Dennis Reis

[Frankie]

Dennis Reis

I was saying in another thread that we finally now have RFDTV. I, just last night and for the first time, learned about Dennis Reis. What a kind and humors soul this gentlemen seems to be. His way of communicating with the horse is very inspiring. After I graduate from all of Clinton Anderson (1 DVD series left to go) , I will be seeking the next video trainer for me and my horse.

Thoughts about Dennis Reis?

[southernkissed]

Dennis is good, but I think Craig Camron who does the Extreme Cowboy Race is really awesome.

[ahlihaff]

I like Dennis. When an aquaintenance was badly injured after her hourse spooked, she contacted him. He spoke with her at length and GAVE her all his DVDs. He is a concerned, caring human. We always go to his clinic when he comes to Northampton, MA. (about 45 minutes from us).

I just checked our tickets, and the MA clinic is probably the closest to you. Check his website at www.reisranch.com.

[gbarmranch]

I like him too - I also love C. Cameron and Stacey W... They all advocate the same thing, but have different ways of asking for it.. Taking a bit from all of them gives you so many humane options for training your horse.

I wish they would have more clinics close by here... I love to watch them all work, and be reminded of all the things I have forgotton, as well as learn new techniques.. Plus it is just fun to be around horse people for two whole days..

[PaintsQH]

I like him as well Frankie. You are correct in the statement that he is a kind and humerous soul. He is fun to watch as he is upbeat and "silly" in a great kind of way. Unlike many of the NH trainers, the entire show isnt alot of gabbing and getting nowhere. He explains what he is doing, even to himself which makes him keep your attention. I havent seen one episode where the horse didnt respond to him. Most of the horses he works with on his show are being worked with the owner as well on his methods. I sent a survey in once as I had a bucker and since I wasnt already using his equipment and methods they couldnt do a session with him, but I did get some free tickets. The other day I received 2 more tickets, but its in another state. Good luck on your journey and enjoy RFD-TV. I love it.

[redboy]

First of all, I LOVE RFDTV !! My husband calls it RedNeck TV..., but, I love it, and I get sooo much info from the horsey programs.
As for my preference of trainers on RFD, I go with Clinton Anderson (#1), Craig Camerion (#2), Chris Cox (#3), Dennis Reis (#4), Ryan Gingrech, Julie GoodNight, Ken McNabb, and there are soooo many other programs with trainers, training and info...., (I lose track of how many trainers and ALL the wealth of their knowledge and info coming right into my living room!! ).
What an excellent resource that comes right to my house !!
As far as Dennis is concerned, sometimes I think he doesn't break it into the simple steps that CA does. That was insight that I gained from John Lyons, as well, kinda the idea of reward the slightest try. I know HE knows what he's trying to get, but I'm not sure the viewer understands it the way CA demonstrates things...., thats all, just my opinion also...., Redboy

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by redboy

As far as Dennis is concerned, sometimes I think he doesn't break it into the simple steps that CA does. Redboy

That was my only concern. I have only seen one show and I wondered if he does break it down like Clinton Anderson does. CA makes it so easy for you and your horse to understand. As I said, we are almost done with all of his videos and I want to keep learning/teaching.

Riding 2 has been taught but needs improvement. Riding 3 I have yet to purchase but will soon.

Ground 1 2 3 - done!

[redboy]

I bought all three Riding, and REALLY want to get the ground work next...,
Just not in the budget right now. RB

[Frankie]

Hindsight over course but, you should have started with the ground. So much of it translates into the saddle.

[redboy]

I usually do things the opposite of HOW they should be done..., just ask my husband !! I also joined the No worries club, and he covers a lot of ground work in those DVDs...., but I agree, and I really want them. RB

[Frankie]

Is the club worth the price tag? Not cheap. $20 a month right?

[redboy]

I pay $99.00 for 6 months..., they automatically charge my creditcard.
I personally like it..., the dvds are like little mini lessons. Clinton demonstrates the concept with one of his horses and then takes a student (the same student, Janet, with her older gelding usually) and shows what learning the concept can be like for a student. Some of it has been quite similar to what you see on his shows on RFD, but I usually gleam something new/ some thingS new, from each dvd.
Also, he periodically sends out an issue of his magazine/journal with articles that are usually pretty good. And you get discounts on merchandise, tickets to his shows, etc., and he has an online news letter too. All good stuff.
I regularly kick myself for missing him when he was up near DC last fall. I really wanted to go, and just couldn't find anyone to do it, and I didn't want to go by myself, or drag my husband to it. He's very good about my hobby, but sometimes, I know he wants to do other things. But, I would have loved to haveseen him in person..., maybe he'll come back, up around your area.
I saw John Lyons in Rising Sun, some years ago, and he was GREAT too. RB

[Frankie]

I just caught CA on RFDTV. He was working a young horse at one of his shows.

1. I am so mad that we did not go to see him when we had the chance and tickets!

2. I cracked up most of the time. Love his his sense of humor.

3. He shed even more light on the basics and just makes you want to tack up and go.

He just rocks!!

[soft rider]

I went to a Dennis Reis clinic here, and though i somewhat like his methods, his personality can go from fun loving to mean and arrogant in an instant, if something goes slightly wrong at his clinic.

I was originally drawn in by his personality, But got turned off when i went to his clinic.

I did however buy his first series of DVD's and they are Very self explanitory, more so than his shows.

So even though I do not like his personality, because of what i saw and heard at a clinic, I do like his methods.

[alliebath]

I find it interesting how different people feel about different trainers and their methods and shows. When ever Reis is on, we laugh and say that we will be asleep in about 10 seconds of watching him. I find him irritating and not very informative. No doubt that he may be a wonderful trainer and a kind man, he just bores the heck out of us!

I tend to watch them all - figure you can always learn something that you will find useful. I really like CA - own his Gaited Horse DVD and went to a seminar. I do not like the way he constantly couches things in a question - but other than that, I generally like to watch. Craig Cameron can be a bit tiring also, but also enjoy watching him.

[David]

I'm not sure who this guy is but there are a lot of good trainers on RFD. If you really want to see a trainer that knows what's going on watch the lady that only trains mules and donkeys ( sorry I can't remember her name either) but the RFD trainer I like the best is Craig Cameron for the simple fact that he stays on topic. Most of the trainers you see a multi part episode and the parts will be months apart or even have other episodes in between. CC's show goes in order, he starts an episode on how to get a lead departure and the next episode will be on flying lead changes( so that they are related topics and are in a logical order). He also tackles subjects from the beginning and uses a lot of common sense stuff.

[fishing_trex]

I tape almost all the NH shows on RFD TV and watched Dennis Reis... once. Don't tape him anymore. Perhaps it was just a bad show, but he seemed a little arrogant.

I watch Clinton Anderson as I think he is more "down to earth" than Parelli in explaining things (I love his "pull the rope to your belly button" type of explanations, putting duct tape on the reins where you are supposed to hold them for one rein stops and flexing, etc.). BUT I don't like to work with my horses as fast as he does (IMO Parelli focuses more on building a relationship and working partnership with your horse; Anderson is more focused on gaining respect). In fact, at the Harrisburg CA tour stop, one of the people that trained with CA said "if a horse doesn't breathe a sigh of relief when Clinton gets off their back, he hasn't done his job". Not sure that's how I want my relationship to be with my horse. But I've learned a great deal from his shows.

Ken McNabb is good, but too often his shows have nothing to do with NH. Craig Cameron is good, but so far the shows of his that I have watched have not been pertinent to my needs (I have only watched a couple). Parelli's shows are more showmanship and less learning IMO. I have been watching Ray Ainsworth and like him. He really explains what he is doing -- look at exactly this spot, do things in this order, etc. And he works with lots of different horses. I have emailed to ask questions and always get a response back. He does not yet have a good set of DVDs available.

I own the CA Gaining Respect on the Ground and Parelli Level 1 and 2 DVDs. To me, the best method is to watch many different NH trainers and pick and choose those things that work best for you. I think it's great that I have a nice little "repertoire" of things to try with various horses -- I have definitely needed them with the herd that I have.

[redboy]

I agree, Fishing trex, I garner a bit of info from each, and apply it to my own personal situation. I like CA for one reason in particularly, and that is that, he coins little phrases, (ex). "Enough pressure to get the job done"..., etc. It's those little tidbits that stick in my mind when a given situation or question arises. And, basically they all share similar philosphies. I think some people just speak to me more so than others. Redboy

PS, I like Ray Ainsworth, but not quite as much as some of the others. But, I try to take it all in and apply. They ALL have far more knowledge and experience than myself.

[horsemom4]

I totally agree with alliebath on falling asleep during the Reis show....his voice puts me to sleep...maybe it calms the horses, so it's a good thing.

I really like Ray Ainsworth. I watch all his shows! We saw him at the Midwest Horse Fair in Wisconsin. It was so much fun. My husband spoke with Ray out in the parking area and he said Ray is just a really genuine and nice guy.

[A J]

I worked with someone who actually trained under Reis for awhile. The methods were good, but pretty particular and maybe a bit much/too detailed - granted, this was HER program, not his, but she basically took most of her methods from him.

From what I understand, he can be nice enough to the public, but in person can be, well, less than pleasant - but is an amazing horseman and can do amazing things with a horse. Just not much of a people person....so, soft rider, chances are your impressions were correct