L.A. Clinic: Day 1

Hampton and I spent the weekend participating in a clinic with Liz Austin.

You can find out more about here at her website, HERE.

We have ridden with Liz before, as she was based in KY for a short time last summer. I loved her teaching, and it's really difficult to find that level of instruction in our area. So of course I jumped at the chance to ride in her clinic. Plus, my local GMO gave me a scholarship which paid for it. Because, you know, I has no monies.

The clinic location was a mere 20 minutes away so that made things even easier.

We rode early afternoon, and as I was tacking Hampton up at the trailer - a thunderstorm rolled in and promptly SOAKED us. I had the saddle on, but quickly grabbed my helmet and bridle and ran for cover in the barn.

Nothing like showing up to a clinic looking like drowned rats (and I was wearing a white shirt!! fml)

Sorry, this is how we roll here in Kentuckeh.

Hampton was unphased (he probably appreciated the cool rain as it was 90+ degrees), and we went to work. The footing in this indoor area was quite deep, and right away I could feel Hamps struggling a little with it.

So no one worked on any lateral work, but there was plenty of other homework.

We spent a large portion of this lesson making Hampton's canter more jumpy. This has always been a struggle. Not really for him, but for me. I tend to sit up there and enjoy his wonderful, rhythmic almost QH-like canter. That's all fine and dandy, but that's not what you need for the upper levels in dressage.

Make that canter bouncey!

Some little tips:

* Counter bend, bump bump with outside leg
* Literally bounce with your seat in the saddle (not push or pump, but bounce)
* Once the canter jumps, sit quiet
* Counter bend, think medium canter

We then started working on the changes. Right to left is reliable, and we had some beautiful changes. But we just had a hell of a time with left to right. I got it a couple of times, but no matter what I tried it was just always late behind. Or Hampton "lurches" into it. I'm not sure if he was just tired from the footing or what? We always struggle with this change, but it's not usually THAT awful.

We ended on a little trot work. Passage feeling to letting that feeling out into a more forward trot. This will help make his very average, normal trot - much more expressive. A work in progress but some good moments here.

Overall a very good first day. Lots of information and I find Liz to be a very pleasant, straightforward teacher. She does not f*** around, and will tell you if you do something that is shitty. She is not for people that need constant validation. If you cannot handle the truth, she probably isn't for you. She is quick to say "Good for you!" when you do nail something, however. And all of the horses really seemed to like her.

Hamps got a good rub down and some bute that evening, in hopes that he wouldn't be too muscle sore for Sunday. Next up: Day 2!

(sorry for lack of photos!)