 t takes great education,
many years of experience, a well developed philosophy of riding, a passion for
teaching and a unique ability to communicate. These elements can all be found
in a classically schooled, USDF certified instructor, coach and trainer here in
the Pacific Northwest, Jim DiMilte.
Internationally Influenced
Repertoire
Jim DiMilte is a
certified riding instructor who has ridden with many of the most respected
names in the dressage world. While being certified by the Morven Park
International Equestrian Institute in 1971, Jim studied with Major Joseph
Lynch, the 1968 US Olympic Team coach, and Jimmy Wofford, one of that team's
riders.
Since that time Jim has pursued excellence
in dressage through studying with Hans Möeller and Hans Handler of the
Spanish Riding School, Charles DeKunffy, Hilda Guerney, Dominique Barbier,
Natalie Lamping, Tom Poulin, Michael Handler, Lilo Fore, Sonja Vracko and many
more respected and accomplished clinicians. Jim has also had the opportunity to
attend clinics where he learned from Reiner Klimke, Robert Dover, Christine
Stüeckelberger and Gustav Nableaus, former president of the FEI dressage
committee. These experiences amount to a terrific repertoire of learning from
some of the world's greatest dressage riders.
Jim
DiMilte over fences
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Knowledge of Equine and Human
Bodywork
Jim has a
great desire to understand and communicate both the "hows" and the "whys" of
teaching, training and riding. This is shown in his additional schooling,
clinics and personal experiences. He has attended the seminars of Sally Swift,
taken classes in human and equine anatomy, physiology and psychology and has
undertaken extensive work from practitioners of Rolfing and the Alexander
techniques of bodywork. This makes him uniquely qualified to more fully
understand the workings of the human body as it moves with and directs the
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Unique Ability to Communicate
These
opportunities and experiences have given Jim various perspectives on the ideals
and interpretations in the world of dressage and have allowed him to hone his
philosophy of riding. Jim uses classic ideas combined with great teaching to
see through each students' eyes and body. He uses analogies and combines
explanation, demonstration and execution as cornerstones of his teaching
process. He strives to be not only a great rider but a great communicator. He
has the all-important ability to communicate to the rider what the correct
feeling on the horse should be.
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Jim works
well with all levels of riders. In 30 years of teaching dressage, he has taught
4-H groups, pony club, community college courses in Texas and Illinois and
college courses at Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona.
Successful Rider and
Trainer
He has
competed successfully through 4th level on his Thoroughbred gelding, Shy
Canadian, and is now schooling a young warmblood gelding. Jim believes in
teaching and continuous learning as a part of life. A USDF bronze medallist, he
has also completed his USDF instructor's certification exam and is USDF
Certified TR-2 ... just one more great accomplishment in an already rich riding
resumé.
If you are searching for an
instructor who has years of experiences and a passion for both riding and
teaching, Jim DiMilte is the well-schooled, well-rounded trainer for your
needs. |
Jim and
Pella
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Jim and
Zippo
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