TheHorseStudio.com has joined Willowview Hill Farm International to sponsor a series of evening clinics, to be hosted by Grand Prix trainers Tina Hammond and Paul Alvin-Smith in Millbrook, NY, beginning March 15, 2010. The new series entitled “Just Ride” will focus on the rider beginning their dressage career.

“Our aim with this series is to provide a solid and correct foundation for riders from the start of their dressage careers. All ages are welcome. Paul and I will be riding four horses, at various stages of development and talent. We’ll share with the audience the methods with which we address training under saddle on both young horses and the retraining mount. We’ll cover the ups and downs, common faults and shared anxieties that a rider can face with a young horse,” says Willowview Hill Farm International trainer, Tina Hammond.

TheHorseStudio.com will provide refreshments for the auditors and during intermission will provide a Trunk Sale, where the very latest high tech riding apparel and horse accessories will be showcased. President of TheHorseStudio.com, Paul Alvin-Smith notes, “We are always looking for ways to give back to our customers and while we’ve usually sponsored two-day clinic events, these evening clinics are very well received too. I’m surprised more people don’t offer them. They are extremely popular in Europe. I guess they are well attended because folks can finish their work day and kick back and enjoy the clinic and network with other horse lovers without missing students’ lessons, work schedules or halt show preparations during the season. It’s a lot of fun. I love taking part. You never quite know what your horse is going to be feeling like when you begin. The unpredictability provides some good fun for the auditors for sure. Real time issues crop up, and for the rider overcoming fears and ‘just riding’ is paramount. I think when people see that no matter how wonderful a horse goes, he has his moments and it’s how you handle those moments that counts, it gives them confidence. No one is perfect and this type of event brings people together.”

This is the first in a three part series. Look for the second “Just Ride” clinic in April to be hosted by FEI coach Greta Kemmer, which will encompass jumping and dressage. The third clinic is yet to be announced.