Look for December 24-28, 2007!
Testimonials & Interviews
December 2007
This wonderfully fun and educational DVD simply, yet elegantly, wraps up classical dressage, spirit and philosophy, into a easy to "do" system that assists everyone from novice to Grand Prix! I can't recommend this program more highly and urge any rider to try it! Thanks, Leslie!!
Diana Hammond - Citra, Florida
November 2007
The information contained in your DVD is completely appreciated and has made such a huge difference in the way I ride. I have diligently searched for just the right answer to the correct position on a horse for many years. I took up dressage about 5 years ago as an adult just turning 40. Since a small child I have been around horses being raised on a ranch, and have longed for the day when I could find a way to be truly one with my horse. I have been blessed with 2 very nice horses and one that has a great deal of potential for the FEI. Sometimes in life, you know when something isn't quite right but, you just can't put your finger on it until you find IT. That is when the light bulb comes ON! That is what your 5 Simple Steps have done for me, so a big huge THANK YOU.
Shana Sgro, Ohio
Leslie,
As a former teacher and throughout my career in IT, I have been exposed to many different training videos covering a wide range of subjects from programming standards to EEOC legal issues (snooze!). The biggest challenge for any instruction video is the conveyance of the lesson in a manner that engages the student and maintains their attention throughout the lesson.
THIS IS, BY FAR, THE BEST TRAINING VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!
It achieves all the goals any good teacher strives to reach:
It is instructive.
The information is superb.
It is entertaining.
It engages the viewer.
It never loses you.
It makes learning fun.
I have watched it over and over... I'm still enjoying it while I continue to study the material. My riding has completely evolved to a new level and I enjoy riding more than ever!
Thank you so much for making learning to ride properly as much fun as riding itself!
Margaret Leslie
Vice President, Information Technology
Equifax Information Services, LLC
October 2007
Hi Leslie, Not only was the DVD clear and informative, but it was especially entertaining to watch (I would love to meet the "star" of the show, Southern, someday)! I had a chance to watch it the other night, and I couldn't wait to get on a horse and to put some of your concepts to use. Since my horse is still out with pneumonia, my instructor is letting me ride her horse. He is a well-trained 3rd level horse who allows me to focus on myself and my riding aids....he will only do what you ask if asked correctly. I have ridden him twice since I watched the DVD, and I swear I am riding a different horse!
Kelly
Gainesville, FL
September 2007
Before I started training with Leslie, I used to do Hunter/Jumpers with my pony, Moe. We did Hunters, then Eventing for about 5 years. My pony did great in the jumping but she wasn't doing very well with Dressage. I was told to use several kinds of aids, such as martingales, side reins, etc. I tried them all, but nothing seemed to get my pony to collect. I became really frustrated and wasn't sure I wanted to continue to compete, since riding became a fighting match with my pony. My mom saw a flyer for a clinic with Leslie and we thought we would try it out. Within an hour my pony and I were completely changed.
After the clinic I felt that I wanted to get serious with Dressage, so I started taking lessons with Leslie, and now only focus on Dressage. I love it, while it is always a challenge, it is so rewarding when you and your horse really "connect". While the lessons were going on, my Dressage scores were getting better and better. Leslie had told me that by using my seat and my legs, my horse will be better balanced. She always tells me that when I am balanced my horse will be balanced, when I am correct my horse will be correct, and when I am soft my horse will be soft.
Leslie has changed my riding since day one. I am so glad that I have started training with her. She has taught me so much and I know that what she has taught me will take me further in my riding. It is so exciting now when I ride a dressage test, I can tell when I am correct, because my horse just responds. I always get a big grin on my face the minute I feel it!!! Thank you so much Leslie! I don't know where I would be without you.
Maggie
Douglasville, GA
July 2007
Leslie, I am a very novice rider. I have horrible fear issues due to being bucked off a young horse (green rider vs. green horse).
I know I can get my confidence back if I HAD confidence in my seat. I bought your DVD and I must confess I really knew nothing about it. Just sounded interesting I guess?
WOW! It has given me so much confidence and probably my horse too. I can not wait to go ride again and just repeat the "Five Simple Steps". I just wish I could repeat them with Southern's little rhymes, those are priceless!!
Thanks for the confidence boost!
Lori
Pine, CO
Leslie, I just watched your video, and I loved it! You should be very proud as I know it took a LOT of work. It is so well done.
Fran Histed
June 2007
I enjoyed the video very much. I thought the 5 steps were very easy to understand, and addressed each part of the classical position.
My favorite part of the video is at the end when you are riding, and it shows the comparison between "restricted" and "free". That really sealed the deal for me! I would actually like to see more of this. I often see riders pulling their horses' heads around.
I thought the veterinarian's comments were very beneficial. Owners often want to do what is best for their horses, and the fact that this type of riding helps to keep the horse healthy is wonderful.
I have a unique perspective on this video, because I have ridden in clinics with you, and I understand that it truly can be that simple!
Nicole Watts, Editor
The English Equestrian Magazine
Leslie,
I am a long-time horse enthusiast who has never enjoyed the discipline of Dressage. It has always been a difficult and complicated sport for me. I have had to work much harder than my horse at the most elementary excercises and with very little success.
Recently, I was fortunate to have my first lesson with you and was introduced to your 'Five Simple Steps' to riding correctly. For the first time ever, I experienced the sensation of a forward, rhythmical and light moving horse, with very little effort from me.
Elsa Sibley
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