Report from Northern Training Day, Myerscough – with Judy Harvey FBHS 

As we have come to expect, Judy Harvey delivered an excellent day. Horses varied from 4 year olds just starting out, to two horses moving into Advanced Medium and working on changes.

The International Arena at Myerscough is indeed a fantastic setting. I had done a deal with the College that we could use the school in return for their equine staff attending the day. This arrangement worked well and helped keep the participant costs down.

Judy concentrated on the basics and “round and down” was the order of the day for warming up. With the 4 year old horse Judy emphasised that the horse must go off the leg with much less effort from the rider. Straightness was stressed throughout the other sessions and a simple comment to ride the changes more forward helped a lot. Judy’s real strength above other dressage trainers lies in the fact that she is also a rider trainer. It was refreshing to hear her correcting riders, and no one was exempt from her eagle eye, including the two F and I members who rode!

The audience was very much involved – although many commented that they had no need to ask questions as Judy was so clear! As usual though it was a pity that only 4 members of the F and I Association were able to attend – however those who made it thoroughly enjoyed their day. Thank you Judy, and thank you Myerscough!

30th October 2008 (report from Sue Pimbley)