Horse world expo

I'm back! I spent the last few days at Horse World Expo and had a blast! I watched clinics and presentations by Colleen Kelly, Jane Savoie, Tommy Turvey, Guy McLean, Nick Karazissis and Liz Graves. I shopped my heart out and bought a new helmet, trimming apron, trail reins, and lots of food that was completely bad for me.

Guy McLean, have you heard of this guy? Well I hadn't. In case you have no clue who this guy is I'm doing you a favor with this video:

This guy was amazing! For one thing he has the most incredible horse named Spinabbey that can canter in place, and not just canter in place- he can do one-tempis in place! And he can canter backwards! Seriously astounding little horse! Yes, that's a lot of exclamation points but that little horse deserves them.

I also had no idea who Colleen Kelly was, but I attended one of her lectures and was really impressed. She's a dressage instructor who really emphasizes biomechanics- she had a great demo where she showed how she could unseat a rider with one finger. Fortunately she then showed how to create a more stable position. I wish I could link to her website but it seems to be down.

I watched a trimming demo done by the folks from the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry.  This school was started by an ex-farrier who started learning about hoof function and came to the realization that with the knowledge he had gained he couldn't put shoes on horses anymore. They do clinics all over the world that are reasonably priced. Unfortunately his trimming method is based on the farrier hold, since my horses HATE that I won't be attending any of his clinics, but if your horses don't mind it this school could be a good resource for you.

I have to relate a story to you: have you heard about the Equisense EQ Enhanced Tack? The model horse wearing tack fitted with sensors to analyze your riding position? It was there so I decided to sign up and get an analysis. When I showed up at my time slot, Colleen Kelly showed up for a last endorsement shoot, so I was informed that I was being bumped. But then they decided that first they were going to interview her in front of the "horse" and they wanted there to be a lesson in the background- so I was ushered on. It was a very interesting experience; I highly recommend it. Anyway, when my lesson was finished they asked me if I'd do an interview on what I thought of the experience. While I was talking Jane Savoie sidled up next to the interviewer and listened in. I mentioned how the analysis showed how my hands weren't even and I was able to understand why Coriander wasn't comfortable with my contact. At this point Jane entered the interview and said how great it was that I found that out since correct contact is one of the hardest things to learn. Then she shook my hand! What a moment!