On Sunday 18^th October we ran a XC schooling session at Bucklebury Equestrian with Lorna Fraser.

Tracey Culley with Puzzle, Cara Rogers and Poldark, Alannah Dunstan on Carol Doggett’s Stilton and Steph with her new horse Elsa enjoyed perfect ground with thankfully no rain. Social distancing was observed with all riders working independently and given that there wasn’t a single fall meant it was a super safe day!

Lorna worked with each rider individually as the group moved round the course tackling the different questions the variety of fences raised.  Fences such as the pencil, spider, water, ditch, sunken road and tractor were all incorporated into the session with every rider having Lorna’s help on how best to ride each fence.

Tracey thought initially that her and Puzzle would stick to some of the more modest fences but with Lorna’s guidance they jumped fences that she never thought she would do and they had an amazing time.

Cara and Poldark really enjoyed tackling the various fences and the session provided the confidence boost for them both that Cara was hoping to achieve.

Carol’s Stilton flew over all the fences and looked to be having the best time. Nothing seemed to phase him as he took on some of Bucklebury’s more unique fences.

Steph thought Elsa and her might just pop over some small logs but surprised themselves and further cemented their new partnership by jumping a lot more than planned which, thanks to a lead from Tracey and Puzzle, included the ditch.

Everyone agreed it was a fabulous session and all were hugely grateful to Lorna Fraser for a really fun and rewarding clinic.

Thanks also to Bucklebury Equestrian for allowing the hire of the venue and to Carol Doggett for arranging it.

Sara Green is first and foremost a Dressage To Music enthusiast. As a child she had DTM ambitions before it even existed. As well as leaping over show jumping courses made out of garden implements on her imaginary pony, she would also prance around to music coming through the kitchen window!

 

Some 40 years later, and finally the owner of a non-imaginary equine, Sara made her first DTM routine using vinyl records and a small cassette recorder. These days she uses a computer and, though entirely self-taught, has produced routines at all levels, from Riding Club Prelim right up to International Grand Prix.  In the last few years she has put together the music for Alice Oppenheimer and Danni Morgan.

 

Sara’s aim is to demystify the whole process of getting started with DTM. Whether you want to use a professional to create your routine, or have a go at doing it yourself, she will give you insight into how to chose the right music for you and your horse.  Above all, the aim is to show that dancing to music with your horse is great fun and within the capabilities of all.