With day one of the now famous Jr/Yr Clinic held each March at Stillpoint Farm, Apple Valley Farm and Two Swans Farm completed, clinic riders awoke with eager hearts and high expectations on Saturday morning. Kathy Connelly performed a long line demonstration for the young riders on Friday afternoon followed by educational words of wisdom shared with the participants by top US rider Leslie Morse, a Danish Pony Champion, FEI “O” Judge Linda Zang and USDF Technical Delegate Roberta Williams. Thirty three young girls listened intently and then retreated back to their barns to prepare their mounts of many varieties for the following day’s ride.

Saturday was a treat, roaming from Two Swans Farm and Stillpoint Farm watching four of the world’s top ranked riders, Debbie McDonald, Steffen Peters, Ulla Salzgeber and Lars Petersen coach these talented young ladies in every movement from walking a straight line to passage. Riders ranged from 10-years-old to 21-years-old and varied in degree of difficulty from Introductory to Grand Prix Level. The lunchtime forum was a huge treat with the clinicians and the addition of Leslie Morse, Kathy Connelly, Roberta Williams and Charlotte Bredahl-Baker. Relevant questions were asked and answered appropriately by all riders sitting at the front table.

The Cadillac Challenge of the Americas Breast Cancer Benefit to be held at the International Polo Club will be on the agenda of events planned for the 3rd Annual Wellington Young Rider Clinic weekend. Festivities start at 5:30 PM and will include a Pas De Deux performed by Leslie Morse and former German Olympic medallist/now US Olympic Coach, Klaus Balkenhol and the Team Quadrille Challenge (Canada, Latin, USA) and several top rider/horse combinations performing freestyles as they represent their country. The lavish dinner to be held after The Cadillac Challenge of the Americas has long since been sold out. Organizers point out that they are facing the wonderful difficulty of finding adequate space and seating to hold such a popular event.

Of course, none of these fun, inspirational, and educational festivities would be possible without the generous support of sponsors and donors such as Dr. Cetty Weiss, Weiss Family Chiropractic Center, Mrs. Carol Cohen or Two Swans Farm, Mrs. Arlene Page of Stillpoint Farm, Kathy Connelly of Apple Valley Farm, A’Dashi, Euro-American Saddlery, Sho Clothes, The Dutta Corporation, Offield Farms, Verhan Saddles, Mary Phelps- Markel Insurance, Horsesdaily.com, Sidelines, The Missing Link, The Video Guys, Gold Coast Dressage Association, Garrett Mechanical Inc. and Cadillac Challenge of the Americas.

Sunday will include another fun-filled day of education and activities to be a part of. Auditing wristbands can be purchased at the door for $45.00. Come join us as Dr. Cetty Weiss (who deserves a gold medal for all of her planning and organization of the event) wraps up another incredibly successful young riders clinic in Wellington, Florida.

Stacy Gormley for DressageDaily.com