On Sunday, November 8, Long Island riders had a chance to hone their skills at a clinic given by former AHSA Medal Finals Champion and USEF “A” judge, Rita Timpanaro, of Smithtown, NY.

The clinic took place at the newly renovated and state-of-the art Island Hills Stable in Middle Island, NY and was open to all levels of riders and horses. Each session began in an outside ring and then moved into the indoor arena. Several topics were covered, one which was adjusting the horse’s stride. In the outside ring, riders practiced adjusting the stride by jumping three fences in a circle, 60’ feet apart. Then each rider entered the indoor ring and navigated a horse show course, under Timpanaro’s critique.

After the riding part of the clinic, lunch was served in the lounge where riders and parents had the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to judging and horse showing in general.

All who attended the clinic had a fun and educational day and agreed that Rita Timpanaro had indeed given them some pointers to work on. Ω