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 you’re wondering why I’m so peppy this early in the morning, it’s 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 I’m 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 I’m 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 don’t flop around, but I’m 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 don’t 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! You’ve made me so happy I’m getting a little choked up. I can’t 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. I’ve come to realize that if I do any down transition correctly, I can basically throw him the reins because he’s 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, I’ve 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 I’d just try to describe what he’s doing now.
    You were absolutely right (big surprise – not) that as he matured his mane would pick a side. So as I’ve worked to get him to bend and round, he’s only got one lock of mane about C2 that goes to the opposite side. I think I know that means I still don’t have him supple at the vertebrae, but I’ve had a breakthrough in keeping my hands quieter and he is responding very well to the change! I think, I’ll get him supple at that point as well and we’re currently working on his coming forward with his hind leg at the trot, supporting himself and getting him to reach into the bit. I’m so delighted that I can feel these things, which before I’d read about, but didn’t really have a clue. I credit it to your getting me grounded!
    I’m working with a dressage instructor who unfortunately isn’t 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 I’m 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 couldn’t 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 didn’t 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, I’m feeling good in the saddle again *grin* and I’m ok with where things are going. It’s really nice to ride Lace and feel her relaxing under me. I think it is the way I’m riding more than anything else because I have felt her change in the last 2 weeks. Her history is that she’s 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 can’t bear to miss any more lessons and marvel at how much I learn. I can’t believe that a 20 minute “walk” lesson would be so educational and tiring. We’re 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 you’re appreciated, isn’t 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. I’ll take some photos tomorrow but it doesn’t look like she lost any weight and she was totally perky when she got off the truck. I’m 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 didn’t 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