I had the opportunity yesterday to go to a clinic
on CTR. As someone who has absolutely no experience in much of anything
outside the showpen and working horses in harness, I must say that I was
astonished at how little of my "equitation" skills for proper riding in the ring
are transferrable to proper riding on the trail. I was also more than a
little embarrassed at how little of my equitation skills which aren't half bad
if I do say so myself are present when the ground isn't level and my horse is
trying to step around rocks!!
Anyway, mostly as a shameless plug for Miss Karen
and her region 6 clinic and as a thank you to all the volunteers that were
there, I wanted to let everyone know (and especially other beginner lurkers out
there) that it was money well spent. I had know idea what to expect before
arriving but can honestly say that all of my expectations were exceeded. I
learned I have a whole lot more to learn but that it will be an enjoyable
journey with helpful and friendly folks. I also learned there is no
correlation whatsoever between miles on the road and miles on the trail except
that a fit horse who is already accustomed to lots of fast paced miles on the
smooth and obstacle free roads can make up 35 minutes of lost time on a section
that should have only taken 5 minutes when there is a sizeable, flat and simple
section in the middle of a trail without killing his P/R numbers.
I had a blast, I am indebted far more than the
measley 50 bucks and not so measley 500 miles on the road but it was worth every
penny and minute. Thank you Karen. Thank you volunteers. Thank
you Takoda.
BTW, if I had a tape recorder, I would have finally
had undisputable proof that people from Kansas talk funny, as everyone from
Missouri already knows.
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