Grass Roots Clinic Provides Rare Opportunity for Youth

(Brooklin,ON) A unique, grass roots opportunity in equestrian sport has brought young jumping competitors one step closer to becoming Canadaâ€™s next generation of champions.

Members of the Brooklin Pony Club received expert coaching from Canadian Equestrian Team short listed rider, Kim Farlinger, during a clinic that was sponsored by John Deere Ltd. and Greendale & Utica Equipment Services on December 28-29, 2006 at Springfield Stables near Whitby, Ontario. Riders were coached in exercises that required focus on basic riding skills, control and responsiveness of their horse.

â€œIn todayâ€™s sport of show jumping it is imperative that the proper basics are taught early and that riders learn how to utilize those basics to control every footfall of their horse. The winner of any class is the rider able to control their horse the best that day,â€ said Farlinger, emphasizing the importance of grass roots initiatives in equestrian sport to build this ability.

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For the students, the clinic was a rare opportunity for them to learn and receive feedback directly from a top Canadian show jumper, and they were excited to be able to participate in the event. Initial nervousness was relieved through Farlingerâ€™s patience and relaxed teaching methods that were a key to the studentsâ€™ overall success. Many felt they had improved vastly and will be able to apply the skills they learned through the clinic to their riding every day.

Riders were divided into five groups based on experience level, and on the first day, they focused on flatwork, control, and the importance of form following function. â€œPosition is not just aesthetics; it gives us the base to all levels of riding and must be addressed.â€ Farlinger provided simple reminders of leg and hand position mixed with discussing the importance of their connection.

On day two, Farlinger gave the riders a few major points to concentrate on to conquer the difficult jumping pattern that she set. Stressing that riders need to look where they are going first and never take their eyes off the jump, Farlinger also noted that riders must learn how to turn using their outside aids to keep the horse balanced and presented to the jumps straight and in a fashion that enables them to jump properly.

Greendale & Utica Equipment Services have location in Omemee, Ontario and Port Perry, Ontario, and together with John Deere Ltd., they were proud to support the development of equestrian youth through the clinic.