect for the jumping sport. At this facility, one is able to get a broad overview of the horse’s temperament, soundness, movement and jumping talent in various ways. Bernie was able to observe the horses at rest in the stall, in hand, free jumping in the hitchcock pen as well as under saddle in the arena. People in the market for an OTTB don’t always get the opportunity try a horse so thoroughly, that is what makes the MMSC such a gem.
Running time: 49 minutes and 56 seconds
Links to videos referenced in this video:
Schooling Your Horse Over Open Water
Open water obstacles can be intimidating to both the horse and the rider, so you want to be sure you’ve done your homework to avoid potential faults in the show ring. Join Bernie as he shows us how to properly school over a simulated open water jump in a way that encourages the horse to jump beyond the tape. Nobody wants a toe in the tub on show day!
Running Time: 8 minutes and 55 seconds
Related Topic: Introducing the Green Horse & Training the Spooky Horse to the Liverpool