October 5^th Jumping Kudzu Klinic with Tawn Edwards

What a way to end the 2002 Kudzu Klinic year!!! Not only did we have the largest number of participants, we had the largest group to join the GDCTA, and a new facility owner volunteering to host a future Kudzu Klinic! 

The day started out with questionable weather that cleared to very warm by the end of the day. There were two groups of Novice riders, three groups of Beginner Novice, a Tadpole group and an Ameoba/Tadpole group. Tawn Edwards did a great job working with all the groups despite very different skill levels.

Using a graduating system for each session, she started with a very basic single jump to evaluate each horse and riders skill level. For each group she continually stressed riders with the basics, keeping heels down, planting the hands on the crest and straightness. Each group progressed through gymnastics of gradually increasing difficulty. Tawn used lots of encouragement and results were seen by all.

During the lunch break, Danielle M. Stahl, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, gave a presentation with handouts. Danielle, as a rider herself, has developed programs that are specific for the riders needs. After disclosing that all individuals should get medical clearance prior to starting any exercise/fitness program she discussed many areas that she covers with her clients. Her philosophy incorporates exercise and good nutrition. And she stresses, Start where your are!!  Her handout states-“If you make one change in your life each day, by the end of the year 365 changes with add up to a whole new YOU! She went further to define what makes a good athlete, both horse and rider. We all perform better if we are fit, supple, challenged, balanced and properly fueled. She explained what “fit” is, we need at least 30-60 minutes of cardio exercise each 3-5 times a week. Examples are running, walking, swimming, aerobics, hiking and biking. Particularly good cardio plans for equestrians are step aerobics, kick boxing and jazzercise. These are challenging because they require coordination, balance, left/right work and they are effective. Strength is needed for control and balance, lifting weights 3-5 times per week for 30-45 minutes, being sure to include balancing weight exercises. You need a plan, plan your workouts, plan you meals, snacks and water intake, plan your riding. Danielle gave all of us something to think about and evaluate our own fitness programs.

After the lunch break it was back to the arena for more gymnastics. Tawn was certainly tired at the end of this long day and she had to get up and take a group out on a cross country school the next morning. She had endless stores of energy and gave each of us the benefit of her experience and knowledge.