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Testimonials
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Anastasia Dimitriu Shupp,Su-Sham+ and Night Moves++ of San Diego writes...
"There are so many people in the horse industry that claim to be experts, whether the claim is as an instructor, or trainer, or even a "horse whisperer".
A depressingly few can deliver on those promises, and just a tiny fraction of that minority has the education, knowledge, experience, and out-and-out "feel" for both horse and human to do it all. Susan Derr Drake is one of those rare gems.
It doesn't matter the style of riding, the training level of horse or rider, the breed of the mount, or even the age or ability of four-legged or two-legged partner, a lesson from this incredibly gifted teacher will focus the student on his or her goals in a low-key, positive manner. What is learned will become a roadmap for improvement, for the benefit of both horse and rider.
Susan has ridden hunters, jumpers, three-day eventers, saddle seat horses, western horses, reiners, in gymkhana events...oh, and did you know she was also long-listed for the Olympics in dressage (she has over 116 dressage Grand Prixs under her belt?) However, Susan's real talent lies in the way she can make even complex concepts understandable. In this manner, she brings harmony to those that wish to improve communication with their trail horses as easily as she can help smooth a rough edge in a dressage test.
The point is not to "do dressage", but to open the lines of communication between horse and human.
Susan is hands-down the one person I wish I could ride with regularly. I cannot recommend her enough to whomever wishes to improve the connection to his or her horse. Jump at the opportunity if you get the chance to work with her--you will be amazed at what you learn!"
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Alecia Evans of Solvang, California tunes in and says...
"Susan Derr Drake's knowledge of the equine system is astounding. Her dedication to helping horses thrive and stay sound is admirable. And her passion for excellence in helping bring out the best in our horses and ourselves contagious. As an equine communicator and body worker I found her course on biomechanics invaluable as it helped me see the horse anatomy on a much deeper more connected level. Thank you Susan for enlightening us two legged of what life looks like from a four legged perspective."
www.allbeingsequal.com
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Lorraine Argo of Gaviota, California shares her thoughts ...
"Susan is an exceptionally accomplished dressage rider and horse trainer. She has helped me open many new doors. She shares her knowledge with those wanting a deeper understanding of the horse, and her coaching naturally extends to personal growth. Susan's patience and understanding has supported me through countless situations. I am thankful she was recommended to me, and appreciate each opportunity to learn from her. Above all, she is a partner on the path to excellence and I am grateful our paths met." |
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Colleen Conners, Dressage rider, writes...
" During the 'Finding a deeper connection to your horse' clinic, Susan was wonderful because she helped me discover my mare, Alex’s, personality as being the 'look out 'horse in a group of horses and she taught me to work through that toward relaxation, without becoming tense and frustrated by helping the mare download the information to me. With that newfound knowledge of me acknowledging her awareness of activities and things and beings around her, so she could let them go. I was able to help Alex relax, which helped me relax and have a really fun experience. So instead of saying, 'don't look at that chair, horse, blowing plastic', I would just say, 'Oh thank you for letting me know there was a chair, horse, blowing plastic there and then let her know she was safe and have her notice something about my aids, seat, legs, hands, weight, energy and voice while staying clam and breathing. This was an experience that I can take with me to other events." |
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Betsy Riedy of Santa Ynez, California writes...
"Oh ... funny story ... after Susan's clinic with the Fillies Trail Riding Group, last weekend I rode Target, my Pinto Percheron cross, the next day and applied the breathing techniques (getting the horse to sigh and relax). Being the trooper he is he held back on the request (it has to be his idea sometimes) until he finally let go and gave me the sigh (ta-dah!). The next time I rode him no sooner did I get on then he started releasing the sigh (and vibrating his lips) ... he did this twice in succession to be sure I got the message! When he got a little uptight in the arena over something I was asking him for I started the breathing exercises and waited for him to respond - he caught on, relaxed ... and proceeded on with the exercise as if it was something he did all the time (we were doing a leg yield ... it's an effort for both of us (we feed on each other's anxieties)) ... the breathing exercise gives us a moment to recoup and re-organize ... for Target he did them perfectly!
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Betty Craig, AHSA 5th place in entire US for Half Arabians at Training Level Dressage tells others...
"Susan has the intuitions, the experiences, and the knowledge. When you are ready to become the best you can be, call her."
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Loree DeYoung, Hunter/Jumper Trainer of Santa Ynez writes...
“A word to describe the time I have been so lucky to spend with Susan Derr Drake is clarity. Whether it be a lesson, a workshop, or the incredible knowledge Susan has shared on horse nutrition, I have always walked away with a much clearer picture of the whole.
The many tidbits of information that I have gotten from Susan have made my job as a Hunter/Jumper trainer and instructor easier. Things just seem to fall into place after opening up in just one area. She is truly a trainer of trainers - a Master.”
For Hunter/Jumper Training call 805-688-7306 or 805-453-3050 cell or email LoreeDeYoung@Yahoo.com
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Writes J to Susan-
Yesterday's workshop on anatomy for Riders was really extraordinary.
To see a real, actual horse's spine depicted with tempora paint on ridden bodies and then to have the model visible horse skeleton both used those to explain why we are being taught to ride the way we are--and then, what you are so brilliant at--to see people riding to influence different parts of the spine and improving right before our eyes under your guidance--was the kind of think you think should be required training before anyone can have a horse--a rider's license.
The visuals may well stick with me--even without having to make notes.
Of course, a long way between seeing and doing, but your workshop was extraordinarily effective at explaining the whole gestalt and then the pieces and then putting it back together again in several different ways to help people grasp it.
It was very helpful to have Paul on Alanti, the Grand Prix Dressage horse at the high end, intermediate riders and more beginning riders, too, to observe the different stages as one tries to put it together while riding.
You are really, really gifted. I have been a teacher and watched many, many teachers in different settings. Across the board, you are right at the top--and in a subject where it is really hard because everything is not under your control. You have to go with what presents itself and know what to suggest on the spot to make things better and illustrate your points. To say and demonstrate enough, but not too much so it might overwhelm.
A teaching triumph in any setting.
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Tori Gongwer, Pony Clubber and UC Berkley student writes..s...
“Most people when looking back at their school years remember one brilliant teacher, who’s enthusiasm and gift of breaking down their subject into manageable lessons, made learning a joy and instilled a sense of accomplishment. In my nearly 20 years now of endeavoring to learn all I can of horses and working with many different horses, trainers, and clinicians, Susan sticks out to me as one of those rare treasures of a teacher.
At 5 years old, I can remember tagging along to horse shows where Susan, even while in the middle of preparing all the horses going that day, would take the time to “let me help” and explain all the fascinating details of horsemanship. It’s been quite a few years since then and while I’m now in college and don’t get to ride with Susan as often as I’d like, it never ceases to amaze me just how easily she finds it to make you aware of so many details but never allow it to become overwhelming. There’s nothing quite like learning to let go and focus on the goal she gives you such as putting more weight in on one seat bone or more giving in your hand and all the sudden E2wham!” it just feels RIGHT… (and your horse gives a giant sigh of relief and goes "Duh! What do you think I've been trying to tell you this whole time?!")
So thank God, the Universe, or whatever brought you into contact with Susan, because her innate ability to make both you and your horse realize your full potential and be able to reproduce it even when you’re not under her watchful eye is a thing of awe. See it for yourself and if that doesn’t have you sold, I don’t know what will… but the kind of horseman, instructor, and person Susan is, makes me grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her." |
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