Horse project “jumping” ahead

Larimer County 4-H is expanding its jumping opportunities for youth, and has organized a series of six clinics to help riders develop the necessary skills to complete a full jumping course.

Previous jumping experience is not required, and the clinics will be broken out according to riding advancement levels. This will also provide riders an excellent opportunity to expose their horses to the arenas at the county fairgrounds.

The clinics will be dedicated to Equitation Over Fences, and the instructors will help riders advance their English riding skills to include jumping.  This includes developing a proper and secure seat, good hands, a willing horse and the ability to jump a full course. Equitation Over Fences means that riders are judged on their riding and not the horse.

The training will bring Larimer County in line with what is required to compete at the Colorado State Fair. The clinics will be divided into levels and will start with Level I and the correct way to approach ground/trot poles and cross rails. The first clinic takes place March 21, 2009.

These clinics are not open to walk/trot riders. Riders must already hold a levels card for English Level I or higher.
March 21
Level I Session 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Level II session 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Level III and IV 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ranch Way Indoor Arena

Cost: $5.00

Save the following dates for more jumping:

April 13 and 21; 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., Ranch Way Indoor Arena
May 16; 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Last Resort Equestrian Center
June 6 and 27; Locations to be announced.

The Hunter Hack class for the Larimer County Fair 4-H horse show will be changed to Equitation Over Fences. Hunter Hack only involved two short fences, and Equitation Over Fences will involve a five- to seven-jump course.
The deadline for enrollment for the March clinic is March 1. The clinic size will be limited to 10 riders. Early enrollment is encouraged to secure your spot. Larimer County 4-H membership is required.
E-mail LuAnn Goodyear at [email protected] to enroll. For the complete Larimer County 4-H newsletter, click here.

Sponsored by: Poudre River Stables, KarinLivingston.com