Today the riders in the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club Clinic were awesome. They retained our work from yesterday. I felt I could push them to tougher exercises today. They were great! Sure they made some mistakes, but learned from them and fixed them. My exercises point out a horse and rider's strengths and weaknesses rather quickly. Then we improve them! I was pleasantly surprised at their focus and determination to execute the exercises. It is so rewarding for me to watch the riders and horses grow and become aware of new concepts! Really a fun day for me with wonderful horses and their riders!

It snowed all day, but their indoor is heated and comfortable. The students were ready to learn and focus. The first group had some ponies and novice riders. They worked on position, counting and riding with shorter reins. The 2nd group, also learned about shorter reins and having a connection. Tying a knot in their reins keeps those hands together. The last group also worked on connection. I flatted one horse to demonstrate legs to hands, leg yielding and shoulder in. Along with connection, comes focus. These riders did learn about riding an entire exercise, from start to finish.
I look forward to building on what we did today, tomorrow.

Here is Roy Burek from Charles Owen speaking at my clinic last weekend. He always has great information and does helmet fittings for all the attendees. Thank you Roy!

All of the horses and riders showed marked improvements! I heard it again and again from the auditors. Some had huge breakthroughs,others subtle yet enormous. That is the fun of it for me. Whether taking Kristi's caveson off and her mare looked totally different. Or seeing Claire find true softness after riding with both reins on 1 side of the neck. Or Katie feeling through my exercises how she can relax! Riders really finding their center of balance with the automatic release. Teaching "feeling" and listening to the horses. Watching the horses change as I change the riders, that is amazing and rewarding!

Another reason I really enjoyed teaching this clinic was one of the top hunter riders in the world, trainer, horsewoman came and rode in my clinic, Louise Serio! I must say, I am honored that she would take the time to ride with me. A student of hers, rode in the high group. Louise rode in the highest section, on a borrowed horse. She handled all of the tough exercises effortlessly. That is why Louise is one of the all time greats, humble, still learning and having fun! Many other trainers could learn from her.
Thank you to all the riders and auditors! I hope you enjoyed the clinic as much as I did.

Kelly Black, from Brown & Brown, spoke about their insurance Roy Burek, from Charles Owen, spoke of helmet fitting and new standards.

My students started up right where we left off yesterday. I love the 3 day format, so I can gradually increase the difficulty from 1 day to the next. Progressive training. Great to see them understand the connection from flat work to jumping. Stressing the automatic release, to feel their balance or lack of it! Always interesting to watch their reactions. I had fun demonstrating on Sam's nice horse!
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Auditors are welcome!

The first day of my Market Street Clinic was super. The riders in each group came, open to learn. As the sessions continued, riders & horses relaxed & absorbed my exercises. Today was flat work & gymnastics. We could really practice position. With tomorrow's course, we will work on pace, line, distance, control and whatever else comes up! There is so much I want to share with my students.

 The barn is full, the gymnastics are set for day 1. Several horses have shipped in already, for our first session at 9:00. A couple of girls came today to get acquainted with horses they will b borrowing for the Clinic. They went well. Looks like we have several return riders & several new ones. The weather is to be good also! I am excited to share Market Street, my teaching and all of my sponsors, with these riders that have traveled here to learn. We will have have fun together!