5/5 ESDCTA Youth Fix-A-Test Clinic at Hidden Creek

Judge/Clinician: Kelly Smaltz, L

On May 5th Hidden Creek held our annual ESDCTA Youth Fix-A-Test Clinic with clinician Kelly Smaltz. Six junior/young riders and two adults from Hidden Creek participated; each rider rode one of their tests in front of Kelly, had a half-hour long lesson, and then rode either the same test or a different one at the end of their ride. Every rider's scores remained consistent or improved with Kelly's help. Here are some highlights of the clinic:

Alexandra Bielinski & Skip, Zip and Zap
Training Level Test 1     
FIRST TEST: 70.417%      SECOND TEST: 72.500%
Alexandra is a new ESDCTA member and will be competing at Starter W/T/C this year. Kelly helped her to use quieter aids with Zip.


Becky Kuc & High Hopes
Training Level Test 3    
 FIRST TEST: 62.400%      SECOND TEST: 66.400%

Becky is bringing four-year-old Harley out at Training Level for the first time this year. Kelly helped Becky to push for a steadier connection and reach to the bridle.


Jessie Kuc & Against All Odds
Beginner Novice Test A     
FIRST TEST: 37.000% (63)      SECOND TEST: 33.500% (66.5)

Jessie and Thunder were preparing to ride Beginner Novice A as part of a Combined Test the following day. Kelly helped her improve the test by keeping Thunder's focus and connection.

Melodie Higgins & Redford's Big Mac
Training Level Test 2         
FIRST TEST: 59.643%       SECOND TEST: 64.286%

Melodie is showing Mac for the first time this year. Kelly helped her develop energy and bend and maintain a steady connection.


Haley Schierwagen & Starlight
First Level Test 3         
FIRST TEST: 59.677%      SECOND TEST: 63.226%

Haley and Starlight are gearing up to move up to First Level this year. Kelly helped Haley improve her position and better use the correct muscles for more effective riding.


Grace Schierwagen & Duncan
First Level Test 1         
FIRST TEST: 55.863%        SECOND TEST: 60.000%

Grace is trying First Level Test 1 for the first time at shows this year. Kelly helped her and Duncan to be more 'first level ready' with a steadier connection and stronger contact on the bit.


Daniella Corrente & Starlight
Training Level Test 1         
FIRST TEST: 59.167%      SECOND TEST: 62.500%

Daniella and Starlight are debuting at Starter W/T/C this year. Kelly helped Daniella develop a more correct "power position", as well as work on energy and bend.

Allison Roecker & I Found Nemo
Intro Tests A & B         
FIRST TEST: 58.750%       SECOND TEST: 58.750%

Allie is a new ESDCTA member planning to compete at Intro this year. Kelly helped her develop a "power position" to better control her opinionated little pony, complete with shoulders back and heels down! She taught her some great exercises to improve her position and control!