The Need For Speed

by c.j. bahr

Robert Kellerhouse & Ian Stark

January marks the annual fundraiser for Galway Downs, located in Temecula, California.  Galway is the site of four recognized horse trials, two International events, and the only Southern California location to host a CCI3 event, drawing riders from all over North America.

Conceived and organized by Robert Kellerhouse, this weekend clinic consists of two days of cross country schooling, stabling and a Saturday night dinner.  All clinicians donate their services and all proceeds go to the maintenance and running of Galway Downs.  Clinicians consist of West Coast Trainers and usually a "headliner" such as Scottish Olympian, Ian Stark (also course designer for Galway).

2013 marked the 15th annual running of the fundraiser and also a new headliner - British Olympian and Rolex Grand Slam winner, Pippa Funnell.

Pippa Funnell

Pippa was scheduled for five groups ranging from Training Level to Advance, and had professionals such as:  Pam Fisher, Barb Crabo, Hawley Bennett as well as amateurs riding.  Saturday started with stadium jumping and concluded on Sunday with cross country.

If there was one theme to pull away from from this information over-loaded weekend, it was:

Speed is NEVER the answer.

The stadium exercises set the tone of the weekend.  Pippa had the riders working on straightness, balance, and responsiveness to aids.  First up was the "puzzle" poles, which consisted of ground poles scattered and set at different and non-related distances.  The riders first walked then trotted their mounts over the poles, using only their upper body and legs, never the reins (yet keeping contact, but not steering by them).  The goal was for the horses to figure out their own footwork.  It was eye opening to see how many horses, even Advanced Level ones, just wanted to run through the exercise.

The exercise increased in complexity with offset, unrelated distance "brick" boxes (about one foot high), set in a line that the horses and riders had to jump over in trot.  Many horses had trouble being rated back to trot between the boxes.

Susan Friend & Cali jumping "over" the oxer they had trotted "thru"

Perhaps my favorite exercise for the day which worked on straightness were three horse width oxers that the rider negotiated.  They passed between the length of the oxers between the standards at first, but then Pippa added boxes (about 2.6 high), between the "outgoing" standards to be jumped at trot.  Again, speed wasn't allowed, and after each jump, the horses were asked to return to trot.

By the end of the day, all riders had their horses straight, obedient and willing as they negotiated a serpentine course that consisted of the offset brick boxes, figure "S" over the oxers, then "thru" the oxers, or "parallels" as Pippa would say.

Hawley Bennett and Gin & Juice

Sunday brought beautiful weather and cross country day.  Again, the day was about the horse and rider learning that speed was never the solution.  It was about keeping impulsion by "adding leg, but not length of stride", and responsiveness.

Sandra Donnelly & Belshaggar
with "allowing" hands as Pippa watches

With the added pace of cross country, new problems were discovered, particularly on the enthusiastic horses.  Many riders, while trying to "contain" their horses, were locking in their contact.  

Pippa was all about the "allowing" hand, which retained rein contact, but didn't throw them away.  It was amazing when riders started to allow instead of hold, letting their horses use their heads and necks, to watch the trust and partnership develop.  By the end of the day, each group of riders and horses saw great improvement.

Myself giving a "lift" to Pippa across the pond

Pippa joked on the way back to the barn that next year, "I'll find all the riders with massive time faults."  We laughed along, but knew the truth, the riders all learned important lessons that will carry them successfully to their competitions.

Here's to Pippa's return next year!

Area VI Adult Camp - So Cal Style

You remember how fun summer camp used to be?  Hanging out with old friends, making new ones and in general just having a blast?  Back in the beginning of August I got the chance to reclaim that simple joy at the Area VI Adult Riders Camp and I have to say that camp is even better in the grown up version. 

Though they’ve had them before in northern California, this was the first year for southern Californians to enjoy this educational and social experience close to home.  Held at beautiful Shepherd Ranch, we were given the option of either roughing it by camping on the property or staying at one of the local hotels.  Since I’m trying to squeeze as much out of my horse money as possible, Carolyn Bahr and I opted to camp out.  Surprisingly, even thought Shepherd doesn’t have the luxury of showers, we weren’t alone.  Of course, our little pup tent hardly compared to the “Teton Suite” next to us – a ginormous three room tent with pink shag carpet and blow up hot pink chairs on the screened in “veranda” – but it was (almost) enough to keep out the unexpected rain shower we got on Friday night. 

Wheee! Me & Reese. 

Considering this month’s heat wave, the weather was amazing for all three days of riding.  Each rider got the chance to work with both Bunny Sexton and Val Owen throughout the weekend, depending on the schedule.  (Click here to find out more about these wonderful riders/teachers.)  Friday was dressage day, Saturday was stadium-jumping day and Sunday we all hit the cross-country field.  Personally, the biggest lesson I learned was that both Reese and I need to up our games, pushing ourselves harder to be the best we can.  (Ironically, I’m going through some of those same issues in my non-horse life so it was inspiring to see how upping your game can pay off, at least on horseback.)  It was amazing to feel and see the difference in both horse and rider when you’re challenged in such a supportive environment. 

Of course, it wasn’t all just about being a serious student.  We had a lot of fun playing silly games on Friday night and were treated to an entertaining and yet useful talk on Saturday by a sports psychologist.  The food all weekend was simply amazing, and it was great sharing a few adult beverages with your fellow riders at the end of the day, exchanging tips, advice, and a few entertaining stories.  There was even swimming with your horse in the lake because, as our friend Darla Opava said, what’s camp without going swimming? 

It was my first foray into the Adult Rider program and I’d encourage everyone, no matter what Area you’re in, to check it out.  The driving idea behind the program is to encourage adult amateurs at all levels of riding to come out and have fun.  They also have fundraisers and encourage more adult team competition and lots of great educational opportunities for adult riders like clinics and the upcoming Worth The Trust Educational Scholarship.  Considering the discounts you get for Adult Rider activities, the $25 membership dues seems a steal at twice the price.  You can also find them on Facebook!

 

Big, huge thanks to Dawn Robbins, the Area VI Adult Rider coordinator, for organizing this great weekend and Suz Roehl for her role in arranging camp and taking amazing pictures from the weekend. And of course Bunny Sexton, for hosting the weekend at Shepherd Ranch.   Oh, and an extra huge thanks to our trainer, Susan Friend, who chauffeured us back and forth while the BWT is on the mend!