If you didn’t catch it in yesterday’s post, I have been considering a clinic as part of our summer of training. And not just a little clinic- a 3 day clinic, dressage, showjumping, and cross country, with the head of the Canadian Olympic Eventing Team- Clayton Fredericks.
This being officially the biggest (read: most expensive) thing I have done with Foster since our recognized show last year. No big deal. (Read: It’s a big freaking deal!)
So of course I went youtube stalking on his previous clinics to see what to expect. What was immediately obvious is that the man loves him some canter poles. You know who doesn’t like canter poles? Foster. So, that’s one item we will be working on between now and the end of July. We started out with 5 on the ground (which I thought was soft versus Clayton’s 8), and took a few attempts to get through without leaping and flailing.
I also set up the ‘box’ angled fences as seen in his clinic report on Eventing Nation.
Credit: Eventing Nation
In reality, I probably set the placement poles a little close to the 2′ vertical, but Foster went through in both directions without fuss.
Since the theme of the day was apparently footwork and technicality, I also took him through the thread-the-needle exercise as seen on Evention:
Although instead of 4 verticals set one stride apart, I used 3 set 2 strides apart. Obviously this was too easy for Foster, and he went through it with nary a waver. Next time they’ll be one strides, buddy.
Take-away from our little jump school? Skinnies- no problem. Angled fences- no problem. But canter poles? Well, we’ve got work to do.
No problem- almost 2 months to prepare!
Red on the Right 
ohh jealous! can’t wit to see the recap 😀
Yes- bring on the recaps! 😀
ALL OF THIS LOOKS LIKE SO MUCH FUN. I can’t wait to start jumping! Maybe I should start with some poles first ;).
After seeing your ‘hunt the jump’ video, I think Estella agrees- bring on the jumping!
The best part about signing up for clinics is the pre-homework we give ourselves! Adds vigor and purpose to our schoolings =)
Yes- I am definitely feeling motivated to start incorporating poles into our rides!
that’ll be awesome!
I sure hope so! But I think Clayton will live up to the high expectations… how could he not?
Interested to hear what you think. I always see big name folks come through here for clinics but not knowing what they’re like to ride with, I’ve never bitten the bullet.
It was the YouTube stalking that sealed the deal for me- in particular this video of one of his clinics: https://youtu.be/0qfNSX2AJSU
So exciting!!
:D!
super excited for you – hope you have a blast! also all those exercises look amazing! we just did a canter pole exercise in a lesson with five canter poles (tho the center was a 2’6″ vertical), with each end bending to either a cavaletti or a skinny. the point was to figure 8 through again and again until everything was coming up roses (spoiler – it took a while). it was a great exercise tho – i’ll have to put a diagram on my blog lol
Wow- that sounds complicated! Will definitely look for that diagram 🙂