Cricket Hill Farm
Academy and Gardens
Despite the snow outside, it was warm in the arena, and riders were back to build on what they’d learned in the first clinic. Everyone is starting to think about the Spring Show on April 22.
Palmer starts without reins and drops her stirrups after warming up. Meg, a new rider, had a great time on Sunny for her first Lunge lesson. Sarah started on the lunge and finished off the line.
We set aside three Sunday afternoons for this year’s Winter “Pick-me-up”, a clinic series lungeing the rider. The goal is always to improve both the rider and the horse’s balance with a focus on straightness. Working without reins and/or stirrups helps the rider focus on their seat and body alignment. During the course of each ride, we could see adjustments being made. We worked the horses starting a month ahead to get them fit for the first clinic on February 18.
Riders of all levels, half a dozen new to our clinic series, enjoyed two days with Shelly, showing their progress and learning training tips for the next level. We hoped Shelly would be able to come back in April… Sadly for us but happily for Shelly, she will be competing in Europe for the U.S. Team again. Good luck Shelly and see you back at Cricket Hill in October 2018!
It was a packed house tonight at an unmounted Centered Riding clinic held in Cricket Hill’s Great Room. Thirteen riders – some on their annual return, others for the first time – came for the start of their Spring Tune-up! Jami introduced the group to the four basic principles of Centered Riding. Everyone celebrated each person’s “aha” moment!
Just back from Rio, where she was the Alternate to the bronze medal U.S. Olympic Dressage team, Shelly was greeted by old friends and mostly good weather! A great clinic and wonderful stories!
Three new riders joined three returnees for Jami’s Centered Riding Mini-Clinic held in the spacious Gathering Room. Participants learn and practice the 5 main techniques: soft eyes, breathing, centering, balance and grounding. L to R below: Lois Russin works on breathing; Laurie combines breathing and balance in motion; Cecelia and Kristin paired up to apply the techniques to rein work; Jami helps Amy Wilson find her ‘unbendable arm’, an exercise in grounding; Claire finds her balance using building blocks.
“I’m coming to the 3-day clinic in April,” said Lois; “I wish I knew about this a long time ago!” Laurie was going to try her new unbendable arm to stop her horse from pulling. Welcome to all three who are planning on trailering their horses to Cricket Hill for lessons!