On the weekend of November 11 and 12 I had a big decision to make. I was invited by the United States Olympic Committee to join the Paralympic Equestrians at a training camp in Alabama. The USOC would be paying for everything, sounds good right? Well, that same weekend I was accepted to participate in the USDF Junior/Young Riders clinic with Debbie McDonald, along with seven other girls.
Picking Debbie was an easy decision. The clinic was held in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the beautiful Dynamite Dressage facility. When we first arrived, the horses were put away and we got to know Debbie and all the other girls. The next day we were up bright and early to ride and watch the other girls take their lessons. Even watching was an amazing learning experience.
Debbie was a supportive, precise, wonderful teacher, and very easy to talk to. Lunch was provided for all the riders, and Debbie ate lunch with us, so we got to know her a little better. At the end of the day, we went into a question and answer session with Debbie, in which we were to come prepared with three questions each. The auditors were welcomed to come and ask questions as well. Most of the riders asked specific questions about their rides and things they could do to improve, however we were also welcomed to ask questions about Debbie. Debbie explained everything in great detail.
On the last day, Sunday, we all had our lessons, and many of us got autographs and pictures with Debbie. Meeting and training with Debbie was a wonderful, memorable experience for me. It was also fun to participate in a clinic with so many other riders in my age group. This clinic was fun, and I learned a lot. It was a very good choice! |
