A few weeks ago we were blessed to host a clinic with Cedar Potts of CP Equine Development. We covered a range of subjects including in hand work, under saddle work, and bridle less work.
Day 1 of the clinic was group format. We started working in hand with the horses. We had a horses of a variety of levels from three year old Ariel and a four year old who were novices to in hand work to Maia who has done quite a bit.
We worked on behind able to maneuver the horse’s body through various positions including shoulder in, counter shoulder in, and haunches in. We practiced switching bend and balance by alternating between counter shoulder in and haunches in. We also worked on developing the rein back, which is great for introducing collection, and starting the trot in hand. With Maia we worked on her piaffe and we achieved our first canter in hand!
Next we moved on to working under saddle. Since the goal was to progress to bridle less riding we focused on using our seat and leg aids as much as possible. We practiced switching bend with just our seat on a figure 8 and then, like we did in hand, by switching between counter shoulder in and haunches in. We also practiced transitions with our seat.
Then it was time to introduce the neck rope. We ran through the same exercises, focusing on using our seat and legs, but switched from using the reins to using the neck rope (the bridle left on for safety). You don’t realize how much you depend on your reins until they are taken away! It was a challenge but so much fun when the horses started to understand and respond!
Day 2 of clinic consisted of private lessons. Cedar worked with each student on a variety of different things from in hand work to lateral work under saddle, counter canter and canter half passes, and bridle less riding.
Cedar did a fantastic job of working with the horses at whatever level they were at and everyone was able to take something away from the clinic. Focus was on improving each horse’s strength and balance as well as using the lightest aids possible with the goal of bridle less riding in mind. Bridle less riding requires the rider to be aware and in control of what their own body is doing so that they can give very refined cues to the horse. It’s not a fast process to learn but the enjoyment is in the journey as you develop a deeper connection with your horse through the work.
If you are interested in learning more about Cedar you can find her on Facebook- CP Equine Development
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