* * * 2010 Glass-Ed Spring Clinic * * * Saturday, April 17, 2010 Glass-Ed is proud to host our 2010 Spring Clinic with the new USDF Region 2 Director Ken Levy
The day started off with Bernadette Radke riding a lovely 17.2 hand chestnut Oldenburg called Tempo who is owned by Bill and Darla Maybee. Tempo is a former show jumper who is just starting his dressage career. Balancing exercises at both the trot and the canter were just what was needed for this big guy.
Suzanne O‟Brien and her "Jet" followed riding Second Level Test 4 looking for a judge's view on the test. Ken, an 'r' rated judge, gave Suzanne tips for using her corners to improve their trot collection and lengthening. The results were amazing as Jet cruised across the arena with impulsion and lightness.
Janet Hill and her "Bella" also looked for input on Second Level Test 4. Ken had Janet do some lateral exercises to help suppleness and exercises to help improve the turn on the haunches were successful.
Kristy Hume and "Toby" were up next. Kristy is riding First Level and working on Second Level movements. Transition work and leg yielding exercises were most helpful. Toby was on his best behavior and didn't give Kristy or Ken any unasked for "airs above the ground" moments.
Mary Johnson and her new Hanoverian/Belgian mount "BayTovin" worked on the correct pace in his trot work. Ken had them doing spiral circles to help with his balance and bending. Canter-trot transitions were another area touched upon.
Kim Barnes with her "Lexi", a TB/Trakehner cross, worked on flexing to soften Lexi's jaw. Trot lengthing and trot-canter transition work rounded out her lesson with Ken. Kim's looking forward to moving up to 1st Level in the future.
Janice Smith and "Lucas" are First Level competitors working on moving up to Second Level. Janice worked on canter-walk transitions and shoulder in.
Sunny Krajcovic and her mare "Velour" came into the ring next. Velour is a big, dominant mare and was feeling a little fresh. Ken did some work with Velour, without the rider, on a lunge line to reinforce good behavior. He then had Sunny mount and worked on the lunge line and then without. You could see the confidence in Velour and Sunny improving. Ken is a big proponent of lunge lessons for every rider.
Sue Jessop and her Morgan gelding "Tabasco" worked on trot and canter lengthening and turns on the forehand. Good exercises for any level.
Sarah Engel rode her forward moving grey TB/Trakehner cross "Charlie" and worked on the correct pace and connection within the gaits. Half halts and spiral circles were employed to improve Charlie's tendency to rush at the canter.
Tiffani DeFrang and her Appendix QH gelding "Tommy" was our lone teenaged rider and we applaud her for getting into the ring to gain insight on making improvements for both her and Tommy. Tiffani's lesson consisted of getting Tommy to push forward into the bit for some connection. Ken also got on Tommy and worked with him. Keep working it Tiffani, it didn't come easy for any of us!
Our last rider was Jennifer Handlin on her 5 year old Trakehner mare "Sophie". They are working on improving their Training Level tests. Along with transition work, there was work on the "stretchy, chewy" circle that is asked for in Training and 1st Level tests. Remember to feed the reins, not give them up completely.
As a "r" level judge, Ken gave us good tips and advice for all riders. "Look where you're going" and your movements will improve. Keep breathing! Ken worked with several riders on turning onto the centerline and improving straightness down the centerline. He reminded us that this is where you can make a good first impression with the judge and score extra points. Use your corners to balance your horse at the trot and canter. Always ride shoulder fore to help keep your horse straight. Prepare for your canter departs, don‟t just run into them.
Correct stirrup length will improve your balance and keep your leg stable. He commented that many dressage riders ride with stirrups that are too long and thus hinders their effectiveness.
All riders and auditors were enthusiastic about Ken's knowledge and teaching skills for all levels of horses and riders. We had many requests to invite Ken back for another, perhaps two-day clinic. Ken also enjoyed working with us and was impressed by the quality of the horses and riders. He is looking forward to coming back in the future.
The leaves are turning green, the tulips and daffodils are blooming, that can only mean spring has come to Michigan. Although on some days, that can be hard to believe, but your outdoor arena has dried up and the enthusiasm for showing your horse is getting stronger and stronger.
Great clinic everyone!! Don't forget, our first show of the 2010 season is one show over two days…Burlwood at Equine Line in Plainwell on May 15th and 16th. Entries are now being accepted and the closing date is May 6th - only a few short weeks away. Get your entries in soon!
