Monday, June 21, 2010

June Horsemanship Clinic


Our June Horsemanship clinic with Mike and Traci Woodard was a fun and rewarding day. Participants braved the heat, and started the session with ground work, focusing on flexing, yielding the hindquarters and the sending exercise. Mike explained how these basic elements are the foundation to good riding skills. After practicing these exercises, participants mounted up and did the flexing exercise. This progressed to the passenger/cruising lesson, where riders used the one rein stop method to develop more control of their horse. The session was finished up with some "natural" obstacles, such as a log crossing, brush to walk through and a water crossing. Riders who's horses wouldn't cross the obstacles dismounted and used the sending exercise to get their horse to do what they were asking. Delaney's young buckskin was not very sure of crossing the water but soon had enough confidence from the sending exercise that she bravely crossed it. All of the riders and horses did a great job and got some good ideas for things they can work at at home to improve their skills. Click here to see pictures from the clinic!

Special thanks to Paula for volunteering to sign in participants and sell lunches for the club. Also, we appreciate the hard work of Lisa's husband, David, for working so tirelessly in preparation for our event. Thanks to Robert and Traci for the tractor work!

The next clinic is eagerly awaited. Everyone do their homework and come back next time ready to learn some new skills!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Massage Clinic a Good Learning Experience!

Several members attended the equine massage clinic at the LARA arena on Saturday June 5th. We learned about therapeutic massage and stretching exercises to allow our equine friends to perform their best. Don't miss our next educational event... the Hurricane Preparedness seminar and micro chipping clinic is coming soon!