Two poles on the ground, a cross rail to an oxer, an angled line – Chris Burton used seemingly innocuous exercises to teach the demo riders how to ride cross-country during day two of the USEA Instructors' Certification Program (ICP) Symposium. Throughout the day, Burton was full of insight into his training and teaching methods and shared numerous snippets of advice to the instructors in attendance.
With so much knowledge shared over the long day it would be impossible to report on all, but a selection of Burton’s advice, quips and instruction is below.
On finding the right distance
On improving a horse’s jump
On halting at the end of a line
Caroline Martin jumps Islandwood Captain Jack into the water as Chris Burton and the attendees look on. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.
On training horses
On being a good rider
On teaching
On difficult horses and using the whip
And what scares Burton the most on cross-country?
Stay tuned for a full write-up in Eventing USA and another day of Burton at the YEH Symposium tomorrow.
About the USEA Instructors' Certification Program
Instructors certified through the USEA Instructors' Certification Program (ICP) have been educated to the highest standards on the most effective and safe teaching methods of event riding, training competing, and care of the horse. The ICP Symposium will took Monday and Tuesday (February 20 & 21) at Longwood Farm South. The lead instructor for the ICP Symposium at Longwood was the world renown Australian Olympian, Burghley CCI4* and Le Lion d’Angers winner, Chris Burton. Thanks to ICP sponsor, Event Clinics and the Retired Racehorse Project for their partnership and support of this Symposium.
The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.
In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered!
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