| |
|
Photos from the GDCTA-Hosted USDF Region 3 Adult Clinic with
Jane Savoie
|  |
Article by Sharon Parker, GDCTA Member
Jane Savoie, internationally known dressage competitor, coach, speaker and
writer was at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia on August 4th and 5th for
a USDF sponsored clinic. The clinic featured riders from Florida, South Carolina,
North Carolina and Georgia with approximately 160 auditors in attendance. Saturday
began with an inspirational and motivating lecture with several theories on
learning. The auditors were encouraged to “Write things down!”
|
|
|
|
The riding part of the seminar began in a pretty typical clinic format;
the riders commenting on problems they were having and areas they were
working on, with observations by Jane of horse and rider in their typical
warm-ups. As Jane observed and critiqued, interesting things began to
happen. Jane demonstrated a way of seeing how specific aids (or a lack
thereof)
affect the horse, with a unique way of simplifying and explaining in
1-2-3 step processes that are easy to remember and apply correctly. I
could barely
wait to get home to my horse and “add-add-add”, “close
the outside hand”, “twinkle the inside rein”, and “row-row-row
the boat”.
Jane was not saying anything I had not heard before; just a more direct,
simple and easy-to-remember explanation of the aids. She made the finer
points of dressage, that had at times eluded me and seemed obscure, more
real and attainable. Not only was I inspired, but also I left on Saturday
with real tools to help me continue my dressage journey. |
|
| At the end of a hot and dusty but worthwhile day was a book-signing reception
at the beautiful Chateau sponsored by Markel Insurance and Lisa Seger,
and Merial, makers of Zimectrin Gold. Horse and Hound Tack Shop had a trunk
showing and there was also a breech give-away by Tropical Rider. Susan
Burns held an equine art showing with part of the proceeds going toward
support of the reception, and Horse Favors provided a display of many interesting
products available for purchase. |
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
| Sunday was another successful day with the continuation of the riding
and instructional clinic. After more inspiring teaching and beneficial
demonstrations, Jane commented favorably about the quality of the horses
and the students, and the ease with which the riders took instruction and
translated it into valuable and visible improvement. I left the Chateau
repeating my new mantra “Supple on the inside rein, connected on
the outside rein”. As I walked out of the clinic, I felt the energy
and the excited buzz of a satisfied audience eager to get home and try
the many insightful techniques learned at this most enjoyable and worthwhile
event. |
 |
|
|
