Dom Schramm has spent the last couple of days in Lexington, Kentucky; sadly not preparing to compete at the CCI4* event this week, hopefully next year, but more happily for the Bluegrass Pony Club, teaching a repeat clinic to satisfied customers from last year. A hugely popular clinician, I was curious to take the opportunity to watch him teach and now I know why he’s in such high demand.
During the course of the weekend he taught all levels from beginner novice up to CCI3*, and everyone got something out of it, including the auditors. You can expect 100% attention from him, he’ll sum up your horse, and what little tweaks are going to make a difference and which exercises will best help you both in the first ten minutes, and by the end of the first day, he’ll have planned your homework for the next few months, as well as the lessons for the next day.
As you’d expect, he’s witty and no-nonsense, down-to-earth and relatable, drawing upon his vast experience and peppers his teaching with anecdotes, and the odd Australian expression. The steps are very clear and there’s a thorough process to everything he does, all grounded in solid horsemanship, and explained clearly as he goes. Nothing worries him, and every horse and rider I watched left improved and happy, even if they’d encountered problems during their session.
It’s easy to see why people are drawn to him and his programme - he’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable and clearly loves it. He remembered not only the pony club members and their ponies from last year, but also what problems they’d had, and what advice he’d given them.
I have no doubt he’ll be back again soon, and we’ll l keep our fingers crossed that this time next year he’ll be back in Kentucky with a horse in that trailer!
Article, interview and photos by Samantha Clark
