Texas Riders Sing Ralph's Praises

Ralph recently gave a clinic in Texas, and the riders are over the top describing their experiences.  Here's a quote from one of the riders in a Chronicle of the Horse forum discussion. 

"HOT DANG!!!!"

The clinic was absolutely AMAZING!!!! He instilled confidence in every horse and rider. I took my young horse not knowing what to expect and came away amazed at my horses ability!

More comments from the Texas clinic can be found here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=295355


Also, if you have a facebook account, here are some great photos someone posted from the clinic:
https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48603&id=120013558048942

Get ready to rock and roll in May with the "King of Rolex" as MN ex-pat Leslie Locke so wonderfully coined in her Texas clinic entry form!!!

All systems GO!

Thanks to everyone who applied to the Ralph Hill Training Series!  We are a "GO" for all training sessions this year (see previous posts for dates and specifics).  If you applied to the program, you should have received an email from Jen Johnson confirming your entry status for the program.  Ralph is excited to meet those of you he's not met yet, and to continue working with those he has.  

Riders: If you have anything you'd like the organizers or Ralph to know prior to the May session, please let us know asap with an email to:  RalphHillMN@gmail.com

Watch this blog for an upcoming "homework" request from Ralph for you to do prior to the May 7-8 session at Trophy Hill.  Then get ready to blow some cobwebs out and get down to business improving our riding and our horses!!!

See you soon!

Applications now available

The application can be downloaded from CSDEA's website or from the TCCT List files and documents page (Copy and paste entire link in your browser bar if needed.)

It can also be found here: Application (pdf)

Please read the application in its entirety before submission as incomplete applications will not be accepted. Many questions can be answered on this blog's new FAQs page.  If you have other questions, please email the organizers at ralphhillmn@gmail.com
Thanks, and we look forward to receiving your application!

Welcome from the organizers!

On behalf of Liz, Jane & myself, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2011 Rider Development Program with Ralph Hill.  Please check back to this blog often for updates, news, rider application information and, once the series is underway, ride times and other important information for clinic participants and auditors.  You can sign up to get an email every time we update the site, so you don't miss out on any important information.

We will be bringing Ralph back to Minnesota (and Wisconsin) for a 4-clinic series during the spring and summer of 2011.  Groups will be small - 2 to 3 riders per session.  Prioroty will be given to former clinic participants and riders in active competition.  We will post the formal application process once it is open.  We are pleased to announce the following dates, venues & clinic emphasis:

May 7 & 8: Trophy Hill Farm (Cologne, MN) owned by Katy & David Holub, managed by Liz Lund. Emphasis: Grids, stadium, sharpening up after a winter indoors.  Using the spacious indoor and brightly colored show jumps, expect an intense tune up.  We will also be using the water complex with banks and limited cross country, weather permitting.

June 11 & 12: Wildwood Equestrian Center (Osseo, MN) owned by Julie Stenslie.  Emphasis: Cross Country.  Wildwood Equestrian Center has XC jumps from BBN to Prelim with water, ditches and banks available for all levels.  If weather dictates, will work on stadium in spacious indoor arena.  Wildwood owns several Jump For Joy stadium fences - get your horses used to these new fences that are becoming ever popular at the horse trials.

August 6 & 7: Focused Riding Center (Hager City, WI) owned by Jane Braddock.  Emphasis: Ever wanted to do a long format?  Now's your chance to learn from one of the best!  This clinic will focus on how to successfully condition for and ride all 4 phases - roads & tracks, steeplechase and true cross country.  Will include sessions on the 10-minute box. 

Sept 10 & 11: Magister Equitum Stables (Hector, MN) owned by the Schweiss Family.  Emphasis: Cross Country and Stadium - final wrap up to cement those lessons learned before the final run of shows for the season.  This clinic is being held at one of MN's new eventing facilities between their 2 recognized shows.  Had a problem at the July show?  School the question with Ralph to prepare for the October effort.  Beautiful, new cross country designed by John Williams. 

Questions?  Please feel free to contact one of us by clicking on our names: Liz Lund, Jane Braddock, Jen Johnson.  Or, better yet, get us all at once with our clinic-specific email RalphHillMN@gmail.com

Ralph teaching Emma James & Jen Johnson, former clinic participants, in 2010.