During the training sessions, Law built on the riders’ skills and helped them develop a better understanding of training principles. Law focused on the basics and more individualized work for the combinations with dressage, gridwork and coursework for show jumping, and ride-ability for the different types of questions on the cross-country course.
“I thought we had three great sessions, and all together, I was very pleased and found it to be very rewarding,” Law said. “I always hope to give them a deeper knowledge and greater understanding. We do not necessarily focus on competitions as we would later in the year. The winter sessions are about taking the time to get a deeper understanding of training of the horse so the preparation is correct and we are not leaving gaps in the training. As you go up the levels, the gaps start to show, so we focused on the importance of the day-to-day training. There were also lots of lectures to develop a complete knowledge of horsemanship.”
The participants benefited from lectures focused on preparing their horses for competition, as well as building a well-rounded foundation for their futures in the eventing industry. During the Florida training sessions, the Eventing 25 athletes heard from top groom Max Corcoran on preparing horses for an event, fitness, and international travel, while Dr. Jill Copenhagen spoke about anatomy and nutrition. The Eventing 18 participants had similar discussions with Corcoran and Copenhagen, and also heard from Jo-Ann Wilson about equine physiology. During the California training sessions, participants learned from professional groom Shannon McCormick about grooming, preparing for an event, and grooming internationally, while Dr. Emily Sandler spoke about jogging, confirmation, and soundness.
“The Eventing 25 training session was a great way to start the new year. The program provides quality instruction both on and off the horse,” East Coast participant Savannah “Woodge” Fulton said. “Having all the riders gather in one place helps build camaraderie and team skills we will hopefully use in the future.”
West Coast Eventing 18 participant Mia Farley was also very pleased with her experience, saying, “I thought my training session experience this last week was a big learning curve for me and the horse. I took away so much information and training tips, and I'm excited to use the experience on horses at home. What I enjoyed the most about the Eventing 25/18 training session this year was being around all the professional riders. I was able to watch Leslie teach and ride horses, and being at Tucalota Creek Ranch allowed us to watch Tamie Smith and Heather Morris ride and train on their horses. It was interesting to see all the different training tips and techniques Leslie utilized for the horse-and-rider combinations. Thank you US Equestrian for this incredible opportunity; I can always look forward to being with the team!”
View a complete list of participants.
US Equestrian would like to thank the guest lecturers and facility owners, Jacqueline Mars of Meredyth South and Alan and Kay Needle of Tucalota Creek Ranch, as well as Elinor MacPhail O’Neal and Alex O’Neal of Red Tail Ridge South, Conor Rollins, and Longwood South for providing use of their facilities for stabling.
The US Equestrian International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and US Equestrian sponsors.
