Report & Photos from Standards & Ratings Clinic

The Standards and Rating Clinic was held on Sunday Dec. 5th. beginning at 9 am and finishing up around 4 pm. Patti C. has given me the attached write-up and excellent photos:

The Standards and Ratings Clinic put on by the New Jersey Region at USET last weekend was well attended. Groups of Pony Clubbers of every rating level were put through the rating expectations by our local Raters while a running commentary was made by well respected National Examiner BetseyReeves. We learned that being ready for a rating is not solely being able to jump the next fence height. A good rater also must evaluate the rider's basic balanced position and use of aids. We learned how to thoroughly read the written standards not only with regard to ratings, but as a means to improving our instructional program. Ms. Reeves was very positive in her comments, pointing out how accomplished our riders were as well as what they will need to improve upon to make the next rating. All of the horses and ponies that were used for this were beautifully turned out. No small job in this rotten weather. Our D1s did a fabulous job of demonstrating the standard on ponies they had never ridden before. Ms. Reeves pointed out that the NJ Region is very fortunate to have a tremendous number of experienced and talented individuals that we can call upon for instruction. This was clearly demonstrated when Kate B., Corrin C. and Bridgett H. demonstrated the harmony achieved with their beautiful horses in the B and A section.