Friday March 10,2006

Hayley Sukienik Clinic Journal - Wellington Young Rider Clinic 2006

Wow! Today we were at the barn for hours getting Lily (my horse) and I ready for the exciting weekend ahead! I am 11 years old and have been riding for four years. My horse, Lily is a 14 year old bay Thoroughbred mare whose previous career was as a polo pony. When we got to the barn, I had to ride, then we braided, washed, and dried her. This whole thing is new to both of us, the indoor ring, the huge horses surrounding us, and all of the other distracting things so I was nervous about what Debbie would think and if Lily was going to keep her head on the bit and all the other little problems. Before riding and preparing Lily for tomorrow, I went to check in at the Apple Valley farm and Kathy Connelly did a long lining demonstration. It was very interesting and cool for me to see that she can just touch the horse with the reins and they will do all these amazing things! After that Linda Zang spoke and after that Leslie Morse spoke to all the junior and young riders, and she let us ask questions ! It was a really fun awesome day. I can’t wait to meet Debbie McDonald and I hope she’s impressed with Lily and my riding!

Saturday March 11, 2006

Today I was so relieved to see how well Lily and I did! I was also so happy to see that Debbie thought I was good too! She was just so nice! I may not be the best rider, but she helped me work through everything. Lily did great in the indoor ring. She had no problems today which was a good thing! Debbie really helped us with our straightness and correctness of my position and Lily’s movements. Debbie smiled a lot and had a great attitude with me. She explained things really well and always made sure I understood what she had just said before going on to the next topic.

After my ride (which was at 8:45am) Me, my parents, and my trainer, Stacy Gormley went to watch the other rides which were all good. Then we had lunch at Two Swans Farm(which was delicious!) Carol Cohen (the owner of the farm) came over and made us all feel very welcomed. After lunch there was a Forum. That was when all the clinicians (Debbie McDonald, Steffen Peters, Ulla Salzgeber, Roberta Williams, Kathy Connelly, Linda Zang, Leslie Morse, and Charlotte Brenahl-Baker) sat down and let all the girls ask them whatever questions they wanted! I even got to ask them how they all got started in dressage. They were all so nice and patient with us! After that we went home and rested and now we’re getting ready to go to the Cadillac Challenge of the Americas which should be a lot of fun! I can’t wait ‘till my next ride tomorrow, and to see what tomorrow has in store for me.