The first workshop went smoothly with eight candidates participating.
The candidates who participated in the first workshop are Jodi Jones,
Angela Ridgeway, Joan Williams, Amie Beauregard, Vicki
Matisi, Nellie Martin-Giles, Becky Schaer and Heidi Chote.

The brisk morning started early with a 7:30 registration.  Rachel conducted
a lecture covering some of the material expected to be demonstrated by the
candidates in their session.  After a break with muffins and coffee we all walked
down through the giant redwood trees to the large covered arena for the rides.
We watched the riders one at a time do a brief warm-up on their horse and describe
if the horse had rhythm & regularity, relaxation & looseness, contact, impulsion,
straightness, and collection.

The candidate then needed to address what she would like to attempt to correct
in 20 minutes or so.  Rachel would guide the candidate toward items that would
be achievable in the allowed time.   At the end of the session there was a brief recap.
Lunch was served outside in front of the main barn on large picnic tables.  The sun
shining through the redwoods was a welcome warmth after the shade of the covered arena.
We visited old friends and made new ones over our sandwiches before the trek back
down for more rides.

In all we had sixteen hours of intensive training to prepare us for what will come in
the riding portion of the pre-certification exam. The USDF program is a great way for riders
and trainers to know the nationally recognized standard for Dressage in the United
States.

We are all looking forward to the next workshop May 16,-18 with Rachel Saavedra on
Teaching.  We will be using many demo riders from our local dressage population.  If
anyone is interested in attending as an auditor or demo rider, please contact Joan
Williams at joan@homtech.com.