Are our instructors and trainers continuing their education?

I just returned from a clinic/symposium with Michael Klimke that was excellent. There were about 100 auditors. As I have noticed while auditing many clinics and symposia, there were very, very few professionals there. It concerns me that many teachers and trainers are not getting good ongoing education. Riding lessons are wonderful, but the only way to develop a good eye and a broad spectrum of useful exercises is watching others teach and train.

Often when I ask professionals why they are not attending educational activities they tell me they cannot afford to lose a day of lesson income. That is a legitimate reason. So here is my idea. Those of you who are being taught, why don't you get together with other students of your instructor and go to an educational program as a group -- even split the cost of taking your instructor. It will be to your advantage in the long run.

With this is mind I want to recommend two programs coming up: the Eckart Meyners Seat Symposium August 2/3 http://www.equestrianeducation.org/calendar_events.html
and the Symposium with Klaus Balkenhol, Col. Christian Carde, and Gerd Heuschmann on October 18/19 http://www.maplewoodwarmbloods.com/mw_news.html.

Both of these should be superb programs and somewhat unique. Wouldn't it be fun for a trainer to go with students so they could all discuss what they are seeing and hearing with each other?