Bernie Traurig is one of few horsemen in the world who has competed at the highest levels of all three Olympic equestrian disciplines. While he is best known for his show jumping successes, Traurig was part of the 1964 United States eventing team. He also became a top dressage competitor before returning to the hunter/jumper world. Along the way Traurig amassed phenomenal experience, which he carried over to teaching, coaching, and training. “Bernie Traurig is one of the great horsemen of the century,” states U.S. Chef d’Equipe George Morris.
Driven and dedicated, Traurig recognized his wealth of knowledge and that of his peers, and was determined to make it available to riders of all levels everywhere. While writing a book was an option, Traurig wanted to do more. A combination of professional grade video and high speed internet provided the perfect medium for Traurig’s vision, and EquestrianCoach.com was born.
This online portal allows subscribers to view a variety of videos covering a wide array of topics. Rather than create full length videos, Traurig understands that people learn better by understanding one or several concepts, practicing them, and then coming back for more to gradually build skills and experience. Traurig drew on his own extensive background, influenced by many great horsemen, including Vladimir Littauer and Bert DeNemethy, in creating the many topics on EquestrianCoach.com.
Not only does Traurig provide information and demonstrations on a variety of topics, he includes some of the top American horsemen to share their knowledge. Viewers can select from dressage star Debbie McDonald, Show Jumping Olympic gold medalist Will Simpson, Eventing Olympic medalist Gina Miles, equitation coach Missy Clark, show jumper Rich Fellers, eventing icon J. Michael Plumb, and well known hunter rider John French. Each month Traurig adds more content and more guest coaches to EquestrianCoach.com.
In addition to educational topics like Fundamentals of Flatwork (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced), and Building Blocks to a Great Position, viewers can watch Will Simpson’s gold medal clinching round at the 2008 Olympics and listen to Simpson talk about it. John French speaks about Rumba’s spectacular victory in the inaugural USHJA International Hunter Derby Final while viewers can go along for the ride.
EquestrianCoach.com is classical education presented in a high quality, professional format readily available to anyone who wants to learn more. “There is nothing like education,” states George Morris. “Knowledge is power. You can’t go wrong with EquestrianCoach.com unless you don’t get it (subscribe).”
“I sat down to watch one video, and an hour later I had watched about five,” said Steve McAllister of Martin McAllister Training about his introduction to EquestrianCoach.com. “Jenni and I told all our clients that they need to subscribe, and that first night of viewing videos I signed up for a year. Bernie supports what we teach, and I learned things that will help me coach my riders better and prepare my horses better.”
Although EquestrianCoach.com only launched on June 1, praise is flowing in. “I just watched a few of the videos. I can’t wait to watch the rest of them. What a great site,” wrote in Barbara Chapin.
To further promote and make its educational content more accessible, EquestrianCoach.com will launch its affiliate program for clubs, associations, and groups in July. The Los Angeles Hunter Jumper Association immediately signed up for the Affiliate Program. “Education is one of the cornerstones of our sport, and since becoming President of LAHJA, education is one of my main goals,” explained Marnye Langer. “Clinics are great, but they don’t reach a broad spectrum of an association’s membership. EquestrianCoach.com fills that void and makes quality education affordable and easily available. As soon as Bernie told me about EquestrianCoach.com I asked when I could sign up.”
Visit EquestrianCoach.com to view the free videos, check out the subscription rates, and learn more about riding and horse care.
