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Jan. 2011...Preseason Mental Prep
"It is not the critic who counts, not
the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the
doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to
the man who is actually in the arena: whose face is marred by
dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly: who errs and
comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasm, the
great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the
best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at
the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring."
Theodore Roosevelt
I've always felt that quote to be particularly
relevant in eventing, where many may criticize and tell you why
something won't work or went wrong, but few are willing to really
put themselves out there and try for fear of failure. I believe
that experience is one of the best teachers and that one must be
willing to risk failure in order to find the big successes. It is
whether or not we make use of these experiences that determines the
extent of our future success. With our sport, it's a rare day when
we get it all right. Most often there is something or occasionally
everything that we feel could have gone better. How do we make it
better is the question. Sometimes issues arise that are beyond the
ordinary reaches of an instructor or trainer.
Lately, I've had a chance to catch up on some reading and have
gotten around to a book called Psyching for Sport by Terry Orlick
which offers excellent help on learning from experiences and
playing a stronger mental game. I've always tried to help my
students find a way to stay focused on the important issues and
feel more prepared, I think that this book could be another way to
raise your game without getting on a horse or going to a show. I
would strongly encourage any student who would like to learn to
cope with pressure, improve focus, speed their learning curve or
simply find out how to have more fun with their riding and showing
to read this book...and no I'm not getting kickbacks! Even if you
only read the first ten pages you will probably find something
worthwhile.
Enjoy!!!
Chris
December 2010...Holiday Wishes and Winter Riding Tips
Well hopefully everyone survived Christmas and maybe even had a
Merry one! I'm sure the snow is putting a damper on riding for some
of you, but just remember you can always spray on the Pam and go
practice bareback! Falling off hurts less in the snow, usually...If
nothing else, it definitely gets my blood going by thinking ahead
to Aiken. I know we are all hoping for a milder winter than last,
but should that not be the case...Aiken may have to come early this
year.
2010 Successes This
past year has been largely successful for both my students and
myself. Some of the highlights have included(in no particular
order); Julia Blackburn and Misty taking 1st at their first ever
horse trial, Marilyn Ware and Smokie taking 1st at Middleburg
Novice, Terry Adcock of Oakdale claiming both breed and area year
end awards for shows at Novice and Training, Joan Plotkin finding a
wonderful new horse and having a great season at BN and Novice,
Kristine Slovis and Athena putting in great rides with wins at
Training and a solid move up to Preliminary, Diana Abernethy(a
longtime student from NC) tied for 1st out of 25 at first novice
and won second novice also out of 25 on her amazing mare Rahav,
Robin Williams and Bucky made big strides and made their Training
Level debut taking second, even learning a bit about dressage along
the way, Sandy Nelson with a win on Sherman at BN and her other
horse Flash who showed he could be a rock star with top three
placings at all 4 shows this year( including a win at his first
novice). I am sure I've left a few off, but there was quite a bit
of success and progress this year so please forgive me for any
omissions. I am proud of the progress of all of my students whether
it showed in the competition arena, in your work at home, or just
simply in finding more enjoyment and understanding with your horse.
To make it even more impressive, all of this
success occurred in what has been a big transition year for me.
Despite moving from NC in May and changing farms in June, I have
been able to get well settled at Hillbrook Farm in Glen Allen,
thanks largely to the efforts of Joan Plotkin, Helen George, and
Louis and Paula Rogers and the rest of the great people at that
farm. I've met I've met a number of other wonderful farm owners in
the area including Terry Adcock of Oakdale, Julie and Elaine Wilson
of Hunter Lane, and Anne Salisbury of No Worries who have all made
me feel right at home at their facilities and helped introduce me
to a number of new students. Both the Deep Run Pony Club and CVaCTA
have gone the extra mile to help me get to know the area and get
things really ramped up and I hope to continue that in the coming
years. It has been a very warm welcome to the area and for that, I
thank you all.
Starting off 2011
Well, what's next then? What do we do now? My usual plan is kick
butt and take names but we can tone that down a little if you'd
like. Short term...keep riding no matter the weather. Put on an
extra layer and go do something with your horse. Those who work
hard through the winter reap the rewards in the spring. Also, keep
learning. Look for good books and videos to inspire and improve
yourself. I have several if any would like to borrow. How about a
winter video critique...any interest? Bring any videos of yourself,
Mark Todd or anything that you want to know why it works or doesn't
and we'll take an evening or afternoon to study(CVaCTA folks, hint,
hint). BYO hot chocolate or other beverage!
Winter Lessons For
those of you who would like to keep going with lessons this winter,
I've arranged time at a number of indoors and covered arenas.
Oakdale in Powhatan is on the schedule for most Wednesdays and
several Saturdays. Hunter Lane (south of 360 off 288) has offered
me use of their indoor any morning plus Friday afternoons/evenings.
No Worries Farm(Rockville) has most mornings available in their
covered. Lessons are still going on at Hillbrook whenever the
footing cooperates,which is usually from noon til 5pm.
Aiken-bound! Aiken is coming up fast,
and if the winter weather keeps up, may move up quicker! I will be
taking a handful of horses down to Full Gallop Farm with several
students already planning on meeting up for shorter segments while
I am there. This will offer the opportunity for XC every day, shows
once or twice per week and exposure to some of the best in the
business. I have already made arrangements to raise my own bar a
notch or two by setting lessons with Kim Severson. I would
encourage anyone who is at all interested to try for at least a
long weekend if not a week or more. It is a great chance to shake
off the winter, relight the fires and have fun. Beyond just the
riding, Aiken is a fun town with great food...shopping too I hear.
I can discuss rates and schedules with anyone interested.
Gallop/Jump Clinic in March Once I
return, I hope to kick the spring off with another Gallop Clinic
the first week of March. This one will incorporate jumps so we can
get the feeling of jumping at speed before the fields are ready to
sustain that type of work. I will be working on softening the
footing and you all will want to work on getting as much riding in
as possible so your horses are fit enough. Sound fair?
The Spring competition schedule will be up by mid-January and I am
currently looking for input from those of you who will be wanting
help at shows. I will offer a mix of Recognized and local shows as
well as occasional jumper shows and CT's.
Seek out and learn from the best
What are my goals you ask? What will I do to keep things exciting
for myself? I've always believed that in order to be the best you
have to seek out, learn from, compete with and surround yourself
with the best. Having said that, one of the best in the world is an
hour or so away. I will begin working with Kim Severson to sharpen
myself up a bit for the coming season both in Aiken and after we
return in March. I will be competing mostly at Intermediate with my
horse, Paladin, and barring setbacks, will look for a move up to
Advanced either late Spring or Summer/Fall. He is up for sale, but
should I be able to produce some funding and/or sponsorship there's
no reason he and I shouldn't be able to go play with the big boys
again. I will be planning a fundraising drive and contacting local
businesses to help with this push and any and all help or
suggestions are welcome and appreciated(donations are tax
deductible through the AHTF). I am also looking for additional
horses to ride so feel free to pass my name along should you see an
opportunity. Enough about me... Happy 2011
Back to you. Get excited, get out, do something with your horse.
Think back, then think ahead. What did you learn last year? What do
you want to do this year? Let me know how I can help. I'll finish
by saying don't wish for a Happy New Year... make it a Happy New
Year!!!
Here's to a healthy, happy, and successful
2011. Thanks to all,
Chris
Feb. 2010-
Well it's been a wild winter here in the south. I can't remember the last time I made a snowman in NC, but we've had plenty of opportunities this year. Katherine has had a chance to make her first and also to try another popular NC winter sport, dogsledding. Unfortunately, we will be taking applications for a new sled dog, since ours is not quite fulfilling her potential and would rather ride in the sled with the passenger.
As for horses, kudos to all my students who have braved the blizzards to ride and stay fit during the past couple months. It's been difficult, but the rewards will be worth it. Although I'm sure we haven't quite seen the end of the foul weather, it is looking a bit better already and I'm definitely getting excited about riding out a bit more and working more seriously than the winter has allowed.
My big plan to go to Gibbes Farm in SC was a bit of a washout due to the stabling being under water. Many students who had wanted to attend were unable to due to a forced lack of riding and fitness prep. Very understandable when your arena is under a foot of snow!
We made the best of it and took a small group to Mari and Roger Secrist's farm in Vass, NC. I had never been there before, but it was very worth the drive. The footing was great and the jumps and layout was ideal for all of our horses. Horses and riders had a great time getting out and knocking the rust off on the smartly laid out schooling course. Mari indicated that she will be adding to the course and possibly hold a schooling HT in the future. I know that I will happily go back and bring more horses and riders whenever possible.
I will be scheduling another trip to the Secrist's farm in the hopefully near future as well as rescheduling the trip to the Gibbes' Farm if interest warrants. My calendar will be undergoing some changes due to goal revisions and time constraints. It will be updated ASAP.
Next on the list is an XC clinic at the Deep Run Hunt Club in Va for the CVaCTA and the Deep Run Pony Club on March 7th. There are some spots still available. After that it's off to Souther Pines HT with several students.
Happy Riding
Chris
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