You learn so much from watching

Carl Hester on accessibility and viewing greatness in person and online

- Polly Bryan

OPINION

GOING back 30 years or so, the British Dressage Convention was a cause of annual excitement. Dr Reiner Klimke and Herbert Rehbein were just two of the legends to have offered their wisdom there. The events were hugely popular as chances for people to see these top trainers were limited due to expense or lack of opportunity, as they still are with riders so busy training and riding.

There’s so much to learn and as Herr Rehbein needed an interpreter it made me realise that spot-on timing is everything when giving instruction. Dr Klimke was a master at this. The things I took away from his masterclass were detail and precision. Ulla Salzgeber was all about the rider’s position and influence and from Herr Rehbein, a brilliant rider, it was amazing how much I learned just watching him.