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Later, I hope to do a full write up, but let's just say - this weekend was epic! For nearly a year I have been planning a girls weekend with one of my best friends, Hannah. She and I have loved horses, along with Liz, as long as we can remember. Literally, our plan since were about 10 was to own a B&B / Trail ride farm co-op. As we get older, that is looking like a better and better retirement plan.
As you can see from above, the Equine Affair (in its 25th season this year) is chalk full of things to see and do. The event itself boasts, "North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering . . . a unique celebration of the horse offering unparalleled educational, entertainment, and shopping opportunities." (link) We had a great time participating in Educational Programs, Breed Demonstrations, Horse and Farm Exhibits, the largest horse-related trade show in North-America, a trade and market place where people could place their unwanted equestrian items on consignment for cash, and the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition - a six minuet competition through seemingly impossible obstacles you never imagined. Each day you could gain entry into all of that for just $15! To me, the ability to get to speak 1:1 with the clinicians was more than worth the $15. I personally was about to speak to my hero Larry Whitesell and his partner Jennifer Bauer. I was able to ask them anything, and even laid the groundwork to bringing them to West Virginia for a Gaited horse clinic of our own! Just check out all the amazing things you could do here. In general, here's Larry's Philosophy and why I like her so much: Gaited horses are genetically bred to gait and if this is true we shouldn’t need special bits, shoes, etc, to get them to do what their genes tell them. Trueness of movement and relaxation are closely linked. To maintain the softness of relaxation, the horse must stay within his realm of true movement. The training process should result in an enhanced gait, not one whose fundamental structure has been changed. Over the years the concept that relaxation be paramount in all training has been obscured by a more mechanical style of training. Riders are often in a rush to make horses gait and neglect basic foundation work. Many riders attempt to obtain gait by driving the horse forcefully into the hand. Riding in lightness challenges the rider to train without creating false movement. We must train our horse not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Horses express their emotions often by tensing up physically against outside stimuli, including any form of contact with the handler. Getting relaxation so we can teach a correct response, instead of putting a piece of equipment on the horse to persuade him. Depending on the severity of the equipment and the riders hands or temperament, the horse reacts or responds. Horses that react are not as reliable or consistent as those that learn to respond to subtle cues. Crisis management is not management. It leaves many victims in its path. The ability to sit and watch instructors work with others similar to you or riders that may be experiencing something you never thought of is incredibly valuable! Other clinicians I really enjoyed were Ken McNabb and my favorite Australian educator Warwick Schiller. These guys were perfect for where Jean-Luc and I are in our training. However, there were instructors there to work with people on all levels. I truly believe if you are interested in the equestrian arts at all this show is worth going to. I was simply amazing at how well rounded the options where for people. There were presentations in everything from Dressage to carriage driving! Again, I hope to do a few deep dives soon, but all that to say, I have never been surrounded by that many "horse people" in one place AND I LOVED IT!
2 Comments
Liz
4/17/2018 07:20:37 am
So thrilled you two got to got to go to this! Especially thrilled you enjoyed it so damn much. ☺
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Chelsey
4/17/2018 08:05:23 am
Oh yes. It is absolutely on the list of events for things to do for the next year or so.
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AuthorMy name is Chelsey. HorseGenerator's Cuevo Gold, or as he's known around this barn, "Jean-Luc Ponycard", was foaled in 2004 from Generator's Hurricane & Cheyenne's Little Bit. Top 10 Blog Favs.Archives
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