AHJA Clinic

This past weekend I woke up at 4:00am on a Saturday, drove 628 miles, and rode my horse Welcome for three and a half hours at an AHJA clinic. The clinic featured Holly Hugo-Vidal, an author and trainer. Holly had us work through gymnastics, practice getting our pace in the corners, and do less over the jumps. Horse women are not always known for their kindness or their patience with people and as I listened to Holly holler at the groups that went before me, I had to laugh at some of her comments.

"Stop futzing around!"

"You must be slow..."

"You look like a mess!"

"I thought you knew how to ride!"

I am proud to say none of those comments were directed at me!

One of the best parts of the clinic is getting to spend time at Los Cedros in Scottsdale. This is the most beautiful barn I have ever seen. The grounds are impeccable. Not a wisp of hay litters the aisles. It is full of beautiful art work and beautiful horses.

As I walked through the aisles of this amazing barn looking at all the fancy show horses with their gleaming coats and ripping muscles, I came across an old gray sway-backed mare. There was such a stark contrast between her and the show horses around her yet, even as old and broken down as she looked, there was still something beautiful about her. So many old horses are abandoned or mistreated and it was comforting to see this grouchy girl laying in her extra large stall with two fans, a heater, and extra shavings. Someone cared for her and valued the love and service she had given them in her younger years. She brought a tear to my eye napping there next to her hay. I wish more horses could experience the love and comfort she is given.