Michael Beining FAQs

My horse and I are only at novice level. Would we still benefit and would he be happy to teach me?

Absolutely, Michael enjoys teaching riders of all levels and as long as you are willing to learn, he's happy to teach!

I'm an event rider and my horse is a thoroughbred. Has he worked with these type of horses before?

Michael works with several event riders to help them with their horses general way of going. He has a lot of experience in breeding thoroughbreds for both dressage and racing, many of which have gone on to be extremely successful. He really enjoys working with the thoroughbreds as is evident in the way they go by the end of the session!

Will I be able to understand him and does he mind me asking questions?

Michael has an excellent grasp of English and welcomes questions as it gives him an idea of what the rider understands and where the rider may need more guidance.

What form does the lesson take?

Unlike some other clinicians, Michael tends to steer away from just barking out instructions and tries to get the pupils to understand the concept and figure things out for themselves. Thus, when riding at home riders feel more confident in what they are trying to achieve.

What level of riders/horses does he teach up too?

Michael teaches up to Grand Prix level and has several riders at or near that level particularly in the States where he is now based most of the time. However, the emphasis is very much on the correct way of going and building a solid foundation whether you are working at novice or at the highest levels.
He is happy to work on all the advanced movements providing your basic work is correct. There's no point in trying to do tempi changes if you cannot canter in a balanced manner or piaffe if your horse is sitting on it's forehand!!
Michael constantly tries to reinforce in the rider how the system works so that when you come to executing the more advanced movements the way of going remains uppermost in the riders mind rather than just riding the movement.
This is why he is equally happy to teach novice riders as it needs to start at the basic level and all horses benefit from being ridden correctly!

I already have another trainer. Would I be confused?

Many of the riders who attend have regular instructors but find they derive enormous benefit from lessons with Michael particularly as he concentrates so much on the rider's position and seat.
This all helps towards improving the riders knowledge of just how they effect the way their horse goes and how they can influence the horse to go better.

I can only afford one lesson, will I still benefit?

It's always preferable to have more than one lesson if you can afford too as you really grasp the concept by the end of an intensive course but many of the riders can only afford the one and have found that they have had lots to think about and work on once they left! We would strongly advise you to take the opportunity to watch other sessions as you can learn an enormous amount just by listening and observing and it's free!

I would like to have more than one lesson but cannot afford to pay in one lump sum?

That’s not a problem, if you would like to take advantage of Michael and have more than one lesson then we can offer a payment plan. Just give Lisa a call or drop her e-mail and it can be arranged.

How often does Michael visit? What if I require help whilst his away?

Michael visits about every 8 weeks depending on his training and competition riders schedules. Michael is more than happy for you to e-mail him whilst his away and even send him a brief video of yourselves so he can see what's going on and offer some help if you run into a particular problem. Generally, most riders are clear and happy on what they need to work on but feel free to contact any of the UK organisers who have all trained with Michael for a long time and can help guide you in the right direction! It's important to us that you gain the most benefit you can from your training as we appreciate the money and time involved.

I'm a professional rider and would like more than three days training. Is this possible?

We understand that for some of the professional riders they on occasion require more input especially if they are working towards a particular goal or competition. Thus, their are several clinics that are run throughout the UK and we can put you in contact with the other organisers with regards to joining their clinics (subject to numbers). It may be possible to add an additional lesson the day before or after the clinic subject to Michael's timetable. Please contact the organiser to enquire. Michael has numerous contacts in Germany and for some professionals he has organised for them to train in Germany but this is subject to riders being at the relevant level.

Does he teach junior riders?

Michael teaches lots of junior riders, many who have gone on to become successful professionals. As long as they can ride proficiently, they will derive huge benefits from correct training at such an early age. It would not be suitable for beginners who had yet to grasp the basic fundamentals of riding.

Do you mind lessons being videoed?

Not at all, in fact we positively encourage it as you can gain a huge insight into exactly what you are doing by watching your lesson back. It means you have an important reference point when you are training on your own. Michael uses videos extensively as an aid to explaining what he is trying to achieve and in demonstrating the correct way of going.

Do you mind spectators?

Generally,Michael is happy for spectators to watch the clinic though on occasion it may operate as a closed clinic when only clinic riders are allowed. However, it is important to realise that spectators gain only a very brief insight into the training system by observing just a few sessions. We are happy for prospective riders to watch as many lessons as they like before taking the plunge and booking a session. However, Michael is keen to express that any judgements should not be made on the basis of watching only a single or even a few lessons as he may be working on a very specific point with a rider and therefore the spectator may fail to go away with the right overview of his training technique. If as a clinic rider, you would rather not have spectators please let the organiser know so it can be arranged. It is important to us that riders feel comfortable.

How long should I arrive before my lesson?

We ask that riders turn up in plenty of time so that they are relaxed and to help ensure that the clinic runs to time. It is unfair if one late rider delays all the others and you may end up with a shorter lesson as a result. On arrival, riders are advised to check the running schedule and that they are aboard their horses 15 mins before their lesson. Please feel free to enter the arena and warm up your horse though please do not go too mad as your horse will be exhausted before he starts the session!! We provide light refreshments all day and ask you to help yourselves and take the time to enjoy some of the other lessons.

Would Michael be able to help me source a dressage horse?

This is a question that I am constantly asked. Michael has a vast knowledge with regards to breeding and is happy to discuss this but please refrain from asking him whilst in the middle of a training session! He has numerous contacts in Germany and will direct people to the best sources but it helps for him to see you ride in order to ascertain whether he knows of anything suitable and can help.

How late can I leave it to book a lesson?

You can leave it as late as possible but there is no guarantee that their will be a slot left as places are strictly limited. Your place will only be confirmed once we receive payment.

I work all day. What time does he teach too?

Michael teaches in to the evening and these slots are always popular so contact the organiser as soon as possible to discuss your requirements. We will always try to accommodate you.

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