Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Elsa Sinclair

We had a wonderful clinic this weekend out at Templeton Equestrian Center, hosted by Elsa Sinclair. Elsa lives in up in Friday Harbor, a little island that is part of the San Juans. She focuses on natural horsemanship and centered riding. I did two one-hour lessons. The first night on the ground and the second night in the saddle. I really wanted strategies for getting her to soften and bend her ribs on the lunge line and under saddle. We worked a lot of spiraling in and out with lots of trot to canter transitions. I enjoyed my time with Elsa. She is a very enthusiastic, caring horse person with lots of good ideas. Another highlight of the weekend, I got to meet my friend Nora's new horse. They did the clinic together and even after two days, you can see a connection. She is thrilled with her new mare and it was cool just to see her so completely happy. This last photo is a picture of Capello, Pasha, and Elsa watching the last ride of the clinic. Capello and Pasha are good friends that board out at Templeton. A recliner in the arena comes in handy after teaching fifteen hours each day. Great clinic Elsa...look forward to seeing you again.

11 comments:

jane augenstein said...

Sounds like a great clinic! Love the first picture.
~Jane

Grey Horse Matters said...

Glad you enjoyed the clinic. Great pictures too.

Lori Skoog said...

Love those photos! It's nice when you are pleased with the clinic.

What ever happened with that Parelli brainstorming?

jill said...

I love good clinics. Thanx for your tip previousily about using a tripod for video camera. My husband used one at the clinic I rode in and I'm so glad. Recorded two days sessions and they came out great. Oh, and get the FITS! I got a size larger cus I don't like my stuff super tight, but you will really like them. Sounds like you get to do a lot of cool stuff...

Drillrider said...

Always great to come away from a clinic with new knowledge and a deeper connection with your horse. That's something I love about horseback riding.....I will never know it all or "arrive" at an end, it is a journey. There is always something to learn, try, do, discover!

Jean said...

Nothing like a good clinic to inspire you to get out there and ride. Sounds as if you learned quite a few good exercises to practice on your own....and the kind of exercises you can do on your own. That is always the sign of a good trainer--when students can practice what she preaches when she's not there.

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

What a win! Great clinic and beautiful location. Nice combo!

Flying Lily said...

Getting caught up on your blog, I just read about the trailer episode. I'm glad you are OK. Trailering is so filled with odd possibilities...we could sit and run scenarios all night.

Your ride video is beautiful!! Your horse has the cutest ears in the world.

jacksonsgrrl said...

That sounds great! I am attending a two day Walter Zettl clinic at the end of Sept. and I am super excited.... Rare to get anyone in Texas, or at least close by for a clinic. They are here, but this one just landed in my lap and lo and behold, I have both days of the clinic off!!!!

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jme said...

it's been ages since i've been to really good clinic. i'm glad you had such a good time and got so much out of it. i am not familiar with elsa sinclair, but i will look her up :-)