Conditioning for Performance and Soundness with Jec Ballou : USDF NEI Event
By: Crystal Forsell
What a Wonderful Weekend!
Our weekend began with a demonstration from Jec Ballou. She showcased some of her foundational principles for her work in-hand. Her preferred piece of tack for in-hand work is a cavesson, which invites the nose out and throat latch open, unlike a halter that can cause downward pressure on the nose. If you do not own a cavesson, she demonstrated how to make a converter from paracord to attach to the halter. She prefers not to use a bridle for in hand work because the bit can cause too much interference.
Each day consisted of three group sessions with 3-4 riders and three private sessions. From an organizer’s point of view, offering group sessions allowed as many people to participate as possible. For auditors, it was fascinating to watch the group of horses handle the exercises in their own ways, addressing their specific challenges. The private sessions allowed Jec to delve into each horse’s particular issues.
The first lesson was in-hand, a lovely way to demonstrate work that can be done when riding is not possible. This is also a great addition to your ridden routine. We had everything from rehab horses to a young horse not yet under saddle. Each horse displayed different movement patterns and habits, showing how these manifested in the horse. We learned several ground exercises to target specific areas, as well as exercises with poles that could seamlessly transition into ridden work.
The common theme throughout the weekend was using patterns and poles to encourage the horse to organize itself. For example, an exercise required the horse to trot or walk up to a cone, make a turn on the forehand, then walk or trot to another cone and do a turn on the haunches. This helped the horse understand the need to organize itself to complete the tasks.
The horses seemed to enjoy the group lessons. Working in the ring together added another level of motivation and comfort.
Throughout all the lessons, work periods were interspersed with different kinds of activities. For example, if we were working on something tedious, after a few repetitions, we would engage in forward, brisk trotting to raise the energy level again. Nothing was ever drilled excessively; we aimed for slight progress followed by a break, even if it meant leaving the exercise for a moment and coming back to it.
Some of the exercises were simple but not always easy! For example, Jec demonstrated teaching the horse to straddle a pole down the midline. This might seem an odd request to the horse, but it greatly aids proprioception. We also asked the horse to step over a pole with its front feet and then back over. Once they understood the concept, we experimented with which foot stepped over first. Some horses definitely had a preference! We also trotted over poles, asking one leg to step over first, noticing patterns, and then breaking them up.
In the private lessons, Jec could really dive into each horse’s specific needs. One horse was rehabbing from kissing spine surgery, so auditors saw her targeted strategy for that, which included specific exercises and a strict schedule for work and rest breaks.
On Sunday, Kelly Jefferson, a Certified Masterson Method Practitioner and Instructor, conducted a demonstration and lecture. Kelly began with an overview of what Masterson Method is and how riders can use it themselves or with a practitioner. She provided practical tips on being more aware in our pre-ride handling and exploring our horse’s range of motion before riding.
She also demonstrated a few Masterson Method techniques that any rider can use to bring some softening and awareness to their horse. This holistic approach beautifully complemented the ridden portion of the clinic.
As we concluded the weekend, we had many requests to bring Jec back. It was a wonderful weekend, filled with camaraderie among riders and many successful rides. I extend my gratitude to CTDS, USDF, Region 9, Kelly Jefferson, Jennifer Riggs and Rolling Ridge Stables, The Dressage Foundation, and all of our volunteers for their donations of skills, time, and funds to make this event possible!
Auditors:
Mary Beth Read
Debbie Sigoloff
Cheri Walls
Patricia D Grein Lambert
Sybil Miller
Laura Boone
Crista Swier
Jean Brandau
Joi Holcomb
Betty Beebe
Jini Berman
Jaime Whitten
Carissa Inzello
Melissa Jesurun
Dianne Martin
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney
Dianne Martin
Ellen Hemm
Kelly Jefferson
Christina Rountree
Cheryl Rowder
Tina Zehnder
Cheri Walls
Kathy Harlan
Riders:
Kara Butler
Jamie Whitney
Kathryn Miller
Katie Gorrell
Marsha Lewis
Julie Bradshaw
Kelly Adame
Lynne Cariker
Katrina Natwick
Nicole Smith
Katrina Natwick
Nicole Smith
Grace Owsley
Margaret Deming
Crystal Forsell
Nicole Smith
Margaret Deming
Sharon Bradshaw
Lynne Smith
Annika Swier