Association Scoop
What should a youth rider take
away from their show experience? Sam
answered that they should show their
horse happy and at its best, and should
leave the ring feeling you did a good job
and did the best that you can - no matter
the ribbon and placement. From the
nods, you could see all the youth were in
agreement with that answer.
Sam spent the remaining few minutes
talking about the experience of judging
at big shows like The Celebration (of
which he’s judged 3 times - 2015 will
soon make 4), and the International. These are shows where there are so
many good horses. And, while it can be
exhausting, its a joy to judge. The youth
told Sam that most of them were going
to be going to the International. Judge
Sorrel was excited to hear that news,
wished them well and said he wanted
a full report on how they liked it and
how they did. As the last seconds ticked
down, the youth said their good-byes,
just as the session ended.
From Wisconsin, we all thank Sam
Sorrel for his time and the excellent
Zoom session, and we wish him all the
best in judging the 77th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration!
Versatility Clinic May 17th, Unadilla, GA
Keegan Meadows of Blackwater
Farms conducted the Trail Obstacle
Clinic. Keegan put on a great clinic
that was enjoyed by the participants
and those who watched. We appreciate
Keegan’s enthusiasm, talent and ongoing
support for Southern Strides!
Everyone who attended learned
something new and were able to accomplish something with their horse
partner that they had not been able to do
before. By the end of the clinic, Keegan had every participant successfully
completing the obstacle course! Participants of this clinic -- don’t forget about
Keegan’s $50 Challenge!!!!!
Regardless of your experience
level, Southern Strides provides
a great opportunity for you to
exhibit your flat shod horse in
the versatility classes and on
the rail. If you are interested
in having a fun time with your walking
horse, in a family oriented environment,
please consider joining us at the next
Southern Strides horse show and clinic
in October.
Showmanship Clinic, June 27, Conyers, GA
Except for a few sudden summer
showers, the weather was perfect for
horse enthusiasts to exhibit their flat
shod versatility horses at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA.
With tons of family participation and
support, both in and out of the ring, a
good time was had by all. However, the
fun did not end on Saturday, but extended over into Sunday morning as Mary
Helen Martin conducted an informative
showmanship clinic for Southern Strides
members.
Mary Helen’s opening statements
thanked WHOA, Tommy Hall and
Southern Strides for providing a venue
for everyone to enjoy and exhibit their
versatility horses. Additionally, she
reminded clinic participants to always
keep the horse first in showing. From
there, she greeted and met each exhib-
itor and their horse, carefully listening
to each of their concerns and questions
about showmanship. After a quick discussion on fitting and proper show attire,
a practice pattern was discussed in sections. Mary Helen asked all participants
to first practice the pattern without the
horse, stressing the importance of creating mental imagery. Participants then
performed the pattern with their horse,
while Mary Helen provided positive and
useful tips on each individual’s performance. As a wrap up, exhibitors had the
opportunity to express something they
had learned and something they could
carry back home and work on for future
participation in showmanship.
This clinic and the previous clinic
covering the trail obstacle course are
clear signs of growing support and
dedication toward the flat-shod Ten-
nessee Walking Horse in Georgia and
surrounding states. Regardless of your
experience level, Southern Strides
provides a great opportunity for you
to exhibit your flat shod horse in the
versatility classes and on the rail. If you
are interested in having a fun time with
your walking horse, in a family oriented
environment, please consider joining us
at the next Southern Strides horse show
and cl inic in October.
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