WEEKEND INTRODUCTION TO EVENTING CLINIC
Dancing Horse Farm, Bogart, Georgia
October 4 and 5, 2008
Instructor – Karen Czarick
*click here for registered participant info
This clinic is designed riders who have never competed in a three-phase event (horse trial) and non-mounted auditors who would like to learn about the sport.
Riders and horses of any levels are welcome – dressage tests and jump heights can be adjusted to suit horse and rider experience. Any riders who have reasonable control of their horses at least at the walk and trot are welcome to attend. No dressage, jumping, or competition experience is necessary. Riders must wear approved helmets, low-heeled, hard-soled shoes or boots, and must ride in English saddles. Snaffle bits are required for dressage sessions.
Tentative Schedule
SATURDAY
9:00 am: Group mounted dressage lesson, including discussion of arena specifications, test movements at the various levels, scoring, rider etiquette, rules, and judging criteria.
Lunch: Discussion -- Horse and Rider Equipment and Turnout for Dressage. Suitable saddles, bridles, bits (what’s legal and what isn’t), rider dress, etc., and a mane braiding demonstration
1:00 pm: Each rider will have the opportunity to ride the test of their choosing twice and receive feedback and scored test sheets. Walk/trot tests are available as well as walk/trot/canter tests. Contact instructor before clinic for assistance in choosing and locating appropriate test.
SUNDAY
9:00: Group mounted lesson – cavaletti and gymnastic jumping*, including a discussion of grid distances and choosing appropriate exercises for individual horses and riders.
Lunch: Discussion -- The Stadium and Cross-Country Phases of Events. Obstacles, rules, and scoring. Turnout/protective gear options for horse and rider.
1:00 pm: Group mounted lesson riding stadium course in an arena as well as cross-country obstacles in the field. Tips for riding safely and comfortably in the open and over uneven terrain*.
* Riders and horses need not have any previous jumping experience. Jumps for those horses and/or riders with minimal experience can consist simply of ground poles and/or crossrail fences. Fence heights will be adjusted to accommodate horses and riders of different levels and comfort zones.
Clinic content and presentation will be geared primarily for riders 12 years through adult.
Cost of clinic – $190, includes mounted and non-mounted instruction/discussions, take-home handouts, lunch, and stabling or paddock turnout for your horse for both days and overnight Saturday. Horses arriving Friday evening may stable overnight for an additional $20. For riders who ship horses in and out each day and do not require overnight stabling on Saturday, cost of clinic is $165. Reserve stall space early- only 4 stalls available.
Anyone wishing to ride only Saturday or only Sunday may do so for $100 for either day – please contact instructor BEFORE entering as a one-day participant.
A deposit of $50 is required to hold your place in the clinic. No refund of this deposit without veterinary excuse or if your spot can be filled from a waiting list. Entries are limited to six riders. Clinic will run with a minimum of three riders – full refund if clinic is cancelled for any reason. Non-mounted participants welcome -- $25 for the day or $35 for the weekend includes auditing entire clinic, copies of all educational handouts, and lunch.
If you have any questions or need more information, please e-mail Karen Czarick/Dancing Horse Farm at kczarick@charter.net or call (706) 540-4899.
