October 30, 2010  Dressage Camp Victoria Farm
I was thrilled to get out to a “horsey” event this fall. Having 2 kids playing soccer in the fall means not much time for horse events so this year I decided to treat myself to the Dressage Camp.  My horse is a 10 YO QH Mare who raced and won Delta Downs as a 2 yo and after that a barrel racer.  I have been riding her for about 3 years but due to old racing injuries I haven’t been able to do too much.  I am happy to say she is finally 100% sound and now I am able to get serious with her re-training.
 I was so excited to have Corey DeMala give me my first lesson at the camp. I had some lessons with Corey in the past and always liked her methods and was excited to re-connect with her.   Corey is very experienced with re-trains and understands exactly what needs to be done… which is mainly balancing both me and my mare and getting her to accept more “leg”.  Race horses generally feel that leg means run like crazy… so, the concept that leg means something else is a new idea for them and Corey “gets” how to help me to do that… The lesson was a good one and I will continue taking more lessons from her as soon as “soccer “ slows down. 
 My second lesson at the camp was with Beth Sproule Hansen. I liked her lesson a lot.    Her lesson was very different from Corey’s but still focusing on relaxing my mare and making her round. We did get some round moments in there even though she got a bit hot after cantering.  Thank you Beth.
I appreciated the high level of knowledge of both instructors.    I was very impressed that even though I am working very basic things with my horse both instructors took the lesson seriously and were both able to help me on a very basic level and I thank them both for that!  I was also very thankful to the club members for all being so friendly and open to me as a “newby “ to the club.  I had a great day and hope to do it again next year!!
Laura Ashtyani  & Cheyenne