Victoria-Saanich Cadora was delighted to host a two-day clinic on September 26-27 featuring FEI Judge General Stephen Clarke at Nikky Hannam and Samantha Reid’s brand new facility, Fairlawn Farm in Brentwood Bay, BC. Clarke is a highly-respected senior international dressage judge and trainer who travels worldwide judging major competitions and teaching. This was the first in a series of three Cadora clinics, hosted thanks to organizers Heather Cormie and Claire Vessey, who were pleased to have a variety of 16 horse/rider combinations that included Training to Fourth level, Prix St-Georges, FEI Intermediaire 1 and Under-25 FEI Grand Prix.
Clarke is a master at choosing suitable exercises for each horse and rider. Lateral work was used to improve submission with the emphasis on the quality of the gait; ten-metre circles to create the ‘wow’ in the trot; working without stirrups to improve a longer leg position. His calm, consistent approach made it easy for riders to discuss issues and ask questions. Lessons finished with horses having a stretch, important points reviewed and auditors invited to ask questions.
Close to a hundred auditors attended the two-day clinic. With so many different combinations to watch, there was something for everyone and many were looking forward to putting Mr. Clarke’s good advice into action.