F&I Association Annual Course January 2011

Adam Kemp FBHS gave us two days of clear, systematic training at our annual two-day course. With 12 sessions each day he certainly had plenty to do – and we had plenty to watch and discuss.

Horses ranged from Novice to Small Tour and highlights for me included watching Adam work with Sue Pimbley on the start of passage and half-steps (Sue was thrilled with the two days and progress made). Becky Monk’s new young horse was a super ball of energy with good natural balance and Adam ensured all basics were good and in place. A horse to watch for the future.

Young horses with Carol Bennitt and Jenny Ward were of very high quality and it was evident that early training had been correct and progressive. Justine Sole’s work was outstandingly correct and thoughtful and pleasing to watch. Finally, Lizzel Winter gave us all a treat with her Inter 1 horse who shows a lot of ability at this level; Adam was always keen to ensure the horse was on the aid with excellent reactions, and their work on day two on the tempi changes and piaffe/passage was exemplary.

All members were clearly pleased with their progress and the excellent training received from Adam. Spectators on day two particularly were also able to discuss each horse with Adam, assessing its current strengths and weaknesses, its relationship with its rider, and Adam’s training strategies for that horse and rider.

Many thanks to Adam for two wonderful days of training. We all look forward to next year!