Blackberry Ridge Clinics

FARM | TRACY & DEBBIE | TONY | TEAM BRF

As early as 2nd Quarter 2008, we are hoping to schedule our Open House. This event is being planned now to provide the best opportunity to showcase our facility, horses and team, and may include clinicians to represent multiple disciplines and seminars of interest.

Once our Open House is complete we plan to develop and schedule clinicians of interest in a variety of disciplines for our own and interested parties' continued education and development.

We hope you will check back with us often to see what we have planned.

DRESSAGE: A nationally & internationally recognized equestrian sport, dressage is the basis for ALL disciplines.Dressage's fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless.

Progressive levels start at Introductory and go to 4th level at USDF (nationally) and from Prix St. Georges through Grand Prix at FEI (Federation Equestrie Internationale).

Photo (right) courtesy JHDT & Paula Chmura Photography.

COMBINED DRIVING: An internationally recognized competition where horses compete in one, two, or four-horse teams, pulling appropriately designed light carriages or carts. They are expected to perform three sections of competition: an arena-based "dressage" class where precision and control are emphasized; a cross-country "marathon" section that emphasizes fitness and endurance; and, a "stadium" or "cones" obstacle course.

Part of the challenge of combined driving is that the drivers may only communicate to their horses using their hands and voice.

EVENTING: An equestrian event comprising dressage, cross-country and show-jumping. This event has its roots as a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding. It has two main formats, the one day event (ODE) and the three day event (3DE). It has previously been known as Militaire, Horse Trials, and Combined Training.

IN HAND: A term used to describe a type of horse show class where horses are shown "in hand," meaning that they are led, not ridden, and are judged on their conformation and suitability as breeding stock. Depending on breed and geographic region, such events may be called Halter, In-Hand, Breeding, or Conformation classes.

HUNTER / JUMPERS

INSPECTION PREPAREDNESS

GROOMING & BRAIDING

If you have questions about Blackberry Ridge Farm, our horses or services, please contact us at 423.234.2005; RIDSTALLIONS@GMAIL.COM.