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March
Clinic
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Groundwork
is an essential part of every clinic, and today was no different.
We had horses in many stages of development, from not yet under
saddle to nervous horses who are learning to trust humans again
and understand and respond to what is being asked of them. We
focused on some of the more advanced groundwork, as illustrated
here, where Carly is learning to give her legs to the pressure
of the rope (note the slack in the rope), comes in handy for everyday
hoof maintenance or if she might get tangled in some wire. |
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A highlight of
the day was seeing Carlos work with a 9-year-old horse who was extremely
nervous and reactive. Here, during the basic groundwork, you can
see how the horse is still not yet relaxing and 'giving' on the
rope. The rope is tight and the horse's body language shows that
he is stiff and not yet supple. |
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At Whispering
Acres, all horses learn the importance of wearing protective boots
during workouts and having their legs stretched after initial saddling,
to make sure the girth isnŐt pinching and to allow the horse's elbow
and leg to move freely. This horse is still unsettled about having
his feet handled, but accepted the boots for the first time and
willingly allowed his leg to be stretched. |
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This horse is
being reintroduced to the saddle because of a long break due to
severe bucking and behavioural problems. He was an excellent example
of how important establishing flexion is to the safety of both horse
and rider. Carlos can encourage forward motion, yet maintain a safe
position by encouraging the horse to flex. You can see the suppleness
of his movement by how deeply his hind feet are crossing over. |
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Trot/canter poles
and small jumps were part of refining our work in the corners. Establishing
and maintaining the pace on the rails before approaching the poles
and jumps in a trot and canter was much easier because we had worked
in the morning on getting our horses to understand the cues we were
giving, and to respond with the proper bend and balance. |
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As always, we
end each clinic with a game for a bit of fun and relaxation. But
every game has a purpose – and soccer goes not only towards
more desensitization with the ball, but also good lateral movement
and obedience to the rider's aids in the face of a scary object. |
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"It
was a brilliant morning and I was nervous and
excited to finally work with my horse Prince at a clinic
with Carlos. For me to trust Prince – and him to
trust me – was the most thrilling emotion I've had
in a long time. I still canŐt believe I actually
hopped on and rode him! –
Nathalie and Prince |
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