Advice from the Professionals
Stephanie Kleinbauer (SK) is located outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania and is known for turning out
riders and horses who succeed in the dressage ring as well as horse trials. Blaine Orvis (BO), who
is based in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, believes a firm foundation on the flat leads to jumping gymnastics
which translates into great eventing horses.
What do you recommend to beginners looking for an instructor?
SK: Do your research and find an instructor that specializes primarily in coaching and training for eventing/horse trials.
What are your thoughts on dressage?
SK: Understand that dressage is the foundation to the sport. You and your horse should be able to ride
an accurate dressage test in a balanced frame with steady paces (walk, trot, and canter). The better
your dressage scores the better your results of competing will be.
BO: Start on the flat and become a detail oriented, technical rider. Dressage is paramount to the success of the three day event rider. This has only been made more so as the short format has redefined
the sport. New ideas about cross country course design have slowed the courses down and increased
the level of technical riding required to be effective on cross country.
What do you feel is an important thing to focus on before a show?
SK: Being able to memorize patterns to perfection is a must. In horse trials you must memorize your
dressage test, your stadium jumping course and your cross country course any outside assistance will
result in elimination from the competition. So be prepared to practice and train in lessons and on your
own.
BO: Take your time to develop the basic skills you and your horse need to get around the courses safely. Even well trained confident horses can be hurt by negligent riders that jumped off into the deep end
of eventing before they were ready. Horse and rider must have confidence in each other.
Once the flat work is done, start into training over show jumps at low heights. Jump small and jump often in the beginning. The small challenges should not unsettle your horse to the point they are unmanageable and should not cause you anxiety either. After several repetitions it will become no big deal for
horse and rider. The idea is to build the horse and rider’s confidence and athletic ability slowly before
moving up in height or to solid fences.
If a rider has limited resources how can they gain experience?
SK: Go out and simply observe the sport. Audit clinics. Participate as a volunteer at competitions. Tag
along on cross country course walks with others competing.
BO: I am always looking for more information - taking clinics, auditing, or reading someone’s book. The
hardest thing I had to learn and to remember was what I didn’t know. I also have found that many great
riders have posted teaching videos on Youtube. Videos won’t make up for having a lesson however it
does help to keep your mind focused on the details. e