Mitzi Summers Jumping Clinic

A Jumping Clinic taught by Mitzi Summers was held at Barneveld, NY, at Caernarvon Horse Park on June 9th. It was organized by Dana Doty of Spotlight Equestrian.  The clinic was divided into flat work in the morning, and work over fences in the afternoon.  It was also divided into three sections.  The first section was for green horses just beginning their jumping training. Their morning work emphasized rider position, and exercises on getting the horse forward, calm and stretching forward into contact.  In the afternoon they started work over ground poles, culmination in an exercise known as "pick up sticks," where a fairly difficult course over ground poles was introduced and even timed later.  A correct approach to the poles was stressed, resulting in the horse rounding  his back over each pole.  The riders helped their horses in.

The second division was for horses who had already done some cavaletti and jumping work.  In the morning canter work was included to develop rhythm and pace, as well as the horses being able to bend correctly.  The afternoon session worked mostly on approaches to single poles and fences.  The objective was for the horse to remain eager yet calm, and the riders to improve their timing and the ability to rebalance their horses.

The third session was for more experienced horses and riders. Half halts on the flat, suppleness, and transition work were some of the points covered in the morning.  In the afternoon these same abilities were developed over fences.  It was important to remember that if the approach to the fence was correct, the jump would be successful.

Many of the participants expressed a desire to have another clinic to continue what was being taught. Anyone interested can contact Mitzi at 315 790-9593 or SummersDressage@aol.com