Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending some time at Garland farms. Having recently returned to riding after a 20 year break and brand new to dressage I had started lessons locally with a dressage instructor about 6 months previous. I felt I was making progress but I was looking for something more. I went to the web and did a search on "dressage vacations" and found Garland farms. After poking through their web site which was very informative and some e-mail exchanges with the Krueger's I booked my self for the end of August.
Upon arriving at the farm I was immediately put to good use by helping Ange (the instructor in residence) exercise some of the horses by taking them out on the trails. What a beautiful location and Gezelle the 6 yo mare that I took out on the trail was a perfect lady.
That evening I had my first lesson with Gina on Ricky . Gina quickly assesed where I was with my riding. It did'nt take to long to figure out that what I really needed was one of Gina's famous seat lessons.
The next morning I was on the lunge line with Gina doing my best impression of Rose at the mast head of the Titanic, but lo and behold my balance problems were quickly corrected. Gina teaches seat. I had never had that experience before. She was able to very clearly identify the body part that needed correction and the school horses that I rode immediatly responded to my correctness.
That evening I rode Gezelle the same mare that I had gone out on the trail with. I found out that I was leaning on one seat bone more than the other when Gezelle started leg yielding unprompted (or so I thought) after receiving the correction from Gina and becoming more balanced I got her straight and had her yielding when I wanted her to. The next morning found Gezelle wandering by the barn, Gezelle, the Gazelle had hopped the fence and was waiting calmly for breakfast.
On the third day I rode Connor, Ange's Arabian. As were Ricky and Gezelle I found him well mannered and responsive. On him I worked on my hands getting him to soften at the poll and ride into my hands.
Over the next few days I learned so much, nose to the wall, leg yields, turn on the forehand, circles that were circles (not unknown geometric entities) and in the end got my serpentine at a trot to work without having cones to guide me. I learned to use my hips, and the various exact positions to use my legs as aids. Unfortunatly my back gave way over the last two days of my stay and I had to pass on my opportunity to ride Pik their magnificent Stallion.
All of the horses at Garland farms are perfect ladies and gentleman. The lingering worry I had from some nasty incidences at our local barn were quickly erased by the well behaved equine residents. Most always had their heads out looking for some kind of treat. Cutest amongst the residents is Rorschach or Rory the 4.5 month old colt. He had been recently weaned but was quite content with Nina the "nanny".
The level of instruction I received from Gina was superb. On a personal note both John and Gina made me feel completely welcome at the farm, more like a friend visiting rather than a customer. My vacation at Garland farms delivered on it's "Stay and learn dressage" promise.
Copyright © Garland Farms. All Rights Reserved.
Created and Maintained by Katie Patton.
Please address comments to webmistress@gfdressage.com