SPHO Clinic

 April 13 we had a good group of participants for our “Mix and Match” clinic  in spite of another cold dreary day. Desiree Strout started the day riding Thorpe’s Magic. She worked on her position and getting used to the bigger gaits of a Standardbred. Wendy Flowers brought Pan to hook for the first time after years away from the racetrack. Pan was a super star and Wendy was able to get in the cart with Debbie Dubois at the reins. Wendy hopes to continue working with Pan to become a nice pleasure driving horse. Katie Gibbs brought her retired gelding Thunder who worked on connection and balance by getting a better response to her aids. Pam LaTullippe had her first driving experience working with Barb Pretorius and her horse Surprise Ending.  Being a rider she was a bit apprehensive about being up high behind the horse. Gloria Steiger rode Wendy Ridgecrest for a spring tune up before the show season, working on her canter and suppleness. Nancy and Kent Gauthier brought their pony pair to do some prep before heading off to their first CDE of the season. They worked on lengthenings and bending. Becca Streble also drove for the first time with the help of Lisa King and Long Hill Soprano. Becca is hoping to drive her retired Standardbred soon. Thanks to the participants and the SPHO helpers Barb Pretorius, Pat Cooper, Debbie Dubois and Lisa King