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Our 2009 clinic was a huge success. We had seven advanced riders and three beginners. Other than just having Peruvian horses, there was also one Quarter horse and one trotting Quarter/Peruvian cross. We where very fortunate to have Jo Santay as our advanced riding instructor for this clinic - she is a life time member of the TLA, and certified from the ARIA in Hunt Seat Level II, Dressage Level II, Recreational Riding Level II and Side Saddle Level III

Our beginners started off being coached by the two founding members and one long standing member. They did an excellent job with them, and that group joined the advanced riders to work under Jo Santay the next day.

Everyone first had their saddles inspected on their mounts for fit. Then the riders mounted up and worked on riding 20m circles and straight lines. Advancing on to working turn on the forehands and leg yields.

At the end of the second day riders had the opportunity to take a skills level test. Most of the riders chose to take the test, and performed the maneuvers quite well in their respective levels.

I just wanted to send a very big "Thank You!" for such a great time at the workshop with Jo Santay this weekend. As it was my first experience in a sidesaddle as well as on a gaited horse, it simply could not have been more exciting and fun!

Organization of the event was superb; food was delicious and the company was fantastic. Not to mention that tips shared by the instructor helped not only in the sidesaddle but astride as well.

Again, thank you for making what could have been a intimidating experience, nothing but enjoyable.

Kathy

Laura Ellis, Laura Polk, Barb. Bordman and Jo Santay....THANK YOU! for an absolutely wonderful and very successful Side Saddle Clinic!! You ladies gave us an awesome week-end of instruction, learning and camaraderie. Jo, you are an invaluable teacher to us all.

Not to mention the fantastic lunches provided by Barb.B...... a 3 course luncheon...Wow!! Barb, the mushrooms were simply mouth-watering delicious! [and then we were expected to go right back to the arena?......a nap would've felt so good at that point :)

Sally and Glenn; as always you provided the extra saddles and horses when needed, wisdom and humor.........you are the best! Thank you, too, for hosting Jo and Tom - it was so good to see them again:) It was good to catch up with Ruth again, too.

To the seven riders who took riding level tests...I congratulate you for taking on the challenge. It is one of the steps in making you a better rider regardless of any discipline. [I had to ride that advanced test too.] I was able to watch only to the last two rides...Clare's and Bev's. BEAUTIFUL!! To see such unity between horse and rider is the ultimate reward for all of us, including our guys, who have had just a grain of input into such achievement...... and Bev, you had your TLA smile all the way :) Clare; from where I sat you were poetry in motion...on a trotting horse no less. Bravo, Ladies! [I am just glad that I was not in Jo, your judge's, shoes]

For our drill team riders who provided the Sunday morning exhibition...well done! What you showed us was the result of dedicated riders who have made practices "ad in fin item" [sp?] and therefore can produce on a moment's notice. You are the core of the TLA! You do us all proud :)

And we do all this Side Saddle!
eileen