Photos from the Kyneton clinic January 2009
The smallest clinic ever and the most beautiful – again… Is it possible for them to just keep getting better and better?
Judy, the owner of the beautiful property we had our clinic on, having a melting moment with her Andelusian Stanley. (Who is as beautiful inside as he is outside.)
An exhilarating moment on her horse.
Wunjo, a delightful but elderly gentleman, had a sway back before this clinic. Kathy’s infinite patience and determination to bring joyfulness to Wunjo’s life, resulted in a considerable amount of healing. Here’s Kathy pointing out how Wunjo’s back has completely changed shape.
Here Jenny Spilsbury is taking the opportunity to show Kathy feel what ”good” legs on a horse feels like. Poor leg position made it impossible for Kathy to move her legs underneath her and showed us all how jammed up our horses feel when our toes are turned in and our knees on the saddle. I so enjoyed the Trisha Wren clinic where I learnt some of Peggy Cummings Connected Riding work.
Wunjo walks freely with Kathy, to and from his saddle, working his comfort zone to the “nth” degree. Her infinite patience paid off big time!
Me watching Judy, in her comfort zone for the first time, riding her very gracious Andalusian Jill.
A beautiful moment between Jenny and Luke while they were saddling.
Their ridden work was beautiful and the subject of a separate post.
Here we are riding the log “horse”. Simulations are a valuable way of changing our reactions, and releasing anxiety about mounting our horse. It’s also a valuable way of improving our riding position without causing our horse discomfort!
An email from Jenny after the clinic:
I have to say ladies that Luke and my journey continues with great bursts of joy. We had a great ride the morning you left, and have since ridden in the bush with Tracey for a longer early morning ride. I feel a little guilty saying 3 hours but there was no sign of distress or discomfort from Luke (apart from the March flies)
We rode again at Judy’s this morning early, and from connection Luke reminded me about using my body rotations in trot as well as walk. Aids became sooo much lighter as at last I figured out what “less is more” really means! He felt no force or dominance in my asking. Only momentary bolshiness when I forgot the lightness of an aid. That’s what he got ratty about.
Soft flexion and again a lifting through the back- what a joy to behold and can you feel me bubbling and my tears of joy.
I do have to say the effects of the clinic and the emotional clearing for me have spilled over into my family relationships. I have felt calmer and things have not upset or stressed me as they once would have. My family has noticed it and I really do feel like I am sailing on a smoother sea.
(Comment from me: What a pair of stars!!)
