Riders participate in horse-jumping clinic
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
Riders at Riqueza Riding Academy got a treat April 10 and 11 with a show jumping clinic facilitated by Frank Selinger.
The two-day clinic featured one day of skills and technique and then a second day of jumping.
“These clinics generate excitement and renewed interest and vigor,” said Selinger. “Most of the people when you see there will be a clinic start to bear down and work a little harder and apply themselves a little bit more.”
Selinger has been involved in show jumping his entire life. His father, Josef, owns and operates J.E.S. Breeding Farm in Calgary and is credited with bringing the sport of show jumping to Alberta.
Selinger has also won numerous Grand Prix, including the Kubota Cup, and also a bronze medal at the Pan Am World Cup.
He and his wife Selena own and operate St. George’s Stable in Calgary.
The clinic was separated into small groups of beginner and intermediate levels of riders who each got individual attention from Selinger.
The first day was a session of round-schooling and flat work, in preparation to prepare for jumping the next day.
Selinger said the clinic on the first day is like a hockey practice without sticks.
“We are looking for precision and harmony with the horses,” said Selinger. “It’s supposed to be you and the horse riding through a mine field rather than [what] most people do, which is ride with the mine field and the horse against you, which is not going to fly.”
He said what the riders learned on the first day is a lead-in for the jumping portion the next day.
He said jumping for horses is against their nature, and that horses must be able to trust the rider, understand the command and take that leap of faith to complete the jump.
Selinger said that riders at the clinic can’t possibly remember everything that was said, but hopefully they can pick up some pointers visually from what they’ve seen throughout the course of the weekend.
“There is going to be something for each of them, whether it’s to manage the horse better, steer better, get inside the horse’s brain, figure the horse out, find the course of least resistance or be it’s friend,” said Slinger.
“[Being here] for a short time, you can’t lay down a long-term program, but you’re trying to tweak, make little adjustments for everyone, identify some of the problems and give them things to work on.”
Dainelle Pennacchietti, who owns Riqueza Riding Academy, said it means a lot to her to have Selinger come to her farm.
“I’ve known Frank for a number of years and he is the reason I have a facility,” said Pennacchietti. “He’s been my mentor and my coach and supported me. To have him here again and to support me and help my clientele further themselves, is everything.”