Testimonials

Hi Cathy,
You helped me a few months ago with my elevation and forwardness with my mare and we are still doing great! I just wanted to write to tell you that I just finished watching your UTube video of you and Bese in December and it says "Grand Prix Special" where you placed first. I was speechless the whole time I watched! I about cried because it was thee most beautiful ride I have ever seen. Your unity with the horse is so incredible and mesmerizing to watch. And it is so fun to watch BeSe move properly off the hind quarters-very majestic and you could feel the power just in watching. You are an incredibly talented trainer and rider with so much love for it-it is very evident in your riding.
Thanks for posting the video~ Heidi

Cathy,

I wanted to thank you for putting together the “System” DVD. I am an amateur rider and struggled through full training with top teachers and clinicians for many years, moving my off the track thoroughbred through I-1. The last several years I’ve been working on my own (I moved to Hunterdon County from California) and have been “finding my own way”, keeping my now 24yr TB and 26yr quarter horse sound and still in work. I have looked and looked for an instructor, clinician or mentor in this area. I was looking for someone who would understand and help support my approach of keeping their backs supple and the energy and strength coming from underneath. It has not been an easy search.

Your name came up in conversation with my farrier (don’t they seem to know EVERYTHING? ). I was sort of complaining about a well-recommended clinic I had taken recently and how disappointed I was. Really, really disappointed. I asked if he knew of anyone interesting (he does driving marathons, but you just never know…). Anyway, he kind of thought about it, and then he said “Well, I have heard of a lady out on Lamington who’s got some pretty unusual ideas about dressage. I think she kind of doesn’t worry about where their heads are, just believes that if you can get them working from behind that that’s the key. Pretty radical thinking compared to most of the other trainers out here”. I think these were nearly his exact words.

I have a new horse I’m working with, a 14yr Westfalen gelding. It’s a long story how he and I came to work together, but its been fantastic to have a slightly younger partner! I am more grateful than you can imagine for your clear, precise explanations of your system and approach. He is a wonderful, super talented horse who was ridden for many years croup high with a hollow back and behind the vertical by a top trainer. He would occasionally ball up and bolt. It was a tremendous challenge opening him up – it took several months. As I have begun reintroducing “big horse” ideas, such as lateral work, my gut-instinct of keeping him open and seeking the bit hit the wall of my knowledge and experience. I wasn’t sure what to do, and he had some very backwards ways of responding to “show movements”. I wasn’t sure how to make the step from correctly moving forward and over his back to lateral work and further. Your DVD has been inspirational and so useful. You can add Grandeur to your list of horses who appreciate you!

The horse’s owner, who I’ve been teaching once a week or so as we “rebuilt” him, has been very open minded to my own “radical” training ideas….after watching your DVD, I loaned her a copy. I wasn’t sure what she would think, she’s a confirmed “show rider” from a top training barn that seemed to put a round neck ahead of everything, and I mean everything, else, both horse and rider related. She called me last night after watching it and was awestruck. Amazed. In agreement. Impressed and sold. So you can add me to your list of people who appreciate you! She has asked to own a copy and since I have 2 (due to my own, not your, technical difficulties after all….) gave her one and will forward you a check.

I thought you might appreciate these anecdotes and stories and wanted to share them with you. I understand that you are in Florida for the winter, but wonder if you have any clinics planned? I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to ride with you in person….. As an aside, I think I heard your farm is for sale? Are you moving? Please say it isn’t true…..!

Heather

For a week now I have been following your technique, with the thought and understanding of your explanation of the neck, and magic is starting to happen. He is much more forward, less distracted , and much more with me emotionally. . Now for the first time I believe I can create a beautiful boy! As an advanced level judge , I am constantly writing comments such as "more energy behind, more freedom in the neck, more self- carriage. Now with your explanation , what I knew theoretically to be true , takes on a true essence of understanding. It is often said that you find your teacher when you are ready to receive their knowledge. For me you have put the pieces together. There have been so many dark places with this horse, now I see a bright glimmer of light and lightness ahead for us.

Maria, Victoria, Australia

Having just read about your most recent win and battle with cancer, I wanted to contact you to tell you that it was a privilege to see your rides at the Palm Beach Derby this year. To observe our sport at its highest level is to observe art in motion and you epitomize this with harmony, relaxation and joy, truly at one with your horse, what an incredible inspiration for all of us. With best wishes for your continued good health and success. Catherine, Bartonville, TX

Thank you for getting my videos to me so quickly! I am anxious to watch them. I wanted you to know that the reason I even found you and these videos was due to your beautiful rides at the Derby a couple of weeks ago. Wow! You looked so peaceful and happy, and you were so generous with your horse. My trainer and I were in awe of your connection. I just felt moved to tell you how much I enjoyed being introduced to your riding, and I hope to be able to see you ride again in the future. Thank you again!

You are a beautiful rider and a joy too watch. When you watch through a lens you see things differently than as a spectator. You are the only competitor at that level that has the look of joy and happiness during their rides. While I realize the pressure of the competition, you never let it show. It gives me great pleasure to be able to tell you this since it has been my constant thought of you since the first time I photographed you. Jennifer W.

I am still going over your System II and must have seen it 100 times already. I watch it on the way to work when I take a train, I watch it on the way home and I watch it every day right before I go to the stable to school my boy. I just love your training you have no idea how much we both have improved. Although I do catch myself making mistakes I have made before I saw your tape but now I am aware of them and able to fix it. It’s so interesting I used to try to get my horse collected and look all bent but now he just does it I don’t feel like I am forcing him anymore. We do still have issues and problems to work through particularly at the canter but overall the difference you have made in our training is unbelievable.

Sincerely,
Regina

I have just seen your wonderful Volume II on DVD, and it was so great the see and hear you talk about classical dressage methods. I hope more people will learn from you and they will have happier horses.

Best regards,
Oskarshamn
Sweden

I encountered you for the first time at Devon just this past weekend where I was gate steward when you competed your 4th level horse [Sitney]. I was amazed at the activity and overall fluidity of your ride. Even my boyfriend, who has little exposure to dressage, commented on how "smooth" your horse looked in the movements. I decided to "look you up" via the internet as soon as I could. If you would please take the time to read my story, I am hoping you might be able to help me.

I recently had the pleasure of watching you perform with BeSe at the Olympic Trial in San Juan Capistrano. It was wonderful to watch you. I always pick a rider that I want to emulate, I'm a visual learner, and you were my rider of choice. I ordered your videos and have been watching them at home. Things are much better with my mare now that I'm not overly concerned with where her head is but focused more on relaxation at this point. Thanks for making these videos. Please let me know if you ever come to Northern Calif. for a clinic, I would truly love to take some lessons from you.

You certainly have a message that I hope will be sounded throughout the dressage world and in time set us all on a path of superior values and greater integrity. We owe this to the horse, our friend.

Re - video tape. It's great! I am so glad I got through to you. Please put me on the list for the next tape (didn't you tell me you were making another?) Anyway, thanks for sending it. I have had inklings of all of that in bits and pieces, and it was nice to see it clarified. I was able to see where things went wrong in the past, and it has already made a difference with my poor horse, who struggles so hard with my inadequacies. Liz

Hi Cathy and Frank, I just want to tell you how Martha and I are enjoying your terrific video... I have tried the system on my wonderful Cleveland Bay/TB mare and it is working like magic!!! She was trained to third level then sold to a minimal rider before we found her again. I am loving the way she has accepted the idea of going much more forward than ever and really enjoying her work now. Cathy, Martha who you worked with here a long time ago is really impressed with the straightness and suppleness you display with your horses!!! I am looking forward to your next video. PS congratulations on becoming a grandmother.. We have 7 grandchildren. Our oldest grandchild is a freshman at Wake Forest. Our best to you both...Sally, Dave, and Martha

I applaud that you are listening to your horses which is the #1 most important lesson I am now trying to learn too. As much as I would love to have someone on the ground to eyeball me who is familiar with "The System" , I BELIEVE my horse is telling me that he is indeed much happier............that's all that matters!! Keep up the good work, and get that 2nd video out soon! LOL

I am very happy to see someone in your position discussing these things publicly. Keep going. The dressage world needs it. I am lucky to see a horse at Wellington with its poll the highest point and moving freely. I am with you on the spur thing and feel when spurs are used the legs in the wrong place become to active. Like you said here comes the hands too. I don't school any of my horses in spurs myself. I have a Andalusian/Saddlebreed with a high croup and a weak back by all conformation rules that I school Grand Prix. Canter gait does not have big jump so the only thing I can't get is the one tempies, but he does real nice twos. I don't like having to put on spurs at the shows either, but you have to do it for FEI. : (

Just wanted to you to know how much I enjoyed riding with you. Everyone is looking forward to seeing you in July. I would like to be in the discussion group. I also wanted to tell you that I was reading "Riding Logic" by Museler and his section on re-schooling the "spoiled horse" consisted of the same exercises we used with Candy. I remembered you said you felt the end result of the System was classical but some of the exercises may not be. I don't know if you have ever read his book but I think you would be surprised to see your exercises very classical!

Just wanted to thank you for the video. We've been thru it a couple times. I got so much out of the clinic. It has given me confidence to pursue this method more to the extreme than I was doing and know exactly how to bring the horse thru. It is really easy in canter; a lot harder for Sam in the trot. I put him back to work on wed. Knock Wood he is sound for two days

I did enjoy your husbands' page of wonderful pictures and also his captions. The horses are 'to die for'........you've done a wonderful job. Anyone would be proud to have a ride on them! And to think it only took you 30 years. I don't have that many years left but I want to use the years I have to the best of my ability.

So far I was able to watch the beginning where Doublet is rearing etc........that is my horse to a "T"!!! I'm very excited to watch the rest later. BUT--this tape fades out every 3 seconds and is distracting, [ Those annoying fades were only my creative editing technique. Fortunately it's only the short intro. Cathy keeps telling me they don't want to see Spielberg. They just want to see the horses. Sorry about that, Sincerely Frank]

I received your video yesterday, watched it last night, and worked my horse right afterwards. At first he was confused why his nose wasn't in his chest. The walk work was o.k., but the trot... well lets just say I had my "8" in gaits again. He does like to blow out of the outside shoulder, so I did as you said in the video and turn that into my inside shoulder, then bend and go out again. It didn't take him long to figure out he needed to hold himself up.

Thank you Cathy for being a life saver. I wouldn’t be able to ride this horse if you hadn’t helped me. The system works!!. {This one is from one of our dearest friends. Both she and her husband have been great advocates of The System.}

Hi Cathy, To go deep or not to go deep. I've been having many of the same thoughts you describe on your website. I ordered your video and thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I have a GP Arabian gelding who did manage to get me my Gold Medal last year, but I'm still totally unsatisfied with his training for many of the same reasons you describe. I feel like I have to work too hard, he goes behind my leg too easily and I feel that he's constantly looking for any window of opportunity to go on the forehand. He is a talented and willing guy, so there has to be some other reason for these resistances and now I think I know why. I recently video taped myself riding him and compared it to a video from 3 years ago. At that time, his poll was the highest point and he looked like a body builder. Since then, I have done clinics with some trainers who have had me put him deep for various reasons and now I have a horse who appears stilted behind and rather than looking round and powerful, simply looks like an Arab. I can't tell you how crushed I am even though he still does all the tricks. Thank you, Deanna

Thank you Cathy for your encouragement and patience at this last clinic in Georgia. Your system is amazing. I've come home with a deeper understanding of when, and how quickly to use the new tools you've taught me. My horses are softer each day, more willingly forward, and more fun to ride. I look forward to the next clinic in August Lynn

I am totally excited about your video (ordering it today) and your web page. What you describe in the web page is already exactly what I am looking for with my riding. I often find that when pushing is needed, is because of the blocks that I am either directly causing (my crookedness, tension, or both), or simply allowing my horses (their crookedness, tension or both) to have. I abandoned spurs for training about 6 months ago and have not missed them a bit. The double bridle is next today. In any case, thanks for taking the time to do something for all of us, and sincerely congratulations.

I have been reading about you on the internet and in the past in the Chronicle. I love your training philosophy.

I find it hard to believe that you've not heard from anyone about your beautiful and helpful site. I enjoyed it a great deal and I'm inspired by the System. The photographs are the best, and the neck anatomy confirms something I'd suspected, which is that it bugs my horse not to carry his neck where it works best for him. Thanks so much for sharing these most humane and helpful insights. You've saved Jock and me, who are just learning dressage, a lot of pain and grief! Best, Diana

I wanted to thank you for hosting Cathy's clinic. This was very intensive but so rich with knowledge and openness. Cathy is definitely revolutionary at this point in Dressage and I am confident that she is a turning point with Dressage riders. So many people are discouraged about their Dressage riding right now, it is almost unbelievable.

Cathy uses many of the Horse Whispering techniques. I believe this is why my son does so well on horseback. I am so thrilled that someone is finally redefining Dressage. Cathy is very talented because she feels the horse. Also, she comes from many disciplines in riding and one can tell that she has incorporated those other techniques into her Dressage riding.

I have to tell you, the difference in her is quite amazing! Keeping her UP all the time is the ticket! She rarely ever trips any more, and the best part, is that she is going better than she has EVER gone before! Her canter work was always difficult because she liked to canter croup-high. Needless to say, making her rounder only made the problem worse! Now, she is doing fantastic canter work, and she LOVES it! We used to both wince about having to do canter work! Now, she wants to canter all the time! She is doing changes, and balanced counter-canter like she has never been able to do!
The best part is that she is so happy and so proud of herself! We are having FUN again, and I didn't think we ever would because we were both so frustrated!
SOOO, Cathy, I take my hat off to you, and say thanks ever so much!!!! You came into our lives at just the right time-and I do believe that was Divine timing!!

Now that I have watched the Cathy M. video at least 10xs,(or more) I have some questions and comments. I really like the way she presents her ideas, and I'm amazed at the way she can narrate her rides WHILE she is riding. I really like that.

I played with the very beginning concept, "up, release and go!" on the rope. In two sessions, all I'm really having to do now is say "up" with a lift of the rope, and I get activity in the hind quarters. (this is with Fogel mostly, I'll tell you about Dix later) So, U/S this went quite easily. I'm sure it didn't look very pretty but actually it felt pretty nice. (once he understood that "up" was what I wanted) So now I've added the softening on one rein with the turn in and the rein yield out. It's gone very well and it really helps both of us in terms of not getting into that trapped feeling. Opening up the rein and waiting until he gets soft and then going and connecting that other rein softly gives a really nice feel. I LOVED it!

I enjoyed the video of BeSe learning the passage, hasn't improved so now you must do another training tape, showing how you produced such a super horse.

Alison