Barn News
Hunters, Jumpers & Equitation
Riders from our barn and others in the Sacramento area recently took part in an informative two-day sport psychology clinic conducted by Tonya Johnston, a Bay Area sport psychology consultant and well-known hunter/jumper rider. The clinic, organized by Kelly, was a benefit for the Murieta Equestrian Center’s West Coast Equine Foundation.
Saturday morning and afternoon, small groups of riders met with Tonya in the cool comfort of Kelly’s living room for lively conversation about our individual goals and what we as riders could do to improve our riding experiences – from the importance of focus, focus, focus to the art of positive visualization.
Sunday, Tonya worked with each group in two-hour under saddle sessions that included flatwork and over fences exercises. Each session began with a discussion of our personal riding goals followed by stretching, breathing and visualization exercises. The remainder of our time was spent working at the trot and canter over poles and low fences, giving each of us the opportunity to apply what we’d learned as Tonya coached from the sidelines.
During each session’s wrap-up, riders expressed their appreciation for the information Tonya had shared and we all left feeling empowered and ready to put our new found knowledge into daily practice. Thanks Tonya!
Welcome to the Barn!
Several new horses have joined the Van Vleck Ranch Team. Congratulations to Danae Evrigenis on the purchase of Vegas from Denise Parker and Kathryn Heath on the purchase of Fuego from Leone Equestrians.
