David’s has returned to Ocala to coach the Florida high performance training sessions this week. The riders are more experienced than last week, but everyone will be returning to basics to build the foundation required to be a competitive part of David’s system moving forward. Once again, the great Max Corcoran is kind enough to send us reports from the training sessions. A million thanks Max and thank you for reading!
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From Max:
David has been non-stop since the beginning of January. From the USEF meeting, straight to 25 and Under in California, straight to 25 and Under in Ocala straight to England for training sessions and the International Eventing Forum, straight back to Ocala for High Performance Spring Training… Many miles.
Yesterday was not the first time David has taught many of these combinations, but it was his first time teaching them as their High Performance Coach. Much of the day was spent talking, reacquainting, and seeing where everyone is in his or her program development, which they began talking about at the annual meeting.
The day started out with Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison – Jon was the only rider to jump yesterday as he is competing on Friday at the Ocala Horse Trails. Jon has been working with David for a few years, but it was the first time David has seen them since Boekelo. Will (Downtown Harrison) looks one year older and stronger this year.
Buck came next on The Apprentice and Park Trader down in the 20×60. David sat on both his horses to “have a feel” which is helpful to be able to further help Buck. He was quite pleased with the horses – they spent a great deal of time talking about the programs – they both are on the same page and speak the same language.
Hannah and Harbour Pilot are no strangers to David – but with David’s travel schedule, he hasn’t seen much of “William” lately. David competed William as a young preliminary horse, so he has a bit of a soft spot for him. The Fair Hill winners looked to be in great form – they also starts their season at Ocala on Friday.
Sinead and Tate (proper name need not apply) finally have made their way to Ocala via chilly New Jersey. Tate looks fantastic after his break. Sinead has grown into a professional with the OCET – Tate (and Sinead) enjoyed having some time with David.
Michael Pollard and Hanni rounded out the morning session. David had a sit on her, again to get to know her better. They worked on suppleness and getting her to let go of her back and be able to lengthen her neck.
Becky Holder and Can’t Fire Me came in just after lunch. Becky’s horses are always very well schooled and Becky is incredibly disciplined. She has been in Ocala for a bit working with Gunnar Ostergard, her long-time dressage coach. David has done some teaching alongside Gunnar, so their communication was great. “Teddy” looks very good.
Lainey rounded out the day – she came with a young preliminary horse named Road Star. We will see Anthony Patch out at the next training session. Laine hasn’t spent much time with David on the ground. They spent much of the time with the young horse working and solidifying basics. These basics can carry on to all the horses she works with, including Al.
Today brings some dressage and some jumping – Marilyn Little will join the group this afternoon with Smoke on the Water and Demeter.
Huge shout out to Justin Showalter and the Meradyth South crew – Justin has taken extreme care in maintaining the rings to give these horses the best footing.
More tomorrow….
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Thursday Afternoon Schedule:
1:15 Becky Holder/Can’t Fire Me (FLAT)
2:00 Lainey Ashker/Road Star (FLAT)
2:45 Marilyn Little/Smoke on the Water (FLAT)
3:30 Marilyn Little/Demeter (FLAT)
Note: If you would like to audit, please make sure to use the back gate 6500 NW 110th Reddick, FL 326886 – for all training session parking and then follow the parking signs. We just ask that everyone is respectful of the lessons and the property. Jumping will be in the ring at the top of the hill and dressage will be down at the bottom of the hill.
