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Blog

Western Riding Clinic

Last Sunday my local yard hosted a Western Riding clinic. We have a guy near us who we all know well who teaches Western, and he came along with another chap, Alan Payne, who is a fantastic Western instructor too, and Alan hosted the day long clinic.

The clinic was booked up well in advance, and riders from the yard as well as riders from other yards who travelled their horses in came along. Everyone got on brilliantly, and had a fabulous time. Alan (and Matthew) spent time with each rider, as part of a group, and in pairs, concentrating on whatever the rider had requested. Initially the group spent time settling the horses into the new (for some) surroundings, and got them used to the attention they were receiving from the interested horses in other paddocks! The riders' own nerves took some settling too! A quick 'round the group' introduction soon revealed that everyone's target was to stay on board, so all nerves disappeared instantly!!

Alan had set up various activities around the arena, which the riders and horses spent time mastering. One horse decided to open the gate herself! All of the riders were at different stages with their Western Riding but were all able to participate with no problem and everyone seemed to be learning from the others.

A lunchtime BBQ had been laid on before the afternoon session, which gave riders and horses a well earned chance to relax.