Three days, seven clinicians, magnificent horses, and not enough time! This describes my experience at the Horse Expo in Albany, Oregon. I had the awesome opportunity to interview notable clinicians, view multiple breeds, and walk the trade show. There were clinics on training, horse behavior, trailering, centered riding, jumping, dressage, and other very specific seminars like equine dentistry and advertising. There was lots of entertainment; trick roping, a vaulting team, driving teams, stallion parade, and plenty to see, smell, and hear. Let’s not forget the caramel corn.

The highlight of the trip for me was talking to clinicians. It was great to meet them and talk to them one on one in a relaxed atmosphere. I was really impressed by their humble, down-to-earth character, and their willingness to answer my questions. I would like to thank all of the clinicians for the time they gave me. I would also like to thank Mark Lee for following me around and taking photos.

Clinician Websites:

John Lyons – www.johnlyons.com 

Steve Rother – www.horseteacher.com

Steffen Peters

Susan Harris – www.anatomyinmotion.com/sehpersonal.htm

Clinton Anderson – www.clintonanderson.net

Peggy Brown – www.anatomyinmotion.com

Linda Allen – www.jumpsmartonline.com

1. How old were you when you stated to ride?

John Lyons – 10 years old

Steve Rother -  4

Steffen Peters -  7

Susan Harris -  4

Clinton Anderson -  6

Peggy Brown -  12

Linda Allen -  10

2. When did you get your first horse and what was its name?

John Lyons -  24, Ike 

Steve Rother – 21, Red Rocket 

Steffen Peters – 11, Nanoen

Susan Harris -  4, Willey

Clinton Anderson -  8, Casey

Peggy Brown -  12, Topper

Linda Allen – 12, Schimoli

3. What advice do you have for the young rider?

John Lyons - Learn not to lose your temper

Steve Rother  - Have fun and try to learn techniques

Steffen Peters - To have a clear understanding of your horse 

Susan Harris  - Have fun but make sure your horse has fun too 

Clinton Anderson - Learn how to get your horses to respect you

Peggy Brown - Put a lot of time and work into it

Linda Allen - Have fun. The more ambitious you are the more important it is to focus on the basics

4. What are the wisest words that were given to you, and by whom?

John Lyons - Always smile and have a happy heart, by Cleve Wells

Steve Rother - Follow the feel, by Ray Hunt

Steffen Peters - Hang in there, by Dad

Susan Harris - Be a horseman not just a rider, by Sam Hend

Clinton Anderson - The more times you pick yourself off the ground the better you get, Unknown

Peggy Brown - Breathe centered, and be clear in your intent, Ely Swift

Linda Allen - The horse always comes first, Alice Woolsey

5. What motivated you to use this type of training with riders and horses?

John Lyons – The love of horse and rider

Steve Rother  - It has never not worked

Steffen Peters - Fascination

Clinton Anderson - It's what I learned

Peggy Brown - Versatility & centered riding

Linda Allen - Riding with a plan

6. What kind of advice would you give to young riders looking toward a career with horses?

John Lyons - Go to college and minor in something first

Steve Rother - You need to really want to do it and it takes confidence

Steffen Peters - Don’t overwhelm the horse

Susan Harris - Talk to people that are doing what you want to do

Clinton Anderson - Finish high school then apply to college

Peggy Brown - Work with many professionals and to try to get some years of college

Linda Allen - You need to love what you want to do

7. What type of training would you recommend a young rider receive? 

John Lyons - Training that makes sense

Steve Rother -Working around a ranch and balance it with dressage  

Steffen Peters - Look for understanding

Susan Harris - Work with good people

Clinton Anderson -Everything we do is training

Peggy Brown -Lessons from a good teacher

Linda Allen -Working with a professional

9. Were you a member of any horse club or organization?

John Lyons - Appaloosa Club

Steve Rother - A posse

Steffen Peters -Pony Club

Susan Harris – 4-H

Clinton Anderson – Polo Club

Peggy Brown – 4-H

Linda Allen -None

10. What is your favorite horse sport?

John Lyons - Dressage & Reining

Steve Rother - Reining & 3-Day Eventing

Steffen Peters - Dressage

Susan Harris -Jumping

Clinton Anderson -Reining

Peggy Brown - Combined Driving & Jumping

Linda Allen - Jumping