Reviews About
Baroque Equestrian Games & Institute
“I had a wonderful time at the practice show. I was actually smiling during the Classical Schooling Pattern – something that doesn’t usually happen when I am riding a test! The best part was that my horse felt better at the end of the day… more balanced because of the way he was being ridden and the exercises used. I had one of my best rides ever on him during the Musical Presentation. I felt truly honored to be riding him and showing what he can do to everyone there. I am so glad to be a part of BEGI!”
~ Cindy M. (Schooling Show Rider)
"I have now participated in several of the Baroque Equestrian Institute’s clinics and I have gained so much knowledge that I bring back to my horses in training and my students. I am always so inspired by what I learn at these clinics. Tina and Bruno are very articulate, they are patient and kind and passionate about enlightening us on true classical dressage. I also enjoy the friendships I have made at these clinics and really feel a kinship to all who participate, auditors and clinic participants. I am greatly looking forward to the next clinic."
~ Erika Fleury
“I got more out of this clinic than any other I have attended. I learned so much about bringing the horse into true balance, getting him to come under in back and lift in front. I got back on my horse this morning after not riding for weeks, thought of what Bruno was teaching… and had a wonderful first ride back.”
~ Virginia Clinic Auditor, June 2012
“The whole season has been delightful and truly rewarding for my horses and me. The discovery of Classical Horsemanship through Tina and Bruno has been a great turning point for us. Throughout my life I have ridden many horses, and I had felt that special balance when riding just a few. But I never knew exactly what it was that made riding them such a great experience. It seems that I have always been searching for a way to consistently find and maintain that magical feel. Thanks to Tina and Bruno I believe that I have found it in Classical Horsemanship. I can't thank you enough for being the messengers and teachers of Classical Horsemanship techniques. My boys thank you too! They're happy that I can now communicate more effectively to tell them what it is that I need and want!”
~ Rider, New York Clinic, Connecticut Baroque Games Practice Show
“Several BEGI members got together for a play-day and kindly invited me to join them. I'm so glad I did, as I learned so much about encouraging softness in the bridle, and how the Patterns help the horse to get better balanced. I joined BEGI and brought home a booklet of Patterns to practice with. There are Patterns for all levels, and since I’m riding alone, it is good to have Patterns that I can drop back to in order to find relaxation and focus. Your group is so friendly and passionate about riding. Just being with you and receiving ideas have inspired me. You all had a great time, but also were improving yourselves and your horses at the same time. I hope to be able to join you with my horse when you get together again. Thanks again for everything.
~ Susan F.
“I had such a wonderful time at the Baroque Blast Play Day. In the beginning, my green mare came out a little stiff, but as I worked her through some square turns and later through the Patterns, she loosened up and became much softer in my hands. The lighter and softer she got, the more she began to engage her haunches and track up. I also tried sword-play for the first time with her, and to my amazement, she really seemed to enjoy it – and we ended up getting the sword through the ring! I really think this experience was not only beneficial for me, but for my mare as well.”
~ Dana & Desi
“My biggest takeaway was the improvement in the suppleness of the horses after having completed just some of the Patterns in the Classical Schooling Section -- it was wonderful to see. I believe the Patterns are a college education all by themselves! But what I loved most about the whole experience was how calm and content the horses were throughout -- no stress, no tension, no worry -- everything was accomplished harmoniously. That to me is the true goal of horsemanship.”
~ Jeanne B.
“Bruno Gonzales is a wealth of experience and tact with horses and riders. I appreciate the soft, non-forceful methods that resulted in optimal results.”
~ Carol N. (Clinic Rider)
“Tina and Bruno give wonderful, easy to understand points for the rider’s position and for your horse. There are so many little details to learn, and it’s so helpful to have their words to take home and work on. Each time I come, I learn more about what my horse needs from me in order to help him find that soft balance. And I love the atmosphere of a supportive community of riders with the same interests and goals. You want to come back for more!"
~ Pam C. (Clinic Rider)
"BEGI is a creative, fun, and educational way of encouraging harmonious collection in the horse. I find it beneficial for both the lazy horse and the hot horse, and for any breed of horse I ride."
~ From Francesca Edwards, trainer, FEI rider.
"It is the dream of every rider to have a light horse, with great power behind, who moves with you in harmony and with joy. The art of collecting the horse is an elusive one, and a big missing for most riders today. I have worked with BEGI since early in its development and produced many BEGI shows here in the Northeast. The response from my students has been tremendous. They enjoyed the three phases, loved how their horses felt after practicing the patterns and had so much fun with the Mounted Maneuvers and the Musical Presentations.
It also gave them a sequence of training for creating collection from the beginning to the most advanced movements. Personally, I use the patterns all the time with my horses in training, and it has made them stronger, lighter and much more balanced."
~ Patricia Norcia, classical trainer and instructor, Clinton, Ct.
As a newer dressage rider, and long-time hunter/jumper rider of 30 years, I feel strongly that riders of all disciplines--and their equine partners, most importantly--would benefit from incorporating the methods of the Baroque Equestrian Games & Institute (BEGI) into their training. My Holsteiner/TB mare could be the poster horse for the long-term advantages that BEGI brings to the middle-aged, but still green horse; once stiff, unconditioned, uneven in musculature, and unbalanced in mind and body, Belle has transformed into a well-muscled, much straighter, balanced, and supple horse in just under two years of training. BEGI has helped her find her hind end, and it has made for a sound and happy horse, who is much more fun to ride. The BEGI training philosophy and patterns deliver horse and rider the unique opportunity to gain a light and balanced ride no matter the level of ability or experience, and offers the rider a full understanding of how best to supple and collect the horse. It's the best thing I have ever done for the health, well-being and value of any of my horses.
~ Kathy Crocket Guilford, CT