I brought Pip to Tempel Farms for the Conrad Schumacher clinic May 4-6.  Conrad was able to carefully prepare us for the upcoming Silverwood show where we are to do our first Brentina Cup Qualifier.  He kept us in the comfort zone, and gave us some very useful exercises to carefully improve the piaffe and passage work.  He stressed the importance of keeping Pip in the comfort zone, so he stays very confidant in his work.  This is because the championships (in mid June) is too soon to really make any more improvements.  But in one year Pip should be a very good Grand Prix horse.  All in all, he was confidant that we would do well in our qualifier.

The Lilo Fore clinic was a blast!  I rode Jamaal, an 18+h Percheron, who did a terrific job.  Lilo helped us improve the canter and flying changes.  She says that the changes now need to be a part of his daily routine.  We were able to get some good, clean, and on the aids flying changes!

We were back again at the beautiful Lola Raye Stables for the Gary Rockwell Clinic.  This time the horses I rode were Pip, and Jamaal.  Jamaal is a 7 year old, 18h, Percheron gelding.  Gary was able to help me improve his canter and give me exercises to use to help create some more suspension in the gait, so someday we can do great flying changes!  With Pip, we were able to show the progress we’ve made since the last clinic.  Gary really helped me get a hold of the Passage, and Pip tried so hard.  We ended the clinic with our very fist Grand Prix half pass, the dreaded 3-6-6-6-3 canter zig-zag, and, we did it!

Clinics with Conrad are always enjoyable.  The focus of this clinic was the Piaffe and Passage.  Pip and I were able to think more about “Trot” in the Piaffe, which helped with rhythm and regularity, and Conrad helped a little on the ground to get the Passage more elevated.  We also came home with some very useful exercises to help with the transitions.

The Lars Petersen clinic went very well.  He thought that Pip may do quite well in the Brentina Cup competition, so it was good to hear that we are on the right track!  Anakin was a star, and did his very first flying changes!

The Gary Rockwell Clinic, held at Lola Raye Stables in Richmond Illinois, was a complete success!  Pip was very good and we were able to get straighter and more through.  Anakin also came along for his first outing, and first trip away from Silverwood Farms.  Anakin was a star, and nicknamed “Pip Junior” by Gary.  The hospitality was outstanding at the beautiful Lola Raye, and we look forward to attending future events there!  Some video was taken and I may post some clips later when I have time.

Welcome to Amanda Johnson Dressage LLC!

Amanda Johnson is a dressage instructor, rider and clinician.  This website is underconstruction so check back often for updates!