This message is from: "Cheryl Beillard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hello all .. this is the first formal notice regarding registration for the above clinic which I'm now deep into organizing. Olaf Nyby, 2nd Level Norwegian Carriage Driving Instructor, is making his first visit to Canada on the May 19-20 weekend and we have room for a total of 12 turnouts to participate in 4 classes each over the 2 days. I have 4 spaces filled (3 fjords, 1 Cdn/QH cross) already - just based on the initial word of mouth advertizing but there are 8 remaining. The cost is $150 Cdn for the 4 sessions which will start with ground driving/long reining techniques, and end with driven dressage, cones and elements of marathon, depending on the level of experience/interest and abilities of the final mix of horses and drivers. Other subjects he will probably touch on include harness fitting (single/multiples), bit selection, use of the whip, starting young horses and of course, correcting insecure/problem horses -- not that there are likely to be any among the fjords! There will be an opportunity for private lessons (one in the am and another in the pm) on Friday, May 18, for those who want to get the basics in hand after the winter, or have a problem they hope to resolve or just want more time with Olaf. >From what I've heard from the organizers in New York of the 2 clinics he gave last year, he's not only terrific with the horses but good with people too .. We will be having a barbecue here the night before for participants - as Olaf wants to meet his students first and have everyone feel comfortable about what they will be doing. He recommends that everyone set a goal in terms of training for the w/e that he will help them achieve. In terms of his background, Olaf's main interest is Combined Drive/Eventing, I gather, but he makes/sells harness, trains up to 50 horses a year at his own stable in Norway (fjords among them) and competes nationally in CDEs with a team of Oldenbergers. I understand he has done apprenticeships at the Royal Mews in England, Sweden and Denmark and that he covers both the theory and history of carriage driving as he instructs. At Cherry Hill, I was told that one of the people who signed up was one of the most seasoned drivers on the US national equestrian team and she was completely sold on Olaf's skill and what she learned in the first half hour! There will be no more than 3 turnouts in the ring at a time, grouped according to level, It's a large arena with good viewing from covered seating overlooking the ring. With a total of 16 classes over the w/e, moving through all phases of training, I think it promises to be a really interesting weekend. There is stabling on the grounds of the really big arena I've booked (near Arnprior, off Hwy 417, about 1/2 hr north of Ottawa) for $25 Cdn/night and I'm hosting some participants here .but can easily find B&B accomodation closer to the clinic itself for others. I'm hoping for as many fjords as possible, as this is a chance to bring together the growing number of owners and breeders in Ontario. But we'd also love to have people attend from Quebec and the upper north/eastern States. Anyone who is interested in participating should contact me ASAP to book a space, (that goes for those of you who have already said you'll attend .. I need written confirmation) as I'm about to start advertising locally and I suspect the classes may fill up quickly .. Ditto for securing a private lesson(s) the day before. I'm hoping for mostly fjords so we can do some breed boosting at the same time! A registration package is available on request and if I haven't emphasized it enough, auditors are welcome, of course, (it's $25/day or $40 for both) so don't feel you have to bring a horse .. it will be a fun and informative way to start the season for everyone. If some of you in Ontario or Quebec is willing to help promote the clinic, I have copies of the flyer which you could post in your local feed/tack store -- that would be most appreciated as this is NOT a money making scheme for me .. I'm organizing this so that I can participate! .. but there is that element of concern that I may get stuck with more of the cost than anticipated ..so any help in advertising it is welcome!
