|
|
NOT JUST 'ANOTHER' CLINIC
BALANCE re-visits the 'Old West'. by Carol Grubb
Photograph to left is of Carol on her horse Promise taken during a riding session at the December Clinic.
Tucson gave a warm " Welcome Back" to Balance International co-founders Lesley Taylor and Carol Brett on their return visit in December, 2003. Based on the terrific interest generated from their tour last April, an extended stay was planned. Fifty people attended "Opening Night" as Carol and Lesley guided horse enthusiasts from all disciplines through basic Bio-Mechanics of the horse, and their ‘Saddling for Success’ Lecture and Demonstration. Word had spread among the Tucson horse community that this information wasn't just relevant for "English" riders, resulting in a great representation from the areas of Endurance, Eventing, Dressage, Trail, Western riders, and Hoof Care Specialists.
This cross-categorical crowd continued into the fun-filled all day "Straight Forward Riding; Dismounted Workshop" where nineteen participants rode virtual ponies and had an opportunity to experience what the ridden horse feels. Classroom control became a little precarious with the wild laughter and enthusiasm of the adult students changing roles between horse and rider while we learned to improve the quality of our rein contact. We'll provide Lesley with a ruler next time to keep order! Since we had such a large herd of humans in class, Carol and Lesley turned the parking lot into a paddock. We practiced the concepts that would be applied to our horses while riding; changing speed in miles per hour while maintaining our tempo, lengthening and shortening our strides while keeping our impulsion. Our two Head Mares had us looking like the Spanish School of Riding in no time! It was great fun, although we did get some curious stares from onlookers.
This was my fourth participation in one of these workshops. Each time I come away with something new, another step "Forward and Straight". Carol and Lesley continue to expand their emphasis and integration of the work of Dr. Gavin Scofield; who is a leading authority and lecturer on Equine Bio-Mechanics. Carol and Lesley also incorporate lessons learned from the Feldenkrais Method to increase people’s awareness of their own movement patterns. All this alongside their own continuing scientific research with horses and a wealth of experience as trainers, instructors, and Dressage judging between them, it provides a unique and educational experience each time.
I'm not the only one to come back for seconds; we had many repeat enrollees in each session! There was a 100% return rate from people who had attended the Saddling for Success and SFR Workshop in April 2003 (minus one who moved to Colorado, we missed you, Lynn) and a 100% increase in general attendance! Six days had been scheduled for saddle assessments and follow-up rides, and not a second was left unfilled!
What was the impact of all of these informative and fun-filled hours with the Brits? Carol and Lesley moved into the actual field work with the horses and riders on the follow up days, and as "Tour Director" I was privileged to observe each session. Lucky horses, who had been fortunate to have their equipment evaluated under the team's practiced eye in a Saddle Assessment, had wider saddles or adjusted padding to try: big wooly fleeces and gel pads to comfort and relieve sore backs and shoulders, no longer inhibited by saddles that restricted freedom of movement. Big Dressage horses, cute little Western trail horses: without exception, EVERY horse they worked with had a dramatic change in movement and attitude. The experience left each horse with an awakening about what their Natural Correctness in movement could be. That's what happened below the saddle!
What was happening above the saddle was just as dramatic!!!! The horses freer and more expressive movement presented new challenges for their riders; were we able AND willing to let go of our own body tensions and issues- and encourage, support and maintain that return to more naturally correct movement? For many of us, it involved changes in our riding and making a commitment to follow through with the important concepts we had learned in the Dismounted Workshop. This was now a necessity to learn to ride with the horse's regained bigger, more expressive movement!
Returning participants from the April 2003 experience were provided with individualized assistance, encouragement and problem solving to continue the advancement of both horse and rider. It was thrilling to see the changes and progress that many of the horse and human teams had made. New participants were guided in applying their classroom skills and knowledge in the field with the best teachers of all-their horses! It will be fun to follow their progress!
Once again, it was an incredible adventure with the ladies from "across the pond" and Tucson is already looking forward to their next visit. I hope everyone who shares a love for horses has an opportunity to share in the BALANCE experience. It's truly unforgettable
To Carol and Lesley;
Thanks for sharing "The Way Forward". Here's to Forward and Straight!
|
|
