Clagett HorseSports

WHAT I DO:  Performance Development-- I work with riders and their horses to evaluate, deconstruct issues hindering performance and rebuild on a biomechanically solid foundation to give them a highly effective platform for improved performance and longevity through my broad background and decades of problem-solving experience.  Simply put, I teach and train all levels of amateurs and professionals and their horses; help them avoid and fix problems through correct work.  Whether your goal is to compete or have a fun, safe time with your horse like many riders do, does not matter as long as you have a true desire to learn and build your relationship with your horse.  If, later you decide you want to compete or try something new, we can navigate towards what interests you, but it is not a requirement.

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LESSONS: There is always room for improvement; always something new to learn.  Intentionally or not, every time you ride, you are training your horse to travel a certain way.  Everything about the way you ride affects your horse and your effectiveness as a part of the partnership you have together.  The good thing about that is, if you learn to control your seat, it is a much easier way to ride.  If you have been at the same level for a while-- any level-- or constantly struggle with the same problems, there are issues that need formal trouble-shooting.  Riding with an incorrect seat further ingrains problems that cause discomfort, insecurity, reduced confidence and miscommunication between horse and rider (see the Conditioning Timetable and excerpt from my article Having a Fit in the boxes at right).  The better your riding, the more you can focus on enjoying your horse and the things you do together. There are multiple approaches toward achieving that depending on how each rider/horse combination learns best.  I work together as a team with my clients to help them develop the knowledge and experience needed to work independently with their horses between lessons. Specific to each individual client and their horse's developmental state, and their goals, training can address among other things:

• Acquiring a solid foundation from which to progress;

• Body imbalances;

• Riding more confidently, safer & reducing chance of injuries;

• Increasing flexibility & range of motion;

• Developing clearer & intentional communication with your horse;

• Learning how your body influences your horse's actions & how to harness that knowledge;

• Understanding the progression of the training scale;

• Learning & appropriately utilizing exercises & movements to develop yourself & your horse;

• If competing, learn what judges want in tests & how to improve your scores;

• Developing strategies for dealing with limitations;

• Horse management & development for better health & riding longevity.

All of these things hinge on riding ability and your horse's current biomechanical state.  Dressage is much like physical therapy.  Through its methods, existing problems are specifically identified and improved.  Through its methods, problems are avoided and not created altogether.  This is why it is the base of training for all disciplines.  I work with riders and their own or horses they have leased at their locations (I currently do not have boarding space available at my own farm) which must have a suitable training area with good footing and equipment (ground poles, jumps, cones, lettered Dressage markers, etc.) as necessary.  Lessons are taught in either private, semi-private or group form.  Riders must be capable of caring for, tacking/untacking and controlling their horses themselves, and remain focused and follow instructions for the duration of the lesson.  Their horses must be sound and fit enough for the type and level of riding taught.  If your horse is not currently fit, a fitness program can be designed around your goals.  All students are required to wear an ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet, boots and gloves, and any other gear as may be necessary.  I work with all levels of amateurs and professionals.  If you are interested in discussing training for yourself or your horse, please contact me.

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TRAINING:  As stated above, your performance depends upon your horse's performance.  To enjoy and grow in riding, compatibility of horse and rider in skill level and personality are very important.  Mismatching is counter-productive and generally a safety hazard.  Training takes time because the horse's body has to physically adapt to its increasing demands-- right down to cellular level and tasks like growing new capillaries (see the Conditioning Timetable and excerpt from my article Having a Fit in the boxes at right).  This requires a layering process where certain elements must be developed first before others are built upon them in a particular order.  Pre-existing issues take time to deconstruct and any damage caused by them requires a mitigation and support strategy to advance toward better health and performance.  Here are some points on how redevelopment can translate to better riding results:

• Correcting bad biomechanics reduces the probability of accidents & injuries;

• Increased focus on your surroundings or task at hand due to decreased need to correct your horse's movement;

• Better maintenance of balance;

• Better endurance;

• Greater responsiveness & maneuverability;

• Better attitude from less discomfort & being better prepared to handle riding demands;

• Increased range of motion & reduced limitations;

• Provides a proper foundation from which your horse can grow into what he or she is best suited for;

• Overall healthier & longer riding lifetime.

Training and redevelopment is a process, but well worth it for your horse and yourself.  Depending upon the degree and type of issue, sometimes it can require a team approach in coordination with osteopaths, vets and farriers, but most of all, always the owner.  Often feed and management changes are necessary and owners must be willing to participate in the process by ensuring that any such changes are understood and adhered to for the best outcome.  Likewise, if you do not know how to maintain correct movement, I recommend fully participating through training for yourself, as well.  If you would like to discuss your horse's evaluation & redevelopment, finishing or showing, please contact me. Please Note: I do not work with un-started, dangerous or debilitated horses.

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CAMPAIGNING:  The Washington, DC Metropolitan Area is a very active horse area.  During any given week, there are many competitions and games of all types and levels to compete in. 

Owners can have various reasons for campaigning horses, whether they want to do it themselves or have a professional do so.  Some of them are:

• Giving their horses more experience/finishing their training;

• Improving performance between the owner's showing seasons;

• Promoting their horses for sale;

• Improving or creating a showing reputation for sale or future breeding purposes;

• For the joy of seeing their horses compete at their full potential;

• Transitioning an older horse who needs to step down from intense work & find a new career while they are still capable of doing something else.

Campaigning is another level of training which requires a bigger commitment.  If you want to do well-- which does not necessarily mean winning, but rather being your best under given circumstances-- there are the added elements of schedules, shipping logistics, rules, pre- and post-meet care, entries, award programs, weather, to name a few.  It is a greater commitment for a trainer, as well, who is either there to support a client or campaigning a client's horse.  If you would like to discuss campaigning your horse, please contact me.