January 2, 2005

USHJA Clinic in Los Angeles is Huge Success

By Marnye Langer

One of the primary goals of the newly formed United States Hunter/Jumper Association is outreach
via clinics and educational activities. A small group of hunter/jumper professionals in Southern
California organized an innovative one day clinic at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (Burbank,
CA) on December 18, 2004.

The day began with a classroom session where the panelists discussed various aspects of judging and preparation for the show ring. Course designer Joe Lombardo discussed different types of courses, requirements, and how the course designer plans courses for various levels of riders. Trainers Archie Cox, Nick Karazissis, DiAnn Langer and Rosey Reed talked about how they look at a class from different perspectives – as a rider, as a trainer, and as a judge.

The audience, comprised of riders, trainers, and a number of parents, listened intently. Many were
surprised at the complexities involved with preparing for and judging a class. The clinicians
discussed various scenarios and shared how each of them views the same situation. “It was really
great to hear what the judges are thinking,” said Pam deSellier. “I loved having three judges giving
different opinions all at the same time.” This helped the attendees understand that while everyone may agree that a certain fault is a problem, the degree of penalty differs among individuals.

After discussing different types of courses and different levels of riders, the clinic moved outdoors to
the demonstration phase. First, everyone walked the course with the clinicians, hearing how each
analyzed the course. Then, a demonstration rider rode the course following a track and riding a pace a novice rider would likely follow. The rider then rode an intermediate track, and finally an advanced track. “I liked getting the verbal and then seeing the visual,” said Alexis Ambrogio. “Seeing the rider do the course a couple different ways was helpful.”

Each of the clinicians gave an evaluation of each round and encouraged questions. The clinicians
spoke as both how they would judge the round and how they would expect one of their students to
perform the round. “I found it helpful hearing the judges and looking into their mindset. I see how
the judges focus on the whole picture,” said Meredith Bock.

Following a casual lunch break where everyone mingled and talked, the riding portion of the clinic
got underway. Three different groups of about eight riders each spent time under Archie Cox’s
watchful eye. Cox was demanding, encouraging and enthusiastic. All of the riders, from young pony
riders to junior equitation riders, left feeling emboldened and more knowledgeable about their riding.

The forty-plus clinic attendees were very enthusiastic about the structure of the clinic and the material presented. “You can’t get a clinic anywhere in the country for $30,” said Stephanie Haney, a trainer in the Los Angeles area. “The price was a big draw. I’d support the next clinic 100%. I’m sorry this clinic was sold out as I’d like ot have gotten more of my students in. It was very informative.”

Rosey Reed plans to work with fellow professionals to make the clinic an annual event.