United States Eventing Association

On June 30 and July 1, 2012, fifteen "Green as Grass" and "Jumpstart" level riders working toward competing at USEA horse trials descended on Greenwood Farm in Weatherford, Texas for North Texas Eventing Association's first "Bridge to USEA Competition" Clinic. The low-cost clinic was the brain child of Kimberly Willnow, NTEA's Activities VP, and Christie Tull, NTEA Life Member and USEA/FEI organizer at Greenwood. North Texas Eventing Association is the largest USEA-affiliated eventing association in Area V with 200 members and has been working since the 1970s to grow the sport at the grassroots level.

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"In the last couple of years, NTEA has sponsored clinics for riders actively competing at Beginner Novice level and above as well as an Intro to Eventing Clinic to introduce riders from other disciplines to our sport," said Kimberly. "This clinic was designed for those 'in-between' riders who are already involved in the sport at the very beginning levels but need help gaining confidence and bridging the gap between schooling events and recognized events. Christie Tull was thrilled to host the workshop at Greenwood Farm and had so many ideas to make the riders' experience as close as possible to a 'real' horse trials."

The clinic featured mounted instruction by Ellen Doughty and Rebecca Brown in all three phases (including course walks), luncheon discussions and Q&A by Christie Tull (from the viewpoint of the Organizer), Rebecca Brown (from the viewpoint of the ICP instructor and seasoned competitor), and Debra Dealcuaz (from the viewpoint of the Technical Delegate and seasoned competitor), and finished on Sunday with a Ride-A-Test in front of a licensed dressage judge and completion of abbreviated stadium and cross-country tests. Christie let the riders cool off on Saturday afternoon in her swimming pool and everybody went home with a clinic T-Shirt sponsored by Becky Brown Horsemanship. Dover Saddlery provided gift certificates for key volunteers.

Here are some kudos and photos:

Says Jenny Vallner, whose 10-year old daughter Emma rode in the clinic: "Loved the clinic! As a parent it was great to see instructors boosting the confidence of the riders with their own experiences and stories so the riders could be reminded that even instructors and upper level eventers were once beginners too."

Says Kimberly Brunson, a jumper rider & instructor who rode in the clinic with two of her students: "I have been to a lot of clinics (hunter/jumper, eventing, all kinds of western), educational activities and certifications. This clinic was one of the best. This kind of activity is so important because no matter what world of riding you come from, beginning with the right tools is what makes horse lovers into safe and educated horsemen & women for a life time and grows the industry. Thank you for a wonderful experience for me and my students."

Says Craig Chambers, whose daughter Lauren rode in the clinic: "The 'bridge' clinic was superb. The dedication and focus of the instructors was without parallel, in spite of the heat. It was apparent that every rider left there with their horsemanship enhanced and new friendships in place. My daughter greatly improved her skills. Thanks to all involved."

Watch for an essay written by one of the clinics young participants in Issue 6 of Eventing USA!