Leslie Comis

Albrecht taught a 3-day clinic June 23-25, 2000 graciously hosted by Vicke Argals of Flying Colours Stables in Wetaskiwin, Alta. Rita Dermott and Lynn Hambly (our young riders executive) did a great job of organizing the weekend. Every detail was in place, including a social wine & cheese and lecture with Albrecht on Saturday evening.

Albrecht was certainly well selected as a young rider coach as he explains the concepts of basic dressage so well. We can accurately see the weak areas in every horse and rider and determine how to teach the rider to correct these problems. His positive attitude and sense of humor were especially appreciated and such a motivator for the young riders.

The clinic was quickly filled with eager young riders and their coaches hoping to improve their skills. The audience grew each day as word of Albrecht’s expertise spread. We all felt we learned just as much listening as we did riding.

Albrecht rode most of the horses, to feel the problems and help correct them. His demonstrations were also an additional learning experience for us, as he explained what he was feeling and his response to each horse.

Coach and Rider Comments:

Janet Hambly: "was an excellent experience to be exposed to such a depth of classical dressage principles this weekend".

Casey Dermott: "he lays a wonderful foundation to build on in all the other more diffucult movements".

Sharon Merkal-Beattie: "Albrecht brings an amazing amount of positive energy and enthusiasm to each session. Unfailing attention to ‘basics, basics, basics’. He immediately does to the ‘holes’ in the training and through systematic and logical steps bring each horse and rider into a more harmonious picture. Wonderful opportunity to ride for such a talented coach/trainer".

Vicki Argals: "Albrecht’s attention to details in the basics gave me a clear understanding to the task at hand for each horse/rider combination. The consistency from lesson to lesson over each day gave clarity to the aims and goals to be reached for over the next several months. His positive caring teaching style for the most from each horse and each rider".

Dagmar Fortmuller: "We very much appreciated the straight forward and honest corrections of our attempts to learn to collect horses truthfully from behind over the back into the bit – the classical dressage approach and in my eyes the only right one! Thanks to all people behind and in front of the scenes who put all their time and enthusiasm into this – DRESSAGE is the foundation of all disciplines!"

Each rider and the audience enthusiasts are anxiously awaiting our next clinic with Albrecht in September. The riders were given homework and hope to show Albrecht a definite improvement by the fall!