Now for the Member Spotlight that we have all been waiting for! (drum roll please)

The Darlings of the 1st Lightness Tournament: The Fabulous Family!

Camryn & Bria McGrath, with their Mother, Debra Whitman

“Such an amazing journey from where we started with the Fjords leaning heavy on the bit, to how light they are now! First, I would teach the horses how to do things by lessoning with Manuel , and then teach the girls.” Debra Whitman

Camryn, age: 11

Her horse is Ulla, an 8 year old Fjord. She has had so many adventures with Ulla! She has ridden her in pony camp, trail rides, dressage shows, gymkanahs, clinics, Lightness Tournament, and a fourth of july parade as part of a team pulling a wagon .

Ulla didn’t start out so easy. She was started by Debra very easily. She never bucked and had no apparent problems with basic walk trot and canter. Seemingly for no obvious reason she started bolting; which is very rare for a Fjord. Debra had originally purchased the Fjords because they have been known to be so consistent and safe for her daughters. She began to think that she would have to get rid of Ulla. About that same time, she met and started learning lightness techniques from Manuel Trigo. She isn’t sure what specifically addressed the issue of bolting, but the ground driving and riding exercises seemed to increase communication and discipline that may have been lacking. With time and training trust returned and she became confident enough to allow Camryn to start riding Ulla.
Ulla’s training went well and she became very responsive. So responsive that when Camryn began riding her she often got unexpected responses from small miscues of weight and rein. When riding in pony camp lessons Camryn would find herself doing shoulder in or a half pass by mistake. So, when other kids were just riding around the arena, Ulla and Camryn were doing lateral moves. Ulla learned that sometimes work would be finished if a difficult or new exercise was performed well. This occasionally led to her offering a move like Spanish walk as if to say “how about I do this and we be done”.

Bria, age: 9

Her horse is Bynara, and she is called “B” for short. She is a 14 ½ y/o pure bred Fjord. Originally, Debra started working in lightness for “B”, because she was so heavy. She would allow you to carry her huge head and tended to go where she pleased . Without gloves your fingers would be raw from holding the reins. Lightness exercises have transformed her. Now she is easily cued by weight and leg. Bria’s preferred riding style is with no reins, and arms out like wings in a canter. “B” is a drafty Fjord, who has the biggest heart and most beautiful eye . She is the star performer that won, with Bria, the highest score in the Lightness Level 1 Tournament last August! She has done better with riding in lightness than anyone had ever dreamed!

Debra (Mother):

Debra does not have a specific thing that she has to accomplish. Goals can be tricky . Many times we think, “I will/can be happy when I accomplish this or that specific thing. She states, “Just what we are doing right now is beautiful, and what I have always dreamed of doing. I so enjoy the process of learning, riding and teaching my daughters. This is such a gift. Thanks to Manuel! We are enjoying this endeavor right now so much.”
Two years ago, Debra added another horse to her family. Her main horse is now an Andulusian mare. Salsa is 4 years old. No formal arena training. Salsa has started with the lightness training. She hasn’t had much training time. Her goal for this summer is to get her ready for Level 1 at the Lightness Tournament this August

Bria’s advice to other young riders:

“If you are a young rider, and are having trouble with your horse doing what you want, do not blame it on the horse! You are confusing your horse. The horse has to learn your leg, and your weight, and the cues from your leg are different than a grownups leg. The horse has to get to know you. You are different than someone else that may ride your horse.”