The "Let's Get Started Clinic" - a Resounding Success!

Alice Smith and clinic attendees

Photos and article by Lisa Abraham

On March 17 and 18, 2011, a group came together from all over the South for the "Let's Get Started Clinic" with Alice Smith and Lisa Abraham. The clinic was generously hosted by Dr. John and Keri Angelo of Pegasus Farms in Folsom, La. Alice Smith, owner of Bent Tree Arabians and longstanding member of The Pyramid Society, is a veteran in our SE community with over 30 years experience.
 
The "Let's Get Started Clinic" is – as its title suggests – a starter course. In this particular clinic, three specifc topics were either discussed and/or demonstrated: The steps to getting your horse under saddle; the fundamentals of the sport of endurance; and professional techniques to bathing, grooming, clipping and prepping your horse for the show ring. To say the very least, this was an information-heavy clinic!
 
We began Saturday with a "meet and greet." Once introductions were made and a delicious breakfast was shared, Alice launched the learning into a discussion about two important pieces of equipment: Chains – types, various uses and proper methods; and bits – the different kinds and why one would choose one over another. We then went to the ring, where the real work started. There, participants learned how to wrap legs, to lunge and to long line. We were introduced to the surcingle, methods of introducing the horse to new equipment, weight testing and, finally, actually getting on the horse for the first time.
 
Saturday night was all fun and laughs as the Angelos hosted another great barn party. Chef Billy prepared a very special Italian feast, including a lasagna that had six different meats and took three days to prepare (!), an Italian salad and homemade bread pudding. While Keri shared her unique beginnings in the industry, Alice presented the beautiful Pegasus Farms horses.
 
Day Two was primarily devoted to how to get your horse cosmetically ready for the show ring. The horse used for this demonstration was pulled directly from the field. Alice began with bathing the horse while sharing methods and techniques clearly drawn from all thirty years of her experience. While the horse was drying, we enjoyed some informative classroom time. Alice used this time to discuss the basics of endurance riding.
With a dry horse, Alice began the clipping demonstration. Before actually touching the horse, she gave an in-depth discussion on the clippers and blades themselves. We all stood in in a group around Alice and the horse as she shared exactly what she was doing and why. I don't think any of us will ever look at clipping the same again!
 
A huge "thank you" to Alice Smith for an excellent learning opportunity – you are a gifted and generous teacher. For me, personally, this clinic has been very instrumental in helping me to take forward steps in my abilities with the horses. Thank you, John and Keri Angelo, for hosting the "Let's Get Started Clinic." You have a beautiful farm, and your hospitality was boundless. If you have an interest in hosting the next "Let's Get Started Clinic," please contact either Alice Smith at (601) 678-7703 or Lisa Abraham at (615) 579-3478.

See all of the great photos by Lisa Abraham below!

 

Photos