Experience What Nick Has To Offer

Dressage From The Heart

Nick Peronace is largely a self taught dressage rider. He trained with hunter jumpers and event riders as a child, then he became a working student for USET Olympic Long Listed Rider Lorinda Lende. By age 17 he had trained his first horse to the highest education level possible. Some riders become a master towards the end of their life. Nick was a master by 19. By that point he not only trained his Appaloosa named Chevy to perform all required movements of Grand Prix Dressage, but master of the Haute-Ecole also. By age 21 he had several other's schooling Prix St Georges, and would also ride 14 or more horses a day. He was a freelance trainer and working on breeding farms. His training roster was very compelling!

Every horse Nick works with, is left with his hallmark lightness. Students watch in amazement as he creates a better looking horse with each exquisite moment, like a Sculptor sculpting his masterpiece. It has been said that the most stiff, hard mouthed horse, becomes light and easy after a short period of training using Nick's system. Young horses also advance quickly and correctly under him. It's not uncommon to see a young horse just put into work, schooling Piaffe in hand. Many people cannot understand this, and without asking questions, label it as "incorrect". Yet in a relatively short period the horse is light and relaxed like an old school master.

Very few riders today, possess the softness we see in Nick's riding. This becomes even more obvious at the highest levels where medals and scores take precedence over lightness and a correctly moving horse. What we tend to see in the show ring are hollow horses in fake collection, riders with overly short reins and overly aggressive aids. Nick himself has spoken out against such standards in the show ring, and also the politics involved. He never liked competing much, but when he finally came out of his shell, he fell victim to a hate campaign, and the conspiracy that followed corrupted the judges. To some, this accusation sounds crazy and stupid, but unfortunately Nick himself has proven it to be true. 

It hasn't been easy for Nick Peronace. The Chronicle Of The Horse lies and keeps up malicious comments said about him on their message boards. They are set at defaming his reputation and his abilities. The awful comments said (of course said anonymously) are from people who have never even worked with him. Rider's should be embracing Nick and picking his brain at clinics to learn his training system. Mr.Peronace has even graciously offered to give a free clinic, and welcoming the critics, yet no one would take him up on the offer. The consistent sharing of misinformation has damaged him forever. The dressage community is missing the chance to work with a living master, much like they did when the horse papers published hateful articles about Baucher and Nuno Oliveira. It is unfortunate that we realize the brilliant minds we had, only once they have passed away.

Mr.Peronace might not be well known or mainstream, but he does have a following. To the people who he has helped, the true fans will never leave him. This article and blog is not written by Nick Peronace, but a devoted fan, follower and friend, who chooses to remain anonymous based on the harassment and destructive behavior others have experienced when they testified to Nick's amazing training abilities. He has requested that I not write this, but I insist that the truth must come out!

At my repeated insistence, Nick has agreed to post training videos and is recreating his wonderful Facebook dressage page! He has also gained the attention of a reputable online video blog, and shall be posting training videos through them as well. As time goes on, hopefully more people become aware of this living master and his incredible abilities. 

Though make no mistake, Nick Peronace feels dressage is his song to God. It's human to feel upset over criticism, but it is his passion that drives him, and will continue to drive him with or without an audience. He doesn't chase ribbons. He doesn't care about scores. He never did and he never will. Even his most hateful critic will agree to that. Dressage is an incredibly intimate and personal experience to Mr.Peronace. He doesn't need our approval.

In the closing of this blog entry, I leave you with a picture that I have edited and taken from Mr. Peronace's Facebook. It shows the uncanny similarities between the two masters. It is easy to see the influence of Nuno Oliveira in Nick's riding. A lesson from Nick will have you exercising Baucher techniques, which Nuno was also influenced. You will also experience what a correctly moving horse actually feels like. And if you are consistent and you are patient, Nick will allow you to taste the delicacy known as true equestrian art.

Always Light

Extreme lightness, long reins & self carriage, are all trademarks in Nick's training methods.

Interview With Nick Peronace Part 2

Recently Nick Peronace posted about the politics involving the dressage competition arena. He went in great detail about how the politics work, and also spoke about his own experience. Nick is not without his haters who seem to stalk his every move with a strange obsession. Such said people disregarded the rest of Nick's blog post, and picked apart what they wanted to hear- mainly when he talked about his own experience.

Nick continues to be upfront, honest, and as transparent as possible. He welcomes questions and has received an overwhelming response. Those questions are answered right here in this blog. If you still have a question for Nick, he may be reached at Contactnickperonace@gmail.com

                          (START)

Q: Why are you against furthering your education, either by taking lessons or riding in clinics?

A: I'm not against it at all! This past summer I took a lesson, and in November I'd like to ride in a clinic with a very well known trainer.

Q: Where are the "good photos" you claim exist from that competition on June 4th?

A: I made them public right on my Facebook page. You can find them under the heading "Fake News Coth".

Q: What is it about those photos you feel make them "good?"

A: I've spoken out before about the hate campaign against me. These are people who want to bust any opportunity I have for any type of success that has to do with horses. They only found out I was even at that show because they stalk my every move. Anyway, after my show when those photos appeared online (without my permission) the hate campaign cut them up. But they only cut up and shared the really bad photos! They never mentioned about the good pictures! They only want to feed people what they want you to see! They have a very hateful agenda. They are very jealous individuals. They sure put a lot on energy into someone they don't like don't they? Why can't they leave me alone? If they aren't jealous, why can't they just stop talking about me and viewing my blog?

There are lots of pictures showing an uphill horse, nice soft reins, excellent self carriage, and moving correctly. I have said before that Carpathia was distracted and it wasn't my best ride. However there were some really nice moments, and these pictures show it. If some hater somewhere sees those pictures and doesn't think they are any good, I think that's a person in desperate need of education.

Q: Who judged the freestyle test where you scored a 75%?

A: I honestly have no idea who the judge was. I know they have a history in dressage and also driving. Who they are really isn't of importance. It only matters to the hate campaign who tries to discredit any accomplishment I achieve.I scored a 75% and they're hateful little minds exploded! They had better get used to it because I'm not going anywhere.

Q: Carpathia seems to be alittle to skinny in some of your pictures. Can you describe your a feeding program and conditioning regimen?

A: Carpathia is your typical skinny, high metabolism thoroughbred racehorse. If you have experience with this specific type of Thoroughbred, then you understand. If you don't, then I highly recommend going to some race tracks. Walk into the stables and talk to the trainers. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her conditioning whatsoever, it's just how she is designed. She gets hours of grass turnout, 8 flakes of hay, 8lbs of grain each day, with 4lbs of it rice bran.

As for your muscle development question, I warm up each ride in a deep frame for about 10min in walk,trot,canter. I practice lot's of transitions during the ride and whatever gymnastic exercise I need to work on to accomplish whatever movement is my end goal. I ride Carpathia 6 days a week for about 20-30min each. I don't believe in working a horse for longer. I believe they must be happy and fresh when you dismount. This is all part of being a tactful trainer. Ask for much, be content with little, reward often.

Q: It's well known that Carpathia is for sale. How do you justify her asking price of $15,000, especially when her scores are less than stellar?

A: Her price is actually way to low! Her owners should be asking $30k. Thats the going rate for a horse with her education and capacity. If she were a warmblood she would be double that. $15k is a give away! As for her scores, it's been proven there is a hate campaign against me, and I've been judged unfairly. When I was judged fairly, I received a 75%. Forget the scores, look at the education. People pay for education and potential. Carpathia has both. 

Q: Why don't you post reviews from clients who have worked with you?

A: In the past I did. For several years there were reviews on a website I once had. I have also used Facebook to tag and post positive reviews. Facebook still has the reviews, you just got to find them. I don't force feed reviews anymore because the hate campaign would contact those people and harass them. I care to much for my clients (who are my dear friends) to have them get railroaded by internet trolls. Dressage is just a hobby for me. I don't need a website with loads of reviews anyway. Who wants to work with me, does. Who doesnt want to, doesn't. It makes no difference to me. I have absolutely nothing to prove. There are plenty of pictures and video public on my Facebook page, that gives an excellent representation of my abilities as a trainer.

Q: Do you consider yourself classical?

A: No I don't. I use a lot of unorthodox methods in my training and I also don't stick to a specific style. I cater to the horse and what the horse needs. I think a good trainer has to! Dressage is a science. It's also a constant experimentation and trying out different theories. It's a slow methodical process that sometimes you have to think outside the box in order to accomplish your goals.

Q: What is your issue exactly with the USDF judging standards?

A: Without repeating myself please click on this link. It explains my issue in great detail:

https://nickperonace1.wordpress.com/2017/08/28/dressage-politics-and-how-they-effect-you/

Q: Why didn't you compete Carpathia at Training Level first, then work your way up ?

A: Carpathia was schooling 3rd and 4th level at home. By the summer she was confirmed. Shows cost money and are very expensive. I don't believe in holding a horse back so I entered a show and competed in the level she's on. Next year if I'm still working with her, we will be competing at FEI. I never cared for the USDF medal program because frankly it just doesn't interest me. Some people have the opinion that such medals add credibility to a trainer. I can see their point of view, but I also think competing at a higher level also adds credibility. Posting video and pictures adds credibility also. But if your a superficial snob who only cares about medals and scores, and less what your eyes tell you, then I'm not the trainer for you. Again, it makes no difference to me. I have nothing to prove to anyone.

Q: Do you believe the judge at your last show was corrupt?

A: 100% yes! I also feel the judge in my first show on June 4th was corrupt as well. I know it sounds crazy. I get it. But seriously, lets look at things.

-COTH has tons of hate threads about me filled with nothing but lies.

-The hate campaign continues to open threads on COTH and other sites, all filled with lies.

-1000s of people have read this garbage and they believe it.

-Carpathia made several mistakes in our test on June 4th and we received a ridiculously low score. The next test in front of the same judge that day, she was more focused yet we still received another low score. At the next show once again we got another insanely low score. That judge also commented rude remarks for things that didn't even happened! I have video to prove it (posted on Facebook).

-The judge on June 4th gave me a 2 just because my halt wasn't square. Any reasonable person would find that excessively low.

-The judge on June 4th posted on Facebook about my score. What professional does that! If I wasn't singled out and it wasn't personal,why did he post what he posted?

Add all these factors up and yes, you have a strong argument for corruption. I've launched a formal complaint with the USEF. I'm NOT GOING ANYWHERE. I'm going to keep turning up at shows and posting each ride on Facebook, public for everyone to see. I'm not going to stop exposing these people. So if you're a judge and you're reading this, and I'm in your arena, you had better be honest because EVERYONE is going to be a witness.

Q: What would you say to people who still don't believe there is a conspiracy against you?

A: That's a person who hates me and is never going to be satisfied. But let everything that's happened to me, happen to a big name or even a friend of theirs, and their all about it. People also don't want to believe in the conspiracy because they are part of the hate campaign. The evidence is there and it's a strong argument that's very compelling.

Q: Certain people feel you should be banned from competing because of your conspiracy theory. How do you feel about that?

A: If I get banned or block from a show ground then that's a big red flag I was right all along. The hate campaign doesn't want people to see me be successful in the show ring. Banning or blocking me is all part of their tactic. Actually people should be supporting me on this issue and should encourage the fact that I was brave enough to bring it to everyone's attention. Do people really want to compete knowing the judge might have a bias against them? Regardless of what happened to me, wouldn't people feel better being judged by an impartial non corrupt judge? Show ring politics have always existed, I'm just one of the few people who has brought it to light, and now I'm paying for it very unfairly.

But believe me now when I say that the higher level I compete, the more people are going to care what I have to say. I will not stop exposing corruption and show ring politics! Borrowing a line from our great President Donald Trump, it's time to drain the swamp!

Q: How are you able to train a horse so quickly up the levels?

A: Well first of all, I don't train by "levels". I follow a different training pyramid then most people. First comes straight,forward and under control. Second comes stretching, deep riding and a nice frame. Third comes lateral work flying changes and collection. Last comes extreme collection. What I like to do is plant the seeds for the last step, then go back later to perfect it. I also don't believe in holding a horse back. So if Im trying to teach leg yield and the horse offers me Half Pass, I go with it. I keep my rides simple and I don't make a big deal if theres a mistake. I ask for much, Im content with little and I reward often. I'm a very tactful trainer.

Q: With all the hate on The Chronicle Of The Horse (coth) do you feel they owe you equal time?

A: I sure do! What The Chronicle Of The Horse needs to do is come out to the farm and watch me ride. They need to take pictures and interview me. If they did this it would help my image and it would improve my reputation greatly. They owe me because they have done so much to ruin me. They owe me restitution. But they won't. COTH isn't interested in playing fair or helping someone they helped destroy with their lies, misinformation and one sided screenshots. But the lies. Oh my God the lies! And people believe them! It's so bizarre. They google and talk "about me" without actually coming directly "to me". They share misinformation and it's so incredibly unfair.

Q: Did you attack Robert Dover for being gay?

A: Absolutely unquestionably NO! What had happened was that he and I were Facebook friends. It was during the election and he posted some pro Clinton liberal propaganda. All I did was ask him how he felt about Clinton flip flopping so much on gay marriage. Robert lost his mind! His universe collapsed! He went on this rant defending her (as if anyone can't just jump on YouTube and hear how many times she has contradicted herself on this issue) told me off and blocked me before I could tell him to just chill out. He's alienated a few other people over his political post, but that's his perogative.

Personally I have nothing against the guy and wish him nothing but the best. He allowed me to sit next to him for several hours at Devon one year when I was just a star struck kid. That encounter changed my life and helped me realize what I wanted in a trainer and who I wanted to be as a rider. Several years later we met again at Gladstone and he was very kind to both myself and my daughter.

Q: What is your problem with Charlotte and Carl Hester?

A: It's never popular to bash someone loved by so many. I'm a truth seeker and I made the mistake of thinking others are too. I was wrong. Most people don't know what correct dressage is anymore. They see higher scores and think the rider must have all the answers.  I've made it a habit now never to publicly criticize another equestrian, because I don't like it when it's done to me, and I feel there is enough hate in the world. So all I'm going to say on this matter is that I don't like Charlotte's riding, and I tnink Carl is an extremely arrogant man. I'm not going into detail. But I'm allowed to have my opinion and when others start bullying me because of those opinions, well, that's tyranny isn't it? We live in America where you are free to have whatever point of view you'd like, free of persecution. So to those people commenting something hateful because of my opinion, need to ask themselves where their Integrity is.

                             (END)

The Hate Campaign

Nick has spoken about the hate campaign against him. He has pointed out the fact that this agenda is deep rooted in jealousy.
Those who are associated with the agenda HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH NICK!

Nick Peronace has some unorthodox training techniques that he did not invent but have been forgotten over time. He is a largely self-taught rider(with a little bit of help along the way) and so he had to memorize books. The man is a walking encyclopedia of dressage knowledge!

Nick is able to produce great results with every horse he encounters! If you are truly interested in experiencing what he has to offer and determine for yourself what he is or is not, he is easily contacted at
Contactnickperonace@gmail.com

Feeling Blessed!

Nick Peronace had an excellent training day today with Carpathia! She continues to grow stronger in Piaffe!

An Interview With Nick Peronace

Online controversy seems to surround this particular dressage enthusiast, yet he is also extremely successful as a trainer. In this interview, Nick talks about his online reputation, and also shares with us some of his training techniques and training philosophies. 

AN INTERVIEW WITH NICK PERONACE

                                (Start)

Q: How did you get started in horses?

A: I started riding at a day camp when I was just 4 years old. I started taking formal riding lessons when I was 7 with an Event/Hunt Seat Trainer. 

Q: What kind of competing did you do as a child?

A: My first show was in 1990 and I'd compete once or twice a month during the summer. I won numerous championships in equitation classes, and jumping classes.

Q: When did you become interested in dressage?

A: When I was 14. My instructor had a lounge above one of the barns. While I sat in the lounge waiting for my dad to pick me up to go home one afternoon, I scrolled through a horse magazine and saw an advertisement for the Iron Spring Farm stallion Roemer. I was taken by his beauty! After that day I started jumping a lot less. My lessons began to focus more on dressage.

Q: Did you compete at dressage shows as a teenager?

A: Yes I did. I never competed at recognize shows, but on a regular basis was competing. I competed up to Second Level.

Q: Is it true that you were just a teenager and competing at Grand Prix Dressage?

A: No it isn't. I was 17 when I taught myself and my horse "Chevy" Grand Prix, but we never competed at a recognized show. He could ride the test and perform anything asked of him.

Q: Pictures from a recent show with Carpathia have appeared online. What do you say to people who criticize them?

A: People will pick apart the snapshots (a moment in time) that are bad.There are plenty of good pictures out there also! But that's how a hate campaign works, and my critics are very sick people with a hateful agenda. Constructive criticism from someone who has trained up through the levels is a valued opinion. An armchair dressage master struggling at Training Level, or someone who only rides School Masters, isn't someone who's criticism I take seriously. "Consider the source" basically.

Q: Your critics have pointed out that at your first 4th Level show you scored a 75%, yet your second you scored in the 40's. They seem to really harp and berate you about the low score. Why do you think this is?

A: Carpathia scored a 75% at home. It was also a musical freestyle and a schooling show. The second show was at a horse park and USDF recognized. She was clearly distracted! Half the time it felt like she was going to jump in the judges box! But as she attends more shows she will get more comfortable with her surroundings. This is the difference between a good trainer and a bad trainer. The good trainer understands that things happen and horses are unpredictable. They understand that with time, things will improve. The bad trainer goes online to pick apart pictures and scores because they've never been there themselves! Or they HAVE been there, but it makes them feel powerful to pick on someone. Cyber bullies basically.

Q: Why haven't you competed at a recognized show until 2017?

A: I have always been more focused on Dressage as "ART". With "SPORT", often the horse isn't moving correctly yet receiving high scores. Most of the riders are all garbage, yet they don't get marked down. I also think the judge isn't judging what he is seeing, he is judging against a comparison, or politically who else is competing that day. Plus the idea of someone judging my ride when they know nothing about my horse has never seemed fair. But I enjoy watching the sport of dresssage, and I compete if I feel it might be fun. 

Q: Is it true that Lorinda Lende trained you to Grand Prix?

A: No. Lorinda was very good at teaching how things felt when they were correct. She was a major stickler for correct dressage. Every day was different. Every horse was different. Over the course of 3 years I was a working student for her during my summer breaks, and school vacations. Over time the "feel" was ingrained in me and so I would take that feel and transplant it onto Chevy back home.

Q: What was it like being a working student?

A: It was an incredible experience and life changing. Lorinda was a beautiful person then and she is a beautiful person now. She's filled with a lot of knowledge, and she is a lot of fun to be around. The days were long but I got a really good education. She instilled in me a level of expectation with the bar set pretty high. Looking back I have lots of wonderful memories.

Q: How many FEI horses have you trained?

A: This isn't an easy question because I don't want to take away from other trainers. Certainly it's easier to bring them along if they're already halfway there. I put the finishing touches on a few, though not going to give a specific number out of respect for the other trainers. However, Chevy I do feel confident in taking most of the credit for. Chevy didn't even know english-style riding when my parents bought him for me. There was another horse named Carisma that I brought up to FEI from practically nothing. I'm currently training Carpathia up to FEI Level also.

Q: Why did you delete your Dressage Facebook page?

A: I felt dismayed that I would post comments and pictures while answering questions, yet saw time & time again pathetic attempts to tare everything I do apart, and scrutinize my comments. It became a game of gotcha. People would pick apart words I said to invent an issue. I got tired of blocking people, and I found it unfair that every time someone posted something positive about my riding or teaching, they got harrassed by internet trolls.

I feel that posting my lastest accomplishments, and issuing statements on my blog is a much better, and much safer idea. There is an unhealthy level of hostility in the comments said about me online, and said from anonymous people with fake accounts or bogus screen names. 

It's important to point out that these are people WHO-HAVE-NEVER-WORKED-WITH-ME.

It is very unfair! I am a very nice man, and a lot of fun to be around. If people just took the time to get to know me personally and asked me questions one on one, I'm sure we could be great friends. But the narrative never changes! I could be talking about a training technique, and they still want to talk about lies said about me online somewhere, or they criticize without asking questions. If I post pictures and talk about a recent accomplishment, they cut it up and try to discredit it. I mean it never changes! No matter what I do or what I say, the narrative remains the same.

Q: What do you have to say about the obvious hate campaign against you?

A: These people have a hateful agenda that is deep rooted in jealousy. I was able to train (largely self-train) my Appaloosa Quarter Horse to Grand Prix when I was only 17. Their heads exploded with jealousy when they learned this about me. They see pictures of me riding in lightness they will never be able to achieve. Most of them are old ladies struggling at Training Level, or a teenager who rides hunter-jumpers who wouldn't know the first thing about dressage anyway! And then there are also the lonely internet trolls.

But these people heard me announce in 2016, that by 2017 Carpathia will be competing at 3rd and 4th level. That would mean that I'm able to achieve in one year what would take them three or four. Then I actually did it! I've announced that by 2018 I'll be competing her at FEI (if she doesn't sell), and their heads explode yet again. I go out there and I do it. I have always been honest and have done exactly what I said I was going to do, or what I'm capable of doing. I have done this time and time again and will continue to do so.

What I wish they did instead of cyberbullying, was engage me and learn how I'm able to achieve what I'm able to achieve. It's so easy to label something as "abusive" because you don't understand the method or the philosophy (which is something else they have done). I could really help these people. It's such a shame. I have a full time career outside of horses. I don't need horses, It's only a hobby. So I feel at some point that the dressage community as a whole suffers. My philosophies and my methods could really be a game changer for a lot of people. It makes no sense to me (it shouldn't make any sense to anyone with half a brain either) that these people prefer to continue to Cyberbully, instead of taking me up on my offer to give a free clinic. I've offered several times to give this clinic anywhere, to anyone in the United States. If they really wanted to expose me as a fraud or an abuser, (or whatever other ridiculous thing they want to dream up about me) taking me up on my offer would be an excellent opportunity wouldn't it?

Also, they conduct these little witch hunts and like to share screenshots, but what you're actually seeing is a one-sided conversation. They will post something that I said, but won't post what they said or how how harassing they were towards myself and my family. It's also important to note that I have been blocked from several pages, so I can't even defend myself! My supporters have also been blocked! So you see, it is a one-sided hate campaign and very unfair.

By the way, when I had my Facebook page I could read my stats of activity. The most activity the page would get would be on a Saturday or Friday night, or a holiday weekend. That tells me that these people have absolutely no life! Instead of being with their family and friends, they're sitting alone on a computer trashing someone they've never met.

Q: There is a photo online of you using Draw Reins. Critics have ridiculed you for using them. How do draw reins tie into your philosophy about lightness and self carriage?

A: Even Nuno Oliveria used Draw Reins, and he is the undisputed master of lightness! Anyone who wants that photo of Nuno using them, just ask me. I have it. It's clear as day that he is using draw reins. I also have a photo of him using the Baucher flex (hyperflex). Draw reins can be very good for teaching a horse to stretch and relax the back. Once the horse is relaxed, then lightness and self carriage can happen. You have to free the horse of all stiffness. In the right hands, draw reins are a very valuable tool! It's the same with Baucher. There is nothing wrong with asking a horse to stretch their neck to their shoulder for a brief moment. It only becomes abusive when the neck is held there extensively. Deep riding isn't Rolkur either! So many get them confused! They are conditioned to believe that anything behind the vertical is bad for the horse. I wish more people would open their mind instead of labeling things they don't understand as "abuse". I don't use draw reins on every horse nor do I use Baucher. It depends on the horse and what their needs are. A good trainer can keep an open mind and tailor their style accordingly.

Q: Name some farms you worked at.

A: I've never worked at farms people would know, I've only ever worked for privately owned. There was a time when I worked for 2 private breeders, and my job was starting young horses. I've started more horses than I can remember! Getting bucked off was what I did for a living! But I got a good education out of it and a lot of permanent nerve damage. Most people don't know, but I have nerve damage in my lower back and my left leg due to falling off so many times. On my wedding day I was working with a Thoroughbred Colt, and it was only my 2nd time on his back. I softly closed my leg to tell him to trot and he stopped dead in his tracks. He reared up and fell right on top of me! I laid there in the arena asking myself how I was going to walk down the aisle in a few hours!

Q: You have over 30 years of experience. You have trained to Grand Prix, and have worked with young horses. You've also trained other horses to FEI. So why aren't you more mainstream?

A: I think it's because I don't have a lot of show experience. I think when people hear my name the first thing they do is research my scores and what level I've competed at. That seems to be most important to people today. That and video. Everyone is about watching a video. It's such a shame that we have become a global society of instant gratification! I first discovered Nuno Oliveria when I was 16. I didn't see video until much later with the invention of YouTube. I first started riding dressage when I saw a photograph of a dressage stallion. So I wish people would stop being so superficial! A picture is worth a thousand words! But I think that once I start competing at the FEI level, more interest will be generated. Horses also require money. Lots and lots of money! If you don't have it, your talent will only get you so far. When I was a working student I saw a steady stream of amazing riders, yet most of them don't ride today. You can go to any top facility and it's the same story. Horses aren't like getting in the NFL, where you sign a contract and they throw a bucket of money at you. No, with horses you're on your own. There are so many talented riders and trainers that we never hear about.

Q: What is your preferred method and advice in regards to working with young horses?

A: Move slowly. Don't rush. Give them a solid education from the ground first. When you do start the backing, keep the lessons short and have an assistant. The biggest mistake I see are trainers pushing young horses too much, too soon. I also believe in waiting until the horse is at least 4 years old before getting on. I like to start them from the ground at 2, so by 4 they are much more prepared.

Q: How do you determine if a horse is ready to move on to the next level or next exercise?

A: When the horse is performing with ease and they understand what you are asking, then it is time to introduce new material. The great trainer Herbert Rehbein would plant little seeds along the way, then later go back and touch it all up. I've heard stories from his students. They've told me that he would teach a young horse Piaffe but the horse wasn't even on the bit! Herbert just wanted the horse to understand the aids and the movement, and later on he would perfect it. I tend to use the same method with most exercises in development. I've been criticized for it also and that's okay. To each their own. I teach what I have found to work for me. Nuno Oliveria had a great expression: "Ask for much, be content with little, reward often".

If you're going to train horses to the very top levels of dressage, you have got to think outside the box. You have got to experiment! And then you will learn that just because an exercise is difficult at the time, or you're encountering some resistance, does not mean you're doing anything wrong. Persistence beats resistance and dressage works every time.

Q: Do you consider yourself a Dressage Master?

A: Absolutely not! Everything that I teach and every method I use, was either taught to me, or I learned it on my own through experimentation. I haven't invented anything new. Now, I have been able to accomplish some pretty amazing things in terms of training, and people who have worked with me have been known to be extremely satisfied. These people have given me some wonderful reviews. I think I would be a complete fool not to feel that I have some talent. I'm also a very humble man, but very confident in my own abilities. People have often confused my confidence with arrogance, but I do not consider myself a master. Not at all.

Q: Who are trainers you have looked up to in the past, and who do you like or dislike today?

A: I won't go into who I dislike today. I used to be pretty vocal in my criticism of others. What I have learned is that the dressage community is wicked enough without other people openly criticizing each other. I will speak generally of an issue or situation, but I no longer name names. I don't think it's fair and I don't think it's right. But as far as trainers that I like, I like Nuno Oliveria, Baucher, Rehbein, Decarpentry, and other classical masters. As for who I like today, I think Kyra Kirkland is amazing and I also really like Anky. In the show ring I like Steffen Peters and I like Helen Langehanenberg.

Q: Do you support Rollkur?

A: No way! Not only do I feel it is inhumane, but I don't feel it develops the muscles properly.

Q: There are pictures online of you using Rollkur. How do you explain this if you are against it?

A: Correction, there are pictures online taken from video as screenshots to misrepresent me as a trainer. The horse goes behind the bit for a few strides, and they accuse me of using Rollkur. It's just not true. I don't use Rollkur.

Q: What is your method?

A: I believe in lightness and softness. I also have found deep riding and the Baucher flex (known today as hyperflex) to be very beneficial. My reins are normally longer than anyone else around me, and my hands are often the lowest and the softest. I don't agree with this "Short rein, elevated arms" we see everywhere in the show ring today. I think judges are giving high scores for really bad riding! Riders are picking up more & more bad habits, because they think that's the path to success.

Q: What was Chevy's Cup and why did Dressage At Devon yank it?

A: Chevy's Cup was a memorial trophy that I sponsored every year at Devon. It was awarded to the highest scoring non warmblood competing at FEI Level. Chevy was never taken seriously (still isn't) because he was an Appaloosa. I also trained Chevy to perform some of the Airs Above Ground. If he was a warmblood we would have competed all over the place, and we probably would have ridden at Devon. So in a sense, such a prestigious show like Devon allowing me to sponsor a trophy in his name, was correcting a huge injustice. It was a wonderful experience and I made a lot of friends through it. I made the decision to stop sponsoring the trophy because I didn't like what was being rewarded as a whole in the show ring. I really feel that the classical principles largely are obsolete, and it's all money and politics today. 

Devon did not "yank" my trophy. I willingly ended it. I've been considering sponsoring it somewhere else, but I'm undecided.

Q: When people Google your name, some very derogatory information pops up. Specifically, do you hate fat people and do you hate Homosexuals?

A: No to both questions. It's all bologna!

I had a friend defend me and he created a hate page against those cyber bullying me. And while I don't condone the behavior, honestly I don't blame him for doing so. Where does it say that I'm supposed to allow myself to be a victim? Why is it that people can slander and poke fun and spread all kinds of rumors and lies, but yet the second I defend myself or fight back, suddenly now I'm wrong? Suddenly they are offended. Give me a break! 

As for gays, I have no issue with them. I'm a Conservative Trump Republican and far from a liberal. I'm not politically correct by any stretch of the imagination either. So over the years some things have been said that people have taken the wrong way. I'm allowed to have my conservative opinion, and freedom of this is what makes America great. To ridicule me over my opinion is unamerican!   

And for the record here, I don't wish anyone any harm. I said some things in my early 20's about gays that I no longer agree with as I'm approaching 40. I know that what is said on the Internet is there forever, but people can change, and at some point you got to let it go folks.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say specifically to your critics?

A: Not really. I don't try to win over those who don't support me. They're never going to support me. They are never going to be satisfied and they're always going to have heat. I don't care about those people.

I care about the people who are truly interested in what I have to say. I care about those who are interested in true equestrian art. I care about those who have worked with me and have gotten fantastic results. I care about people willing to give me a try and see what I'm all about, and what I can offer. I care about people interested in learning how I'm able to accomplish such fast and marvelous results. I care about people asking the right questions because they want to become educated. I care about people who truly want to help themselves by learning my techniques and my methods.

Q: Why would somebody want to work with you as opposed to any other dressage trainer?

A: I don't think every trainer is going to teach the same way, and I don't think you're going to get the same results either. I have encountered many people who have said that they worked with this "top name trainer", or some other "so and so", but yet my clinic offered them the results they were seeking. I'm a largely self-taught rider so therefore I had to memorize all the books written by the masters. I am a walking encyclopedia of dressage knowledge! I also have put theory into practice and able to produce positive results. People who have worked with me in the past have also said how easy and simple I can translate dressage to them. I'm also known for working specifically with the non warmblood. People are often amazed that their average fairly inexpensive breed they are currently working with, is able to perform to the highest levels.

                                    (End)

Nick Peronace is available to teach a clinic anywhere in the United States. 

The following were questions collected sent in via email. Some other questions are those frequently asked. If anyone else has further questions, or interested in Dressage training, please send them to Nick Peronace directly at:

Contactnickperonace@gmail.com

This blog is not managed nor maintained by Nick Peronace. If you are interested in his personal blog please visit. https://nickperonace1.wordpress.com