Dressage Clinic with Mr. John F. Lassetter |
John is one of the leading dressage riders and trainers in Great Britain. He began riding almost as soon as he could walk. His early professional training was at Porlock Vale, under Lt Colonel Crawford FBHS, where he concentrated on eventing and became Chief Instructor. His dressage training intensified with the help of Captain Tibor Demko de Pelenski, formally of the Hungarian Spanish Riding School, and also at Sivewright's Talland School under Major Bolternstern, the Swedish Gold Medalist. He then trained in Germany with Herr Egon von Neindorff. Upon returning to England he studied with Robert Hall at Fulmer, and became Chief Instructor at Crabbet Park under Brian Young FBHS. In 1969, John became the first visiting student to train at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna; for 13 months he was under the tutelage of Director and Ober Bereiters Wahl and Lauscha, and Bereiters Kottas, Tschuatscher, Eichinger and Ernst Bachinger. He was then invited by Colonel de St Andre to study at the Cadre Noir Cavalry School in Saumur, France under Baron de al Couchette and Patrick le Rolland. He stayed there for 16 months prior to returning to Austria to run a private dressage center, Reitzentrum Markhof. Later, after the retirement of Col. Crawford, John moved back to Porlock Vale as Director. When Porlock Vale was sold, John moved to Goodwood Estate where he established one of Britain's leading dressage schools. John continues his education as a member of the prestigious International Dressage Trainers Club, which enables him to study the methods of many of the top international trainers. |
John is a talented rider with an impeccable seat (according to the late Nuno Olivero "one of the most classical seats among modern riders"). He has competed successfully on the Continent at FEI levels, both large and small tour, for Britain on Twister and Famos (shown above). He is also a wonderful instructor and trainer. Horses and riders under his training compete successfully at all levels in Britain in regular dressage and musical freestyle. Several of his working students have represented Great Britain in international Young Riders competition. John stresses the use of exercises to help the horse and rider work harmoniously and correctly. His use of cones and ground poles is somewhat similar to that of Major Lindgren and Conrad Schumacher, respectively. John is also famous for poking fun at the sometimes overly serious discipline of dressage. He conducts instructive and humorous dressage demonstrations and his display team is much sought after for gala performances at major shows. As examples, in Europe he has performed musical pas des deux with Anky van Grunsven of the Dutch Olympic team and has founded GODS (getting older dressage society). |
Mr. Lassetter is a popular clinician in England, Canada and the US. His heavy competition, demonstration and touring schedule has forced him to limit visits to the US. We in the Sacramento area are very fortunate that he has agreed to come to our area on a regular basis. His clinics are open to riders training level through Grand Prix. The clinics fill rapidly so we recommend that you reserve your spots early. Group lessons are suggested for less experienced riders or green horses. Lessons are 45 minutes and are priced as follows: $140 - private, $100 each - semiprivate, $90 each - group of 3. If you are a boarder at Valley Dressage, the fees will be $15 less for the private lessons and $10 less for the semi private lessons. Checks should be made payable to Teree Castanias and sent to 7401 Pedrick Road, Dixon, CA 95620 to confirm your spot. First come, first serve. The clinic will fill rapidly. To let us know if you are interested in riding with John in this clinic, or in being on our mailing list, please contact Teree Castanias (Tcastanias@aol.com or 707-678-4550) or Linda Lowenstine (ljlowenstine@ucdavis.edu or 530-756-5182). No refunds will be made for rides cancelled after May 15, 2008 unless a replacement rider is found. Auditors are welcome and may attend at no charge. Please bring your own chair. |