Welcome to the LLTC Ride-A-Test and Fix-A-Ride Mini-Clinic!

Just a few pointers and reminders to help you make the most of your clinic experience!

For those of you riding a Dressage Test, keep these points in mind:

  1. Centerlines and halts. We will put a lot of emphasis on helping you with this very important first and last impression to the judge.
  2. Breathe.
  3. Corner riding.Ride a proper corner with half-halts before and after the corner and correct bend in the corner. The depth of the corner should be slightly more than the circles required at the level you are riding.
  4. Ride from letter to letter.
  5. Breathe in between letters
  6. Make proper sized figures.
  7. Know what straight is and how to ride it.
  8. Master a correct half-halt, which is the cornerstone of all that matters in Dressage and any training for that matter. If you are not sure, ask…..(During your feedback session).
  9. Smile. Look like you are having fun, even if you are not! (Make it LOTS of fun, no matter what!)
  10. Make it look easy – or at least like you meant to do that.
  11. Breathe.
  12. Remember Dressage tests are SILENT.
  13. Look where you are going.
  14. Think about your position at least twice on the short side and four times on the long side.
  15. Have Fun, Smile, Breathe, and Smile some more.

For those of you riding a Jumping Test, keep these points in mind:

  1. Salute the Judge – while it does not matter in the grand scheme of things – it makes a GREAT Impression.
  2. Breathe.
  3. Corner riding and turns.Ride a proper corner with half-halts before and after the corner and correct bend in the corner – This helps both you and your horse see the distance to the jump.
  4. Ride from jump to jump in a PRE-PLANNED line – even if it is a curve.
  5. Breathe in between jumps.
  6. Use your galloping position to give your horse’s back a break in between jumps.
  7. Know what straight is and how to ride it.
  8. Master a correct half-halt, which is the cornerstone of all that matters in approaching a jump and any training for that matter. (If you are not sure, ask…..During your feedback session).
  9. Smile. Look like you are having fun, even if you are not! (Make it LOTS of fun, no matter what!)
  10. Make it look easy – or at least like you meant to do that.
  11. Breathe.
  12. Remember Jumping is really just Dressage with obstacles.
  13. Look where you are going – look early and often.
  14. Think about your position between jumps.
  15. Have Fun, Smile, Breathe, and Smile some more.

For those of you Stabling, here are some IMPORTANT BIO-SECURITY factors to keep in Mind:

Routine hand-washing is required between handling horses from different barns.

Personnel should wash hands before and after work shift and before eating

a meal.

Contain animal waste and avoid the spread of fecal material and stall waste around the grounds.

Avoid inserting dirty water hose end into the water buckets.

Prevent feed supply from contacting ground or vehicles that have been contaminated with stall waste or animal feces.

Disinfect equipment: i.e. bits, lip chains, (shared equipment), do not share wipe clothes or anything that enters the horse’s mouth or nose.

Take rectal temperature on any horse noted as being “off,” report temp greater than 101.2 to trainer, your veterinarian or the facility manager.

About your Judge:

Melissa McMaster – 2016 USEA Area III Open Intermediate Champion

Melissa says, “I am 33.I have been riding since I was about 2. I have been competing for about 25+- years. I have probably done every discipline know to an equestrian. Eventing found me roughly 9 years ago, where I have competed levels from starter to 2*. My specialty I believe is starting and bringing up young horses. My mom started off our breeding program before she passed, I wish to finish her goal to have a home bred go down center line and finish at Rolex.”

Melissa has competed in various events including a Mini Prix and she achieved her Pony Club C-3 after a late start and before she “aged-out” of the program.

Melissa and Leprechaun Lane Training Center are looking forward to making this an enjoyable and educational experience for every participant. We have great and gifts and prizes lined up for everyone! We are looking forward to a Great Weekend with you!! Thank you for your participation and have FUN!