Almonte Training Camp Offers Information and Opportunity for Para-Dressage Athletes on High Performance Pathway

The Equestrian Canada (EC) Para-Dressage Training Camp, held May 13-15, 2018 in Almonte, ON, featured live feedback on test riding from FEI 5* Para-Dressage Judge, Sara Rodger (GBR) and EC Para-Dressage High Performance Technical Leader, Clive Milkins.
L to R: JoAnne Chevalier, Sarah Rodger, Nathalie Desrosiers, Sophie Lehoux
Photo Credit: © EC/Jamie-Ann Goodfellow

Rodger, who has over two decades of experience as an FEI Para-Dressage Judge, believes that events like the Para-Dressage Training Camp are essential competition training because they provide insight into the judge’s mind.

“There’s no point going down the centre line if you don’t know what the judge wants to see,” said Rodger. “This is an ideal opportunity to talk to the judge and listen to comments so that riders can go, ‘I’ve got to ride clear transitions, ride straight down the centre line, and I’ll pick up marks. If I cut the corner or ride a square circle, I’ll lose marks.’ So, you can learn an awful lot about how to pick up the marks and improve your score.”

Rodger’s observations helped the participating athletes determine what they need to put more thought and training towards at home in order to improve their test riding.

“When you come to these events, judges are critical for a purpose: they want to see the best out of you,” said Jason Surnoski, a Grade II athlete from Whitby, ON, who also competed at ODF. “When I am riding, my horse tends to lean and curl in. Sarah got me to get him up, and that’s what I took from the training camp to make myself better. Being a therapeutic rider or just riding on your own, you don’t always get that knowledge or encouragement.”

The training camp was not only valuable for seasoned competitors like Scott and Surnoski, but also for athletes in the beginning stages of their high performance careers.

“We’re just starting in para-dressage, and it’s been a great experience,” said Sophie Lehoux of Rosemère, QC, who is a Grade V classified athlete. “Everybody was great, the place was amazing, and we’re really happy that we decided to come. How the team put everything together was great for the horse and the athletes.”

Each day, athletes rode FEI para-dressage tests and received feedback on their performance from Rodger and Milkins. In the afternoon, theory sessions provided an opportunity for in-depth analysis of what makes a good technical performance.
Photo Credit: © EC/Caroline Soble

Susan Allen, who owns Willaway Farm, was pleased to see the athletes capitalize on Rodger and Milkin’s expertise to help move them forward in their para-dressage careers.

“It has been amazing to watch people learning from these spectacular coaches,” said Allen. “To be able to be the host farm for this has been such an honour and a pleasure, and we’re really looking forward to the next time.”

Willaway Farm provided a warm and welcoming environment for the Para-Dressage Training Camp.
Back Row (L to R): Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, Catherine Bridges, Aaron Kadis, Joanne Lochhead, Pauline Lochhead, Elfie Henley, Diana Andrews, Sophie Lehoux, Nathalie Desrosiers, Clive Milkins, Kim Scott, Emma Marler, Jennifer Hardy, Jason Surnoski, Kendra Flynn-Stronach , JoAnne Chevalier
Front Row (L to R): Jody Schloss, Sarah Rodger, Robyn Andrews
Photo Credit: © EC/Christine Peters

In addition to three days of invaluable insight, athletes left with Golden Horseshoe products generously donated by Wecan Sales.

“It was a really, really good three days,” concluded Milkins. “We ramped the pressure up testing people’s knowledge, but at no point have the horses been stressed or tired. The venue has been fantastic, and the support from EC and its funding partners has been great. Onwards and upwards!”

EC would like to thank all participants, as well as the presenters, volunteers, and horse owners. The training camp would not have been possible with the time, energy and support of these many individuals. EC would also like to give a special thanks to Allen and the Willaway Farm staff for providing such a warm welcome to their beautiful facilities, and to Kerstin Blaeske, who donated the use of her horse, Kahlua for both the training camp and ODF.

For more information on Para-Equestrian sport in Canada, visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/para-equestrian.

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Personne-ressource de CE pour les médias :
Jessie Christie
jchristie@equestrian.ca