Clinic Success

Despite the incoming cold weather, the clinic was able to proceed and I think all the participants came away with some useful new skills. Some of the horses weren't so keep on being asked to work that much harder, so there was some excitement with a few of the bays, but for the most part the horses seemed happy to have their rider's improve their skills.

I definitely saw improvement from the start to the finish of the clinic, and would like to have Shelley back in February if there is enough interest.

The most common tips I heard were:
- more frequent half halts to keep horses from getting quick, rushy, or heavy.
- Keep some give & take in the hands so the horse can't lean on the reins.
- Shorter reins.
- Wider hands to increase lateral pull on the bit, which helped the horses keep their neck soft and bent, and reduced leaning in on their shoulders.
- Sit up and send the horse forward.

Upcoming lessons will incorporate these skills and build on them.

Karen