2004 Dressage4Kids Scholarship Recipient

2004 has so far has been a year unlike any other than I have had. It started out on January 8, 2004 when Glynmary Peter came into my life. After months of searching for a new pony since I have outgrown Robin Hood, my 14 year old Welsh Pony, I was made the offer to lease “Petey” by Lendon Gray. Not only did I think she was only kidding with me, but I thought it could never happen to me in a million years. Guess what? It did!

Petey and I have been spending the last 6 months getting used to each other’s different styles. We bonded immediately, but when we finally got into the show ring together, it was a totally difference experience than showing Robin.

I have been working very hard with him with my trainer, Alice Petersen, and she suggested I attend this Pony Clinic with Cornelia Endres. I applied for a D4K scholarship and I’m so grateful that my application was approved! Here is a description of my experience.

Day 1: Mrs. Endres first asked me to warm up as I usually would. Then she had me work on lengthening which got better. She helped me understand how much I needed to ask for more impulsion. We also worked on serpentines at the canter. At the center line I had to do a simple change from canter to walk and walk to canter. It was hard at first because I had only done canter to walk on circles. I had to get used to switching my bend after walking before the canter which I don’t have to do on the circle. As the lesson went on, we got better and better. I have been working on this since we got home.

Day 2: In my first lesson, it showed that I needed to get more energy out of Petey so in my warm up on day 2, I worked on going more forward. My goal was for Mrs. Endres to tell me to slow down. I was disappointed in myself because she didn’t. On the other hand, she didn’t have to tell me to go more forward today. That made me feel like I had made progress.

Today we worked on looking ahead, between Petey’s ears and not leaning in so much. Due to a rainy night, our lesson was moved to the indoor arena. Unfortunately, Petey is not too fond of being inside. I had to go extra forward for him not to shake his head which was a challenge for me. I wasn’t always successful.

Mrs. Endres pointed out that I need to have him understand my aids and not let him hesitate when I ask for something. Now I not only hold the whip, I make sure I use it when I need to.

Day 3: In my third lesson we reviewed the last 2 days. This time we concentrated on leg yielding. I still have to work more on not letting his shoulders lead but I understand it better now. I know what I have to work on. Mrs. Endres did not correct me as much so that made me think that I improved since the first day.

I met a lot of terrific people and great riders at the clinic. All of them left feeling they gained valuable help. I also made some new friends. Every one of Lendon’s working students were friendly, helpful, and supportive. Thank you!

I want to thank my trainer, Alice Petersen, for working so hard with me these last 7 years and introducing me to dressage. Also to Dressage 4 Kids and Lendon Gray, for all your guidance and support. I appreciate it so much.

I learned so much this weekend and I want to tell all young riders to participate in as many of these opportunities as possible. Even if I only learn one new thing, then I’m one step closer to reaching my goals.