Clinics with Michael Beining
Over the past 2 years I have had the wonderful opportunity to train with Michael on a regular basis and can honestly say that he has transformed my riding and my approach to training.
—Misty Vander Vorst
About Michael Beining
Michael stresses the German principles of riding and a systemic training program that maintains and improves the natural abilities of the horse allowing the rider to utilize those abilities in given situations.
A German National Riding Federation certified instructor and a trainer of many Grand Prix riders, Michael is a protégé of German riding master Reiner Kretzschmar. Beining has worked with two of the world’s most celebrated trainers, Willi Schultheis and Rudolph Zeilinger, has taught at the Deutsche Reitschule (German Riding School) and has conducted dressage clinics throughout the world.
With a vast knowledge of the German Training System, Michael is best known for his work on the biomechanics of the dressage seat. All of his long time students are known for their effective, secure seat, which allows them to give specific, refined aids to the horse.
Michael is a T.E.A.M. graduate of the Linda Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Program and has completed training in Feldenkreis and Eutonie body awareness. He has a vast knowledge of the German Training System and is best known for his work on the biomechanics of the dressage seat. All of his long time students are known for their effective, secure seat, which allows them to give specific, refined aids to the horse.
He maintains that training must begin with examining the horse's personality and temperament. “The animal must learn to trust his rider/trainer and accept his leadership. In addition to learning to communicate with his horse through his hands, legs, seat and voice, the rider must also understand how training affects the horse's physical structure,” he says. “The horse's back is...constructed to carry loads, but it is important for the rider to realize that the back is a sensitive part of the anatomy, and training must relax, gymnastically supple and strengthen the back, neck and abdominal muscles.”
Michael emphasizes that the scale of training (rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection) thoroughly prepares the horse for dressage. “The goal of training is to help the horse become calm, agile, and obedient,” he says. “From this, the picture of beauty, elegance, power and harmony comes to view – the classical dressage horse.”
For more information on clinics with Michael Beining, contact Misty Vander Vorst at (605) 390-8375 or misty@arete-equestrian.com.
