Not just
for dressage enthusiasts . . .
|
|
|
What
Others Are Saying About Jim DiMilte
Letters and comments from
students and friends ...
|
Thanks for a wonderful lesson today. I
am again grateful to be your riding student! I had some clarifying moments
today.
I love my lessons, I will be
practicing all week.
If youre wondering why Im
so peppy this early in the morning, its because I wake up knowing that
finally I am putting in the work to pursue my dream, and it makes me feel
alive. Thank you so much for being instrumental in making my dream come true,
and for believing in me. It is such a gift you are giving me of your knowledge.
I know Im paying money for it, but it still feels like a huge gift and I
just wanted to say thank you for the time, effort, and patience you put toward
my progress as an equestrienne. Chris
After the ride I had today, as soon as
I see you, I am ready to give you a hug and a kiss that would knock you out of
your shoes! Minka feels INCREDIBLE! I have to be a much better rider to work
with what you have given me, and I feel myself stepping up to the challenge.
The first thing I felt is that I have more back to
sit on now. She feels like she has become accustomed to being surrounded by
attentive leg and rein aids, so now if Im not fast enough, I can feel her
move in a direction where I missed applying the aid, and have to catch up to
her. She is showing me where my inconsistencies are with my aids and I am
learning to have her between BOTH legs, and BOTH rein aids. She is gaining in
flexibility and tone without acting like cooked spaghetti. I did an
uberstreichen at the trot and there was no change in tempo or contact on the
rein I continued to hold. I can feel more movement in her entire body at the
walk now, and I am working to maintain tone in my core so I dont flop
around, but Im still relaxed. At one point, while they were dumping rock
at the far end of the arena, she shied and took a few lunging canter strides
before I got her back under control and trotted on. Thanks to you, my seat is
secure enough that I dont get left behind, and I can quickly settle her
and ride off like nothing happened. In a word, I
am gobsmacked. Please let me know what we need to do to keep making this kind
of progress. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Youve made me so
happy Im getting a little choked up. I cant wait to see you
tomorrow and ride my horse again. Chris
http://www.classicaldressage.com/zen/articles/a_7.html
This is what I was trying to express yesterday during my phone call of,
"OMG, I had such a great ride!" Right now, sensations are unfolding for me like
the petals of a flower, and the stimulus is so overwhelming I can't be anywhere
BUT in the moment while I'm up there. It's like I'm getting a lightening storm
of "a-ha" moments during each ride. I can feel the bit contact in my hands
consistently, I can feel there is a resistance in how I am asking for a change
in bend, so I will try something different to create the bend and then maintain
it, I'm learning to watch for the pre-signal that something is going to change
so that I can catch it before the change happens. I can feel Minka's back come
up under me as I learn to ride more from my thighs. The list goes on and on. As
a matter of fact, at one point on Saturday, I had the feeling of her back
sucked up under my seat, like my glutes were two vacuum hoses pulling her up,
and I actually looked back to see if she was lifting her tail to poop, and she
wasn't! I have a long-term goal of being the
student you can showcase as the one you're really proud to have put your stamp
on. I want to absorb as much knowledge as you have to convey. I know that you
are one of the few instructors that can take me to where I want to go, and even
further than I had previously let myself hope. That said, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
the process. There is a thrill of discovery that you can't understand unless
you want the end result as badly as we do. I love learning. Period. I love to
learn, and I love to facilitate learning when I am able. That is why I know
that I have finally found the long-term goal that fits me, because I am
enjoying the path to the summit.
This email reminded me of my progress
with Axel through the hunt. We are going very fast, but also need to stop
sometimes very fast. He prefers to canter rather than trot which works well
since I ride him in a close contact and just side down for him to stop.
Ive come to realize that if I do any down transition correctly, I can
basically throw him the reins because hes responded to my stopping my hip
movement, closing my upper thigh and he gives his neck and comes to a stop.
Thanks so much for teaching me to ride with my body and not my arms/hands. I
still have ways to go, but I have the basics thanks to you.
Lori
Subject: RE: You are riding Sammie
again today. That horse is good for me. She lets me know when I am
"yelling" at her with my cues. I am learning a ton from you and the lessons.
Funny how your horses can teach you so much. Julie
On a positive note ... Pretty soon,
[Turner] was flexing, bringing up his haunches and we had a FABULOUS ride. I
figured out how to feel that he was coming up and using his back ... He lifted
up his belly and I felt the saddle fill up my pelvis. So now I ride to get him
to loosen up and bring his back up. That's easier for me to feel than when he's
bringing his back legs really underneath him. I so love that guy. I can't wait
to see what he's like in another 1-2 yrs. Thanks to you, I feel like I got the
foundation that I so missing before. I'm so grateful for that opportunity.
Lori
Dang ... I just re-read the e-mail I
just sent you and noticed the fact that I did not mention your contribution to
my relationship with Beau. I must tell you that I would not have such a strong
connection with Beau without you! Thank You again, again, and ... again for the
lessons! You give me so much confidence in the saddle! (and on the
ground!). Amy
Jim, Ive thought about you
almost daily, each time I ride Turner and wanted to wait to write until I could
send you pictures. But then I get busy and forget to take the pictures. So I
thought Id just try to describe what hes doing now.
You were absolutely right (big surprise not)
that as he matured his mane would pick a side. So as Ive worked to get
him to bend and round, hes only got one lock of mane about C2 that goes
to the opposite side. I think I know that means I still dont have him
supple at the vertebrae, but Ive had a breakthrough in keeping my hands
quieter and he is responding very well to the change! I think, Ill get
him supple at that point as well and were currently working on his coming
forward with his hind leg at the trot, supporting himself and getting him to
reach into the bit. Im so delighted that I can feel these things, which
before Id read about, but didnt really have a clue. I credit it to
your getting me grounded! Im working with a
dressage instructor who unfortunately isnt as good as you about working
on my position, but between the basics that you taught me and my harping at her
to look at my movements, we are making sure progress.
I wish you were closer to keep me on target, but
Im sure grateful that I was able to ride with you for long enough to
internalize what to expect from my body and tune into what that would mean to
the horse. Thanks again! Lori
I'm back from inner Mongolia. It was
beautiful riding the horses in the mountains and the grasslands. I had fun just
letting my wild little man gallop like crazy, which makes me think that it was
pretty unsafe if I hadn't ridden before (and the farmer who put me on the horse
thought I had never ridden) and my horse was extremely frisky.
I think the things you taught me in the short while
finally sunk in my brain because I got the horse to pay attention to me just by
pushing down in my shoulders through my seat when I wanted him to slow down or
stop ... amazing!! I'll send you pictures when I get my computer set up.
Janis
As for my practicing, I rode on
Monday and yesterday. The difference is amazing. Minka isn't used to my legs
being that far back, so when we first started out on Monday, we did a bit of
zig-zagging back and forth before she figured out that both legs were back
there, and it meant go straight instead of sideways. Yesterday I tried using my
seat a little more, like what you were showing Patrice with leaning back just a
little bit, and for the first time Minka chewed the reins out of my hands at
the walk by really reaching down into the contact (which I was able to
maintain)! You can let Sarah know that "quite
happy with my lesson" is the understatement of the year. I've made phenomenal
progress with only one lesson! I can't wait for Saturday!
Chris
Jim, Just wanted to say thank you for
being so kind and generous with you time today. I was having a crappy time
trying to get coordinated (and probably driving Cheers crazy), not really
riding but rather just perching there, but at least I got to take home some
pointers that really made sense and were very helpful. Now I just have to do it
and stop thinking about it. You and Lisa are exceptionally good at explaining
things and I appreciate that because I know it can be hard to do.
Tina Fong
Jim, I understand being a competent
horse rider takes much time, patience, and a pretty good handle on yourself. I
have a desire to learn. I don't attempt anything unless I fully intend to
succeed ... These articles are super (Zen in the Art of
Dressage). They are informative and humbling. We will be reading
them for sometime ... Today I had the best ride on
Belle I have ever had. I am practicing what you teach me. I need to practice
being calm because you are correct [that] Belle knows what I am feeling. I
walked her in the arena today speaking calmly but firmly to her before mounting
her. I mounted her and she walked more calmly than I have ever experienced. I
practiced stopping and backing and also brought her to a jog. She was calm. I
sat back and practiced my my pelvic glides as I rode. We were out there just
the two of us ... Well the above was yesterday.
Last night when I went to bed I thought to myself, will I remember and do what
I did riding Belle next time???? Today I am still savoring the time Belle and I
had together yesterday. I think I will for sometime to come. It was an intimate
moment we shared. Again, I thank you, Jim.
Warmest regards, Donna
Jim, what a wonderful time we had this
afternoon. thank you for your time, patience and non-judgementalness (is that a
word?). I look forward to gaining more knowledge and confidence with your help.
Best of all we now have reverse and we are unstuck. I feel as though we have a
direction to go and "stuff" to work on until we meet again. Loved your web
site, lots of fun photos and great info. I have been reading Sally Swift's book
on the recommendation of one of my roping friends! She gives great images to
work with. Thanks a million, Holly
Has anyone told you lately just how
terrific you are! You are the best!!!! Thank you so much for everything that
you have done for me and for Aimsley. I was on such a high when I got home on
Saturday and I can't wait to ride tomorrow. Show season is definitely in my
plans for next summer. I will work hard and be patient in the process.
Sally
Hi Jim, I recently met you at the Bits
and Spurs ride and review show. I had the quick little morgan horse and the
4-year-old chestnut TB mare. I wanted to tell you that I was really happy with
my lessons from you and I have been using the advice you gave me with very good
results. Have a good day! Cindy Desmarais
My latest journal entry about the last
lesson. 7/20/2006. Took some pictures. Jim emphasized bending the leg more to
keep my @#*)&@(# right leg in the proper position (parallel to horse rather
than sticking out). This resulted in my heels being up, as I couldnt keep
them down in that overbent position. However, this exercise must have helped,
as I noticed during my long trail ride Saturday morning. Of course, Reggie
being wider than Shaz makes it easier for me to keep my feet in the proper
position. Great work on the elastic elbow and how to obtain an
effective, soft and elastic contact. I need a lot of practice! I feel somewhat
challenged on how to obtain a correct ramener without losing any
impulsion. It was so much easier when I didnt know any better. Jim
spoiled it for me again! Patrick Mawet
Jim, Thanks for the great lesson -
what a learning experience! I have so much to learn, but I look forward to the
journey! Heidi
... wanted to tell you Maura really
liked her lesson with you yesterday. Can't stop talking about how much she
learned, how well you explain stuff. She is looking forward to next week!
Sally
so, Im feeling good in
the saddle again *grin* and Im ok with where things are going. Its
really nice to ride Lace and feel her relaxing under me. I think it is the way
Im riding more than anything else because I have felt her change in the
last 2 weeks. Her history is that shes very sensitive and fearful
(baggage) yet she seems more relaxed and confident recently. Thanks!
I wish you could be a fly on the wall
sometimes when we are in the barn just after you leave. Lori H. just loves your
lessons and always comments that she has never had a coach that was able to
help her body position so much. Jim H. is riding sooooooooo much better. He led
us on a trail ride last week and I was directly behind him. He rode straight in
the middle of his tack, kept his horse forward and reaching for the bit and was
soft and supple at rising trot. Bravo. Kendra always loves her rides. My horse
went pretty good with you on Sunday, then Monday we trail rode for an hour (Jim
H in the lead) and Normandy was sooooo good. Wednesday I rode with Kim Von
Hoppfgarten and Normandy was really good, we discussed our lesson with you and
Kim echoed what you said about controlled strengthening. It was great. Then on
Sunday I rode with Lisa Dussome and my frickin horse was awesome. So long story
short, when the hell are ya coming back? Canter is really coming along, walk is
damn good, etc. I have to ride him so consistently and It's really exhausting
sometimes, but he's getting it. Anyway, just wanted to give you the update.
Wow! Yesterday's lesson was packed
with learning! I wrote three full pages of notes on everything I did and what
we discussed. I love how you have so many different ways (depending on what the
rider needs) to achieve the intended goal. Again, the sign of a superior
teacher. See you tomorrow! Sally
I cant bear to miss any more
lessons and marvel at how much I learn. I cant believe that a 20 minute
walk lesson would be so educational and tiring. Were so lucky
to have Jim D. coming to our barn! Lori
Hi Jim, Monday morning . . . Alayne
Blickle remembered you and specifically said (in voicemail) that you are
a fine, fine, fine instructor, and went on to say that you helped
both her and her husband quite a bit, many years ago
. I could tell that
she had fond memories and a strong respect for your work. Nice to know
youre appreciated, isnt it?
A very belated and huge thank you for
your help and moral support at show last Sunday. Obviously, it made a big
difference. Victor is looking forward to Monday's lesson. Hammer and anvil* are
better worked real well yesterday used it on everyone (horses),
they say thank you!! KLF
*One leg is the
hammer, the active leg, moving the horse's leg. The other is the anvil, passive
like an anvil, but working just as hard as the hammer, bending the metal
(horse) in the middle. If a rider is riding one-legged, the horse will swing
his hindquarters, rather than bending, so you need to ride with two legs to get
the desired result.
When I first started riding with you,
I came because I needed help with my jumping, or so I thought ... actually, I
needed help with keeping Eli from running away with me on cross country ...
turned out the problem was because I had no seat and legs!! We went back to
basic dressage and (eventually) a whole lot of other problems got fixed ...
what a wonder! Thanks!! Anne
Jim & Lisa, We had a great time!
We really learned a lot and cannot thank you both for your patience. We feel
our confidence growing each week. Thanks again!
Curt, Lori and Leif
You make me laugh, that's hard to do.
I mean, REALLY laugh... tickles in my tummy, tears in my eyes, outloud giggly
laughter. Thank you! Jen
She arrived in great condition.
Ill take some photos tomorrow but it doesnt look like she lost any
weight and she was totally perky when she got off the truck. Im so
pleased with the way you two took such excellent care of her!!!! (Check out her
tail!!! People actually thought she was an Arab!!)
Jill |
 |
 |
 |
I really got a lot out of the article
("Colonel Carde in the
US") when I printed it out and compared it to the pictures on the
web. This just reinforces that one has to be flexible when to use certain
movements. I didnt get that until I started working with you
thanks! ... looking forward to riding with you today.
Lori
Loved the
"When Things Go
Wrong" [by Dr. Thomas Ritter] article. I have already forwaded to
several people. I preach these things until I'm blue in the face, and I just
get looked at like I have three heads or something. Fantastic writing.
See ya! KLF
Where do I start???? Pretty much every
lesson is full of 'AHA' moments. I kind of have to challenge myself to absorb
it all!! I was very impressed with what I saw when
you rode her. The little 'baby' piaffe (BTW, I have seen some 'GP' horse with
piaffes that were not much better - but that is a story for another day - I am
just being observant) was cool, but the beautiful transition into collected
canter really knocked my socks off! That was waaaaay cool!
I immediately wondered "when do I get to ride like her
that?". The answer: in time - we are working on it! We eat an elephant one bite
at the time. There was some tension. IMHO two
reasons: (1) she needs to get stronger to be more relaxed doing this more
demanding stuff. (2) some resistances due to the normal operator imperfections
contribute to the tension. But, she can do it! So much for blaming the horse
all the time! I can see that both (1) and (2) will
improve as we keep working. However, great to have a vision of what is to come!
DeKunffy says we are in the age of super horses /
minimal riders. I wonder what the age of super riders / average horses would
look like?! Probably much fewer horses would keep changing owners because they
are just "not good enough for dressage." Patrick
Mawet
I thought you might like this article
["Circle of Learning",
by Dr. Thomas Ritter] I found on . . . life??!! This was a great article!
This line was especially true: "Of course, I
understand." Three years later, it hits us during a ride: "That's what the
teacher was talking about. Now I Understand." I
was told all day long to "sit deep in the saddle" or "push the horse forward
with my seat" and didn't really get what it meant until Monday (not to inflate
your ego and disrupt your zen state!)
Thanks again for the lesson. It's
better than a therapist! Sandy
I have devoured the books and videos
of Sally Swift (what a grand old gal!) and my lessons were with one of your
very own, a lovely woman by the name of Karen Fitzgerald ... I have seen you
instruct at Emerald Lane (during Karen's time off for motherhood) and at
several shows over the years and in my opinion you are one of the finest riders
out there. I also like your hard scrabble New York sense of humor. That's it in
a nutshell. Nancy
Jim, We had a great time! Matter of
fact - we are more excited about riding - than at any time before ... Please
don't think I'm always that "intense" ... we have spent a lot of money on
lessons, and not got as much insight as with you (in 1 hour). I was so intent
not to miss a word you said, I may have come across a bit rigid. We want to
become horsemen, not just riders. Do you teach
jumping ... if we're on trails and a situation arises?
See you Saturday, C. F.
Hi, Wanted to send you a brief line
and say thank you once again for my lesson. I like to think about what I have
learned each time. It is so nice to finish and have "food for thought" before
the next go around. Tonight I am contemplating the
magic of my elbows. I never have really given them much thought before. Hands
versus elbows (and arms) - very interesting. Also thinking about the proper way
to rein back. It is funny, I caught myself
practicing to sit properly (like a rider) at Maura's band concert in the stands
the other night. There are a lot of those moments where I think sit up straight
and feel that core. That will serve me well as I age.
Have a good weekend, Sally
I really enjoyed watching that lesson
last night. Kelsey has been riding Cirrus since she was 9 yrs old. They both
have a lot of ability, but seem to spend much of their time arguing with each
other. It was nice to see them work together.
Becky
Jim, Thank you for a terrific lesson
today and thank you for believing in me and knowing that I could do it! It is a
thrill to be able to ride Aimsley properly. I think he will learn to like the
fact that he lets me know so quickly when I am not communicating correctly. I
will use that trait to our advantage. You get all the credit, thanks again!
Sally
Jim, I've checked out your website and
was very impressed. I've known you for years and yet, I've just learned your
background in dressage. Not saying that I haven't realized that you are the one
instructor who has given me the most and best information about the
relationship between me and my horse. I've touted you every chance I've gotten.
By the way, great picture of you and Shy. Love his reach!
Regards, Diane
Jim, Thanks for the lesson today. Much
help lots of things to work on. Everyone else was impressed also. They
want to know how you can get the horse to do that? I tell them you are truly
gifted and very good at what you do. Karen
Fitzgerald
Hi Jim, this is the boss mare, Mary
Phelps. Tracey told me you just called regarding liability insurance. I check
out your website and was VERY impressed. What a quality professional way of
portraying your business on line. I just wanted to let you know that. I am very
close friends with Deborah Hausman who you must see from time to time at shows.
Thanks for contacting us, and whether you select us or not to be your agent, we
wish you the best, and please let me know if we can be of any further
assistance. Mary Phelps
A Markel Equine Insurance Specialist
386-985-1429 fax 386-985-4657
Jim, You touch each and every one of
your students. I have a feeling you've ruined me for any other coach!!! You
have to move to Pittsburgh as I'm never gonna find a coach here that's anywhere
near your caliber of teacher!!!
Master chief? Or thighmaster
chief?
That is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the thighs to
suffer The burning agony of outraged adductors? Or to take legs against
a steed of trouble And by opposing end him. To shy, to spin: To
spin, perchance to fall -- ay, there's the rolfer! For in that spin of
death what back pain may come?
Alas, poor Tique! I knew him, DiMilte.
There is special providence in the fall of a rider. If it be now, 'tis
not sufficient grip of thigh If it be not to come, 'tis sitting on
tailbones that did the trick If it be not now, oh it's coming soon, believe
me! The readiness is all.
(Hammond's Soliloquy)
Jim, You know, no matter what you do,
times of questioning are inevitable. But I have found your help very valuable.
I have taken lessons most of my life, through Pony Club, 4-H, clinics and other
instructors, and you are the very best at helping me in such a way that the
next day it's still with me, loud and clear, and I can work more confidently on
my own. Oh, if there were only more hours in a day and money in the pocketbook.
Have a great day, Jim, and may God bless the work that you do!
Sandy
Jim, I attended Prescott College from
fall 1971 through spring 1973. While there I worked at the stables feeding,
fixing fence, and constructing jumps. Since college I have continued with
exposure to horses, packing supplies for the forest service, pasture boarding
Thoroughbreds on our Illinois farm, selling hay to horse folks, and
occasionally riding my big walking horse gelding until he passed away at 39
years. I am currently working with a 5-year-old filly that we raised from foal
but was not broke to halter until last summer. I got to thinking of your
instruction at Prescott and found your Web site. I have ordered a couple of
texts from your recommended reading list for some assistance regarding working
with a young horse and, in my case, an aging and not very skilled rider. I
wanted you to know that I learned a couple of things from you 35 years ago and
hope that you continue to enjoy teaching.
Jim, You are a great role model for
Grace. I am very grateful you are in her world!
Julie
Hi Jim, I just wanted to let you know
how much I enjoyed my lesson today (despite the effects of cold remedies). Made
some notes when I got home, you gave me lots of new info. I truly appreciate
the way you explain things and the reasoning behind everything. All very
logical and it amazes me that I haven't been given some of this info before.
Hal was very impressed with the changes he saw in Aimsley today. He seemed
surprised by Aimsley's ability to do the things requested of him. He had
questions about Aimsley's past training and how it pertains to now. Anyway,
just walking on Aimsley and watching him round up and want to please me
(because it is a good feeling on his back) is a big deal to me. So new and
different and exciting. See you next week.
Sally
Hi Jim, I appreciate your work with
Dionna and I at Bridlewood. D had some lovely moments tonite. Strider and I are
improving with your coaching. We appreciate you and your work. And the
"special" instruction was an added benefit. Would you mind sending the contact
info for the saddle fitter you suggested? Thank
you and Happy Holidays, Elizabeth
Klein
Hi Jim, Just to let you know, I really
appriciate the time I spent with you while my family was in the states. You
helped me learn to love dressage, and now it intrigues me all the more! I am
working towards my Pony Club B test - I'll take it in December. I'm heading
back to the states after my senior year - I'm going to a boarding school in
Taiwan . . . I would really like to come back and start riding with you again!
Tiffany
. . . because you are honest . . .
that's why I've always enjoyed keeping in touch because I've always thought you
were one [who is] doing the right thing. That is why I've tried to send you
students over the years. Because I felt you'd really try to teach them . .
. Monica
Jim, Thanks for everything you've
done for me. You are a truly great instructor. I've enjoyed every moment and
learned so much! Sandy
Jim, I have been with a total of 4
trainers in a short time and you are the only one that makes sense to me. I can
breathe a good breath of relief now that my Sandy and I have found you. I have
gotten more out of my two lessons with you than 6 MOS of lessons from
elsewhere....thank you for working so hard for me to GET IT !!!!! You are
literally an answer to a prayer....I am honored to be one of your students.
Sallie Kowalski |
Copyright ©
Unicorn Dressage and Jim DiMilte All rights reserved |