Para-Equestrian Clinics a Hit from Coast-to-Coast

Para-Equestrian Canada (PEC) is pleased to report the Athlete Development Clinic series, which took place this fall with world-class Para-Equestrian coach, Mary Longden, was a huge success.

Two clinics were held with Longden, a Western Canada clinic Oct. 29-30 at Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA) in Langley, BC and an Eastern Canada clinic Nov. 7-8 at WindReach Farm in Ashburn, ON.

The purpose of the clinic series was to provide riders and coaches with the opportunity to enhance their technical skills, while also meeting and interacting with their peers in the Para-Equestrian community. A total of 17 riders, nine coaches, and 14 auditors attended the clinics.

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“Mary held incredibly informative clinics for new and aspiring Para-Equestrians,” said Elizabeth Quigg, Chair of the Canadian Para-Equestrian Committee. “The feedback from coaches and riders alike was very positive, all clamouring to know when the next clinic would be held.”

Each of the 17 riders were provided with a skills assessment and a written report by renowned international Level 3 coach in Para-Dressage, Jumping and Eventing, Longden, who has been an integral part of the Canadian Para-Equestrian High Performance Coaching Team for over five years, helping riders achieve world-class performances and results at the 2010 and 2014 World Equestrian Games and the 2012 Paralympic Games.

“This clinic was invaluable for us,” said Para-Equestrian rider and Langley, BC clinic attendee, Kim Scott. “Mary was able to work with us on what we specifically needed help with, which for my mount Adhemar is keeping him in a consistent outline. We have come home with the right tools to develop our partnership even more over the winter and ultimately improve in our tests next year.”

The Eastern clinic was equally successful. Para-Equestrian coach, Kelly Russell, who attended with her student, Sara McGonaghy, was enthusiastic about the experience.

“What a fabulous opportunity for Sarah, a rider new to the sport of Para-Dressage, to be able to watch Paralympian athletes and other Canadian team hopefuls train, and then to ride with such a knowledgeable coach as Mary Longden. As Sarah’s coach, it was a great opportunity to review and learn more teaching strategies to assist Sarah and other riders on their journey to the competition ring.”

Longden herself was pleased with the clinic, and had nothing but praise for the participants, stating, “It was lovely to see so many nice quality horses and to have the opportunity to work with not only the horses and riders, but their coaches as well. I hope the riders have gone home feeling enthusiastic and that we’ve helped them to develop a plan to reach their dreams.”

PEC would like to thank PRDA and WindReach farm for the use of their fantastic facilities, and for their collaborative efforts in coordinating the PEC clinic series with Longden, as well as Nathalie Lawson and Cara Grimshaw for generously providing clinic photos.

To find out more about Para-Equestrian Canada, and watch for future clinics and events, click here.