Hunter's Run Pony Club Camp 2014- Dressage and Flatwork

Hunter's Run Pony Club Camp 2014

Chapter 2

Dressage and Flatwork

The format of camp allows each rider to have two lessons a day with Mimi Combs. The first day begins with a lesson on the flat, mostly for Mimi to watch each rider and mount pair to evaluate their skill level. They each have to perform a warm-up routine, and then explain to Mimi what the warm-up consisted of...and why. Then they assess how the warm-up felt on the horse. Of course, the younger kids are still learning this process, but it is fun to hear them mature in their understanding of a ride. Then Mimi sends them back out again to do a bit more, ask for more. 

Youngest and SonnyG. have a trot with McKenna and Starz behind.

Starz- steppin' out!

During the week, they all have a dressage lesson with Mimi as well. Some riders choose to have more than one, while others choose to work over fences instead. 

 Scooter and Katie are working on lengthening his Quarter Horse frame to give him elegance.

 Savanah is just learning the canter this week. But she has a nice soft, natural seat, and had no problems with staying balanced at the canter.

 Mimi is wonderful at explaining things to the riders and helping them to work towards a well-balanced frame. Kaylee and Dakota were tasked with getting him to lower himself through the top of his body and use that powerful hindquarter to push the energy from back to front.

Anna's horse tends to travel behind the bit, squashing his shoulder movement and shortening his stride. Anna worked on getting Heath to pick up his head and lengthen the top of his neck which changed the whole picture. Once he learns to use this energy line, she can then start asking for him to push from hindquarter to poll and back to her hand.

 Nikki is not a huge fan of the dressage arena, but Kelly has worked very hard on her movement and use of her hind end and back. They did very well at USPC Championships last year in Dressage, and have added another dimension this year with elevation- Nikki has a bounce in her step! Our very own equine Benjamin Button just keeps surprising. 

 MacKenzie has some Dressage challenges in Sunny. He'd like to be a bit stiff (he is 24?) and seemed unenthralled by the idea of bending or leg yield. But MacKenzie was game, and we saw a little bit of give by the end of her lesson. 

This is our third year at camp, but the first time I've seen Mimi ride! Mrs. Holmes had asked her to get up on Fancy and give an evaluation, so up Mimi went- and got a surprise. She was startled by how much Fancy wants that big head held up, and doesn't really respond to the seat. She thought she could soften her in the front and let her go, but that just made Fancy to faster! 

Mimi on Fancy

It was another illustration on how Hannah may not be big, but she is effective.

When Middlest arrived for her Dressage lesson, Mimi said to her "Hand her over." Mimi wanted to see where the nose to the sky issue was based. Is it a physical thing? Mouth? Teeth? Soreness? Nope. None of the above. The mare wants a trustworthy outside rein, a ton of inside leg and a bend, and BOOM! No more turkey in the rain. 

Mimi on Nelle

Inspiration for Middlest to continue to strengthen her lower leg, and be a bit more demanding with her contact.

In between riding, cleaning up and eating, there is always time for an "appointment" in the salon! Kaylee wore a full crown of clover by the end. 

By the end of the week, the horses varied from a bit worn out (Starz- but the little pony does three times as much as the horses!) to ready to go out on Cross Country (Fancy. Not sure what it would take to tire her out!) But the last lessons of the day were for the kids who had chosen another go at Dressage with Mimi. 

 Listo and Val have qualified to represent our region at the USPC Championships in Dressage, and performed their musical freestyle for Mimi the last day. I had seen the same test a few weeks ago, and was greatly impressed by the changes in the pair. Val had a lighter seat and an effective leg, Listo was travelling forward and relaxed. They made it look effortless and enjoyable!

I know you can't see Hannah and Fancy's faces in this shot, but I'm just in love with this picture.Look at their alignment! The perfect bend on the circle! Hannah's lightness- even more amazing with the understanding from Mimi of how heavy Fancy is in the front. I give them a "10"!

 Rylee and Falcon also qualified for Dressage Championships, but also qualified on the Quiz team, so are going to compete in Quiz. But, they also showed off their musical freestyle to the group for fun.
And, it was fun with accompaniment from an orchestral version of Aerosmith.  

 Middlest also performed her musical freestyle to music from West Side Story, even though it was hot and dusty. For the first time that I watched it, Nellie didn't match her stride to the music and was a bit fast. Maybe we have one more ready to go back out on Cross Country! 

Appropriate as Cross Country is Chapter 3......