34JamesR34
I stayed about 25 miles away and commuted to the farm for two training sessions per day for three days. I wanted to do a beginners jumping clinic which the owner, Karen Orloff, tailored for me.The horse, Tori, was a small mare having a very smooth trot and easy to get into a canter. Each afternoon I had an hour private lesson with Karen and then at 6:00 PM I joined a group jumping class. Karen first evaluated my riding level then we moved on to practicing the two point position. The first jumping class went well but I was not happy with my performance. Karen was present to see how I did. The next day she showed me the jump technique she called "Feel and Release" and then everything clicked. I did much better in the second jump class and even began to work on a flying lead change after the set of three in-line jumps. On the final day we focused on the Feel and Release technique and also instigating Tori to get the desired lead going into the jump. We finished up with a laid back trail ride.Karen is a top notch instructor and my objectives for the clinic were actually exceeded by adding the flying lead change. Finally I have a jump technique to work on. I tried to tip Karen as I left and had to do quite a bit of persuading in order to get her to accept it, so I also rate Karen's integrity as very high. When in the area and if I can fit it in, I will always go back to ride at Peaceful Valley Equestrian at Harveys lake, PA.