William Fox-Pitt Clinic

3/12/2024

A Few Gems & Takeaways
From The William Fox-Pitt Clinic

When I heard William Fox-Pitt was coming to our area I knew I had to carve out some time to attend and watch. In early March, he came to Melissa Stubenberg’s beautiful Kealani Farm in West Grove, PA to teach for three days. Riders and auditors were very fortunate to soak in all his knowledge.

Not knowing many of these riders, William started the first day’s session with asking for an introduction from each rider and some history of their horse. He made sure each rider knew they could raise a concern if an exercise or fence height was out of their comfort zone. I believe that is a great sign of a thoughtful and insightful clinician. I was only able to watch the first day but here are some gems William shared.

Warm up to jump with clear intent. Don’t make the horse guess what you are asking.
Have a reaction on how your horse is feeling.
Go forward with transitions. Be straight and then add some bend.
Concentrate on rhythm.
Use a light seat in warm-up. Get up and out of the saddle. Even jump in a light seat to relax the horse.
Have a connection with your rein.
Keep away from the neck.
A bent leg is a strong leg.
A young horse needs to learn to use their legs, so they become a safe horse.
Don’t let your position be compromised just because you are trotting over a pole.
Sometimes we need to deal with the uncomfortable.
Remember to breathe out.

Tuesday’s exercises built upon each other. William started with raised trot and canter poles on a half-circle where the riders were working on maintaining balance and establishing rhythm. He continued to a cross rail where riders had to trot, walk, and then trot again just before the jump. This exercise ensured the horse was truly in front of the rider’s leg and listening.

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