The young riders clinic with Peter Leone was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The following riders from ESI participated in the clinic: Brandee Beattie, Wes Bostwick, Becky Pedersen, Euan Rugg, Melissa Major, Kendall Cain, and Nicole Fukouka. The clinic was two and a half days , and it was unique since his horses were used and it included sponsored meals and presentations about horse nutrition, transportation, tack, and the USET foundation.
The first day of the clinic began with a USET sponsored lunch. After eating, Peter and the riders went down to the outside sand ring to build the course that would be jumped later that day. The first day was focused on flatwork with small jumps. After the training session in the rain the riders went back to the hotel to get ready for the dinner sponsored by Smartpak Equine. Smartpak informed everyone of the importance of different supplements and how they contribute to the horse's readiness to perform at a high level.
The second day of the clinic began with a breakfast provided by Lionshare Farms. Then Peter and the riders built a course in the outdoor arena. The two training sessions were focused on gymnastics. Peter had difficult broken lines that required precision. He told all of the riders that they were late on using their eyes to get to the next fence, and that using the leg would secure the next jump. After the first training session, CWD Saddlery provided lunch. After the second training session, the course was built for the next day. Nutrena Feeds sponsored dinner, and the riders watched videos of themselves riding and discussed how to improve with Peter.
The last day of the clinic began with a Lionshare Farms breakfast. The riders then rode in the final training session, where they put together everything they learned. The walked and jumped a course as if it was a show. After that, Brookledge Horse Transportation provided the final lunch.
All who went thank Peter and his staff for organizing and running the clinic, as well as giving everyone great horses to ride. Also, a special thanks to Katie Berney for giving riders the opportunity to ride in the clinic.
