Late summer report

It’s been a busy summer here at Classicus….and a hot one as well.

Classicus had two events in the month of July, a trail ride with a brunch and music and  a Dominique Barbier Clinic.  Despite the extremely hot temperatures, we managed to have a good time for both events.

Laurie Little from White Grass Café created a wonderful meal as usual and the talented Robbie Limon played the guitar and sang.  The trail ride had the usual gorgeous scenery, but the best part was the fun with all the participants.  Horses of all types, sizes, and colors set off into the National Forest for a great afternoon ride.

The three day Dominique Barbier was lighter than usual but that was welcomed as the temperatures rose to 100 degrees. We had lessons for half a day and enjoyed the pool in the afternoon. A new participant to the Barbier clinics was Lucy Maurer who brought her horse Didicus.  She was looking for something other than the German style training system and discovered Dominique’s method of training in the Classical French tradition which focuses on lightness.  After three days her horse made great improvement and she has left him in training with me at Classicus to continue his education. It was great to see longtime Dominique student Cathie Shiff enjoying riding again with her paint mare, Annie.  Keep up the great work!

I rode my horse Eros each day during the clinic and was extremely pleased with his improvement by the last day. He was much more energetic and his trot was fabulous. I look forward to having Dominique back again soon for another clinic at Classicus.

Keron Psillas was here to photograph the clinic and she and Dominique shared their new book with us!  You can see the Blurb edition here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1432930

Check back soon for exciting news about the development of my book……and come visit Classicus!

Happy Riding ~ Linda

Welcome

Hi Everybody…Linda here.

Welcome to my new blog.  I’ll be posting the latest news, some pictures, and training tips from time to time.  Check back often and leave your comments!

Upcoming Events:

July 11th,  (mark your calendar!) My annual Trail Ride, Dine, and Music!  Contact me for details…  ( lindab@classicusfarm.com )

July 23 – 25, Dominique Barbier Clinic   Yes, I’m delighted to tell you that Dominique is coming back and I expect a full clinic.  Contact me to reserve your spot soon!  I’ll be posting all the particulars here in just a few days.  Auditors are welcome.                             ( lindab@classicusfarm.com )  Priority will be given to participants signing up for all three days.  This is absolutely the best way to achieve the maximum benefit for your horse and for your training progression.  I look forward to welcoming you for the clinic.

"King" in shoulder-in

The Sensible Spectacular Lusitano Horse

What a special horse the Lusitano is.  Being a dressage trainer for many years, I can confidently say that the Lusitano is the most uncomplicated horse to ride and can perform the movements of dressage with ease.  Although I have known this for quite some time, my opinion has been strengthened due to my recent trip to Brazil.

While traveling in Brazil with Dominique and Debra Barbier, we visited six breeding farms where I rode horses from three years old to ten years old.  Canter pirouettes, flying changes, piaffe, passage, etc…  were all straight forward communication with these horses.  As long as you knew how to ask the horse to perform a movement, there was no hesitation or argument but just compliance.  What a pleasure they were to ride. Not only their attitude but also their quality of movement was spectacular.

Other than the thrill of riding the upper level movements, I was most impressed with the horses at the auction. At Victor Oliva’s, we attended the 13^th Brazilian Lusitano auction where 30 horses were sold.  The arena was packed with tables, chairs, and people.  Only a relatively small space was left for the horses to be shown during the auction.  The atmosphere was very loud with music, announcers, and many people.  The horses came in one or sometimes two at a time, mostly under saddle, some mares and foals, and one carriage horse.  Despite the chaos, the riders were able to manage and perform in the small space amongst the crowd of people on all sides.  The carriage horse had to do a 180 degrees turn at each end back and fourth while being shown.  I could only imagine the reaction of most horses in such a situation.  I fear that many horses would not have even set foot in the arena.  The reaction or might I say lack of reaction impressed me most about the Lusitano’s steady demeanor.

I should also mention that the people at all of the farms were most gracious and accommodating.  We were always served drink and food with smiles along with beautiful horses to ride.  During the trip I rode at least twenty horses and like a flower each one was beautiful.

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