This reprise clinic will enable attendees from the Oct 2009 session to work on equitation and gait.
Recap of Liz Graves clinic October 23-25 2009
It was a great time to connect with other riders of smooth-gaited horses. And we also learned a ton from Liz Graves, a clinician dedicated to classical equitation and applying it to gaited horses for the ultimate riding experience -- for you and your horse.
We had 15 riders/horses and 8 auditors. With varied levels
of experience in general and varied experience with gaited
horses. There was something for everyone.
The riding group kicked things off with a trail ride at Lake
Ray Roberts followed by a Sangria and Fajita Dinner by
candlelight outside the facility, Midway Horse Services in
Pilot Point. One of the riders provided the Sangria recipe
and BOY was it AWESOME!
The clinic began the next day with conformation analysis of
each of the horses and how the conformation affected each
horse's ability to perform gaits. We found that many horses
were multi-gaited. Fox Trotters could perform gaits
generally thought of as Walking Horse gaits and vice versa,
for example.
Then we saddled up and did tack fitting for each horse and
recommended changes where needed. No sales effort going on
by the clinician, which was refreshing. It was also
interesting to learn that special bits or tack or shoes
weren't needed for gaited horses. Each rider saw success
without them. Very cool. I rode in a
mild curb. Others rode in mild snaffles. No gaited horse
saddles required. Just basic tack that fit the horse.
The rest of the day was spent working on equitation and
problem-solving for each horse. This was done in small
groups of 3-4 riders.
On Sunday, we had a class room session on the different
gaits, body position of horse and rider required to achieve
them and reflected on the riding experiences of the day
before as examples.
Then we saddled up again in small groups and worked on our
specific goals. One of mine was achieving a smooth canter
departure with my Fox Trotter Honey and consistently holding
the canter through turns. Others worked on developing
certain gaits, achieving the correct body position of the
horse and improving their seat and balance.
It was a great experience. And one that I think will enable
me to increase the comfort and ability of my horses and me.
I'm looking at adding dressage training to supplement what I
learned. I can't wait!
For information, call 214-929-0205 or email Katherine@TwinStarFarms.com