2007 Congress News

Colvin Shares Horsemanship Secrets
By Carly Williams

Michael Colvin presented a demonstration on Thursday, October 18 covering both Horsemanship and Equitation.

Thanks to his consistent results and big wins, Colvin has earned his reputation as a world-class pattern event trainer and instructor. In his clinic, he covered the basics of a Horsemanship/Equitation pattern, as well as released some secrets to help exhibitors get their scores higher.

Colvin pounds the “team” mentality into his students. “You have to work as a team with your horse,” Colvin said. “You have to do your part as the rider, but don’t forget about your horse. Don’t just sit up there and pose; keep your body position and keep your horse’s body position.”

Colvin has also bucked the system and does not believe that practice makes perfect. His motto is that ‘perfect practice makes perfect.’

“If you constantly practice at home with correct body position, it will become second nature to you,” Colvin said. “Your horse will also learn to move correctly while you cue him from the correct position, so that it is not different when you cue him at a horse show than at home.”

Colvin gave numerous excellent tips to all of his attendees, as well as answering many questions on Horsemanship and Equitation in general, as well as the specific Congress patterns.