A picture paints a thousand words

A picture paints a thousand words and if such a great training tool. At this clinic we were lucky enough to have a professional photographer come to the clinic and take numerous pictures on Friday and again on Sunday.  See how the horse's improved!

Thank you to our professional photographer Alise Lamoreaux.  It certainly helps to have a horse person with a good eye to take photos.  If you want to see more of her work, visit  www.flickr.com/photos/sagetopaz"  or contact her at by e-mail at topazsage@hotmail.com. 

For more pictures check out  http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarmourclinics   

This horse started the clinic a little tight through his back and lacked confidence to step into the rein.  I worked him on the lunge making sure that he stepped forwards into the side rein.

By the third day, he was accepting his rider's rein contact and started to swinging through his back with a much bigger stride. 

Comments from the rider:
"With Jane's help Mouse and I are developing the confidence to accept and maintain proper rein contact together. This is a big step forward for both of us and it is so enjoyable to really feel it as well as understand it.  We are finally learning to dance together instead of separately." 

Look at the difference in stride when this lovely big mare began to swing through from behind. 

• With both horses you can see how they are making a good 'v' shape when the diagonals meet. 

• The outline is soft and round.

• The horse's are going forward into the bridle.

This pretty mare changed dramatically during a workshop!

The rider was balanced and consistent giving the mare the chance to relax and start to work into a better frame. 

No artificial aids, draw reins or martingale was used.  The mare finished with a lovely relaxed walk. 

This work will keep her sound and prolong her working life.

Pictures taken courtesy of Shelly Moore