Aritcles for the Junior and Young Rider Beginner through Advanced
Region 4 FEI Jr./Young Rider Clinic 2007
On the weekend of April 14-15th, I was able to participate in the FEI Region 4 Jr/Yr clinic with Kathy Connelly. This clinic was very exciting for me. I have never had the opportunity to do so before and being at the FEI level now enabled me to further my training with clinics such as these. The clinician was amazing, Not only did she teach the riders different techniques and excersices to improve their riding, but she also treated each and every one of us like trainers. This made a big impact on the rider's confidence in enabling them to see that they train a horse whenever they ride and to be clear of what you are asking the horse to do. On the first day Kathy made herself acquainted with the riders and took time with each one to observe how they warm up and ride. She would challenge the riders, but not too much out of their comfort zone. During the break the riders were given a demonstration on how the jog would work at the championships and Kathy included some pointers along the way. The second day of the clinic was much more relaxed. As the riders were able to get to know Kathy a little better during a dinner the previous night. On this day Kathy introduced the training method of longlineing a horse in order to begin the collection needed to start movements such as piaffe and passage. During the break Kathy set up cups along the arena and demonstrated how the whip should be used while doing in-hand work. Each young rider was to participate and try to hit the cup lightly but in the same spot. A demonstration horse then was brought out long lined for all the auditors and riders to see. With knowledge on how long lining worked Kathy would begin certain horses with a short long lining session. I was lucky enough to be one of the riders in which Kathy long lined my horse. It was an amazing feeling to know how powerful and fiery a horse can become during the in-hand work, even a lazy horse like mine. After the in-hand work my horse was sensitive and very responsive to my aids which enabled me to concentrate on the openness of her jaw and forward but collective movement.
If given the opportunity to ride with Kathy again I would do so gladly. She was a very good clinician with knowledge and experience that the riders needed in a clinician. The volunteers were amazing and everything was well organized. This truly will be a clinic I will always remember.
By Kristina Wang from Nebraska
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