August 10, 2015

The Last Word on the JLC Clinic

I want to thank everyone for their comments, emails and Facebook messages about the JLC clinic.  It meant a lot to have everyone rally around me at my lowest riding moment in a long time.  After reading everything you all had to say and doing a lot of thinking, I am feeling a lot better.  The show honestly helped too - a good Dressage ride followed by doing what was right for my horse.

Bringing him in the morning of the clinic.

I'm over it, but for some closure for everyone, this is what I concluded:
- He saw us without a warmup, which I need right now to get him straight and on my aids.  Connor does not default to either thing right now.  Of course I don't ride him like he goes in the warmup for the entire ride.  If I did, JLC would be right.
- I'm already working on the things he told me we needed to work on.
- Connor's not unhappy.  I know that.
- He gave me a couple of good pieces of information that I'll keep.  One of which was a demonstration that if my forearms are tight (they are), Connor can't feel my back muscles and listen to my core.  That's what was happening here:


I won't ride with him again, and I won't dwell on the things that he said that are patently untrue either.  You don't clinic with someone to be told you're doing everything right, but you also don't clinic with them to be told you're breaking your (sound and happy) horse.

The best part of the clinic was getting to spend time with my mom and getting some awesome pictures!







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12 comments:

  1. HawkAugust 10, 2015 at 8:22 AM

    I'm glad you've come to a good conclusion. I definitely wouldn't clinic with someone who made me feel horrible. That isn't productive.

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  2. Alanna MAugust 10, 2015 at 10:08 AM

    I think that's a great perspective!

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  3. SheMovedtoTexasAugust 10, 2015 at 10:32 AM

    Great attitude, and I'm glad you're feeling better. So many awesome photos!

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  4. TAugust 10, 2015 at 10:57 AM

    Gorgeous pics! As always, you guys inspire me :)

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  5. jenjAugust 10, 2015 at 12:06 PM

    Great attitude! I'm sorry the clinic happened, but at least you were able to take away some good things from it.

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  6. AnonymousAugust 10, 2015 at 12:44 PM

    I think that you are handling this like a total professional, taking the good where you should, and realizing what the 'bad' adds up to. As always, great photos you two!

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  7. L.WilliamsAugust 10, 2015 at 2:50 PM

    *hugs* sounds like you are on the right path

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  8. StanthehorseAugust 10, 2015 at 4:30 PM

    I'm glad you were able to take some positive things away (even it was a reflection of yourself as a rider) from this clinic, and that you didn't dwell on it for too long.

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  9. JessicaAugust 10, 2015 at 6:20 PM

    Glad to read this post (and the last one, congrats on the fantastic dressaging!). I'm sure as more time goes on you will even further be able to take away the good and leave the bad.

    Love the pictures as always.

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  10. NicoleAugust 10, 2015 at 9:29 PM

    When I read your first JLC post I really didn't know what to say or think about it. But I totally agree with your conclusions and agree that you're taking the right approach here -- everyone has something to offer you to learn from, but you don't have to take everything as gospel. Connor looks happy and awesome in those pictures!

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  11. emmaAugust 10, 2015 at 10:07 PM

    great points all around. i'm glad you were able to pull a tidbit or two that will remain useful to you moving forward, but even more glad to hear that you're reaffirmed in knowing that you are only doing good things for your pony in your training program!

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  12. ValAugust 11, 2015 at 12:02 PM

    Agreed 100%.

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