GDCTA continued its popular series of low cost "Kudzu Clinics" at Garland Farms in Dahlonega on February 22, 1997. Riders and Auditors alike had the opportunity to learn from FOUR instructors: Maureen Amirault of Dayton, OH, Betsy Terwilliger, Gina Krueger, and Pam Lifton.
This clinic was organized like a 'day camp' or 'mini-symposium'. The riders and auditors were encouraged to come and stay all day for the opportunity to audit lessons, hear a lecture and watch a lungeing demonstration. The day ran from 10:00 AM from 4:00 PM and was sunny and mild.
Gina Krueger and Pam Lifton took turns teaching lessons to groups of 2 to 3 riders. During Pam's lessons, Betsy also worked with riders. Pam and Betsy were able to bring experience with Centered Riding and the Alexander Technique to the lessons, lecture and demonstration. Gina and Maureen brought Classical methods and stressed seat biomechanics as well throughout the day. All the instructors were eager to work with the riders. They answered questions and offered suggestions for improved riding and communication with the horse.
The lunch time lecture covered material from the USDF Dressage Manual. We learned about the USDF Equitation Pyramid, seat positions, and seat biomechanics. We also learned more about the Alexander Technique and principles of Centered Riding. To conclude the lunch time lecture, Pam Lifton was lunged by Gina Krueger for a demonstration of rider exercises on the lunge line to improve the rider's suppleness, balance, and seat. Maureen had Pam demonstrate the various exercises described on her lecture handout to improve faults in the lower leg, seat, hips, pelvis, shoulders, head, neck, arms, wrists, and fingers. Maureen's background in sports medicine enabled her to clearly describe the effects and benefits of the exercises demonstrated.
Pam's work on the lunge line was a visual representation to the following excerpt from the "Principles of Riding" that describes the seat and is also quoted in the USDF Dressage Manual:
"The foundation of the seat has three points: the two seat bones and the crotch. The rider's seat should rest with muscles relaxed across the saddle. The thighs should lie flat against the saddle and should be turned inwards so that the knee in flat along the saddle. The thighs should be a vertical as is possible without lifting the weight off the seat bones. This will ensure the important deep knee position, which enables the rider to sit deeper in the saddle and closer to the horse, embracing the horse's barrel."
As a participant in the clinic as a rider, I think the clinic was a great success. There was a strong sense of community and free exchange of ideas and information throughout the day. Each rider was given as much personal attention as time permitted. The day actually ran a little over since the instructors were really giving their all to the riders!
Thanks to everyone involved in organizing the clinic and to the volunteers who made the day run smoothly, especially Barbara Stoltz , all the area instructors, and farm and barn owners where the clinics have been hosted.
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