A Progressive Riding Clinic was held this past weekend at Brek-n-Ridge Farm. The Schedule for the June 8,9,10 clinic began at 2 PM on Friday and ended at 12:30 PM on Sunday for 5 students coming in from the Grand Rapids area. A total of 10 lessons plus were offered over the three days and each student managed to ride at least three times, in lessons of 45, 30 to 15 minutes in length. The subjects varied in degrees of difficulty with emphasis on safety, safe habits and short cuts in learning how to handle and ride the horses, and of course Dressage.
From us, the Instructors Point of View, We could not have been more pleased with the serious nature given the subjects, and the try exhibited at all times! Bravo and thank you for allowing us into your riding lives. May many more successful moments on horseback develop! Karin and Andrew
CRITIQUE BY THE STUDENTS
The Five women who ride at Willow Pond Stables in Saginaw, Michigan (http://www.willowpondstables.net) wanted to find a superbly qualified dressage instructor who might be willing to host us for a 3-day clinic. We found Karin Reid-Offield and Brek-n-Ridge Farms in Harbor Springs, Michigan and we couldn’t have been happier. We received fabulous instruction in the most beautiful surroundings in Michigan!
Our clinic was hosted by instructor/owner Karin Reid-Offield and her efficient “right-hand man”, Andrew Figures who is also an instructor and the barn manager. The clinic was progressive, and day one started with the basics, such as mounting and dismounting, rein management, with emphasis on learning about contact and pressure. Day two progressed to more challenging instruction, with lessons dependent upon each riders’ ability. There was special emphasis on posture, leg use and position, in all gaits. It was a fantastic set up and we were able to test our new skills riding different school horses. Karin and Andrew even included an extended lesson in troubleshooting and groundwork while always emphasizing safety.
Andrew was so patient, very knowledgeable, efficient and kind. Karin, despite all of her experience and training, has a laid-back attitude with wit and humor to ease the trepidation we all felt. Overall, each one of us came away with a greater foundation, better understanding of our equine partners and tools to help us all progress in our journey with our horses. In fact, we were so impressed that we’ve scheduled a second clinic in September! Thanks to Karin, Andrew and the entire Brek-N-Ridge staff!
Warmly,
Roxanna Olsen, Molly Stewart, Sandy Johnson, Cathy Snyder and Karen Boettcher (owner of Willow Pond Stables, Saginaw, Michigan)