ACTHA Monthly | May 2015 | 12
Continued from Page 11
Ride Host Spotlight
On these rides riders cross the Verde River multiple times in a canyon that has 200 foot sheer walls, huge cottonwood trees, beaver, blue heron, Indian ruins and petro glyphs. A very special place to ride!
On Monday, Memorial Day Carole and Gary have teamed up to do an AOC with ACTHA ride host “Bethany’s Gait”. This is a major fund raiser for their rescue and Veteran’s Riding Program. Besides the AOC there will be a used tack sale, raffles and food.
For Carole and Gary the question of how to provide constructive feedback to riders was the reason for creating the “Feedback Clinics”. The three hour clinic format is quite simple; 12 students, 4 judges and 4 obstacles. They use very basic ACTHA obstacles. One rider performs the obstacle and self-critiques, the next two riders on deck verbally critique, and finally the judge critiques the first rider. This takes about 15 minutes. The next 30 minutes allows 10 minutes for each student to utilize comments, to redo the obstacle 4-5 times with continuous feedback and support. Each group of 3 students rotates to the next obstacle at 45 minute intervals. It is very rewarding for all to see the “light bulb” turn on. Part of the clinic includes having well qualified riders so that new riders can see what a “10” looks like.
very basic ACTHA obstacles. One rider performs the obstacle and self-critiques, the next two riders on deck verbally critique, and finally the judge critiques the first rider. This takes about 15 minutes. The next 30 minutes allows 10 minutes for each student to utilize comments, to redo the obstacle 4-5 times with continuous feedback and support. Each group of 3 students rotates to the next obstacle at 45 minute intervals. It is very rewarding for all to see the “light bulb” turn on. Part of the clinic includes having well qualified riders so that new riders can see what a “10” looks like.
According to Carole and Gary, “hands down, we have the best support crew in ACTHA”. Their judging crew includes an ACTHA sponsor/clinician, a college level equine instructor and several Parelli students, all with substantial horsemanship credentials and experience. Their scribes, starters and
Arizona
Ride host Gary Wilder enjoying the Arizona views