Sign up for Howdaa's "The Psychology of a Comeback" with Sinead Halpin. Photo by Samantha Clark.
I introduced you to Howdaa, Meg Kep and Dana Romano’s new business venture, earlier this year after I participated in the inaugural Working Student Bootcamp with Sinead Halpin Eventing. Since then, Howdaa has officially launched its website and is about to kick off four different online classes that address topics ranging from the basic principles of dressage to sports psychology. This new online education portal provides live classes, discussions and hands-on opportunities with equine experts and professionals. Here’s a look at what Howdaa is currently offering:
Learn Howdaa be a Working Student — Feb. 15-March 31 — Meg Kep
Meg Kep, head groom for Sinead Halpin, will show potential working students the ropes in this four-week long class that covers barn management, horse health and nutrition, equine first aid and proper grooming techniques for competition. Participants will have their skills assessed by Meg by sending in a video, which she will critique during a live chat. For those interested in being a working student, this class is a must. Click here to sign up for Learn Howdaa be a Working Student. Cost is $125.
The Gaits of Brilliance: Path to the Olympic Podium — Feb. 19 @ 4 p.m. — Robert Dover
How do top riders start out at local schooling shows and eventually find their way to national, international and Olympic stages? Robert Dover will answer those questions in a live chat, during which participants are welcome to ask their own questions. Robert will address seeing the dream, deciding to go after it, failure and embracing it, learning how to succeed and giving back. Click here to sign up for The Gaits of Brilliance: Path to the Olympic Podium. Cost is $30.
The Basic Principles of the Art of Dressage — Feb. 20 @ 4 p.m. — Robert Dover
Some horses are born to do dressage. For other horses, dressage takes hard work, practice and the right foundation. Robert Dover will discuss the dressage basics — forward, straightness, three sets of aids, balance, rhythm, tempo, frame and half-halts — during a live chat in which participants can ask questions. Click here to sign up for The Basic Principles of the Art of Dressage. Cost is $30.
The Psychology of a Comeback — Feb. 26 @ 7:30 p.m. — Sinead Halpin
Many people were stunned when Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville were not named to the 2012 Olympic team. Hear the story from Sinead’s point of view during a live chat as she discusses dealing with the crushing disappointment and making a comeback mere weeks later with an incredible performance at Burghley. Bring your questions about your own struggles with the psychology of competing. Click here to sign up for The Psychology of a Comeback. Cost is $25.
