Thanks so much to Tracy Ryan for sending in this review of the recent Eventing Academy hosted at True Prospect Farm by Phillip and Evie Dutton. Tracy trains regularly with Steph Rhodes-Bosch and drove up from Maryland with Fine Art aka Fudge and as well as winning the unofficial Most Improved Award, she would probably have taken home the Most Popular Rider Award too if there was such a thing. She won us all over with her enthusiasm, sense of humour and occasional accidental foul language if she messed up, not to mention whispering to the kids while cantering down the long side away from Phillip, “Am I on the right lead?”! And so, I’ll let Tracy take it away…..
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From Tracy:
“I have anxiously waited months for Sunday, June 16, 2013. This date embarked a week at the Phillip Dutton Academy for me and my horse, Fudge, alone, with no children (two daughters ages 7 and 10) and no hubby! We arrived mid-afternoon at True Prospect Farm and greeted by Olivia Dutton, who graciously helped us in getting settled. Informational packets were given to us which detailed all the events of the week.
Monday morning started early for me at the barn. I had to prepare for my One-On-One lesson with Phillip. I was very anxious, yet filled with positive anticipation for our first lesson. Communication with Phillip was prompted with questions for me regarding my riding experience and career. He then asked me to dismount as he wanted to converse with Fudge! I guess their conversation went well as I was then asked to re-mount him. Phillip brilliantly started to educate me on how to communicate with Fudge more effectively. I took mental notes during the entire lesson and quickly wrote everything in my journal upon returning to the barn. As an adult rider and somewhat new to riding, I know I need to have everything in writing. I don’t want to forget anything!
Later in the afternoon, I had another scheduled lesson with Katelin Spurlock, one of Phillip’s assistants. We worked on galloping pace and position, very different from my morning lesson. I truly enjoyed galloping with Fudge on the outdoor track. However, I quickly learned that what I thought was “fast,” was really not fast enough. I wondered if I wrote FASTER in my journal 100 times, would that help increase my speed?
After a very busy day, Phillip and Evie invited all the campers and families to dinner at their home. It was a great evening and I enjoyed socializing with all the campers and their families. I was now getting very excited
for the rest of the week.
I was up bright and early Tuesday morning driving to the barn. I accomplished my early barn responsibilities and then joined the other campers to the Show Jump Ring for a walk about on the stadium course with Phillip. This time, I brought my notebook and pen. An hour later I was riding the course we had walked earlier while getting instructions on how to manipulate Fudge to each jump and jump combination.
Later that afternoon, I was able to ride a dressage test for Katelin. She was very helpful giving me great tips on using the ring to my advantage. She informed me with the best techniques in correcting Fudge in various parts of the ring. Her tips on impressing the Judges complemented the lesson. I returned to the barn, again, jotting down my newly learned information. I felt confident that my next dressage test would show improvements.
At the finish of another trying and tiring day, all the campers gathered in the parking area. We caravanned for a private shopping spree at Bit of Britain. Who doesn’t like to shop!! We were greeted by John Nunn, the owner. He graciously received us and answered all our inquires as he gave us a tour of the On-Line Warehouse. Everyone appeared very happy with all the purchases for themselves and for their horses.
Before heading back to the hotel, I returned to the barn to make sure Fudge was settled for the night.
I awoke early on Wednesday morning, eager to see Fudge and to get him and myself ready for the first day of Cross Country. This exercise was within a small group as Phillip guided us through the rolling hills. We jumped coops, up/down banks, over logs, water, roll tops, ditches, palisades, and much more. Phillip was explicit in explaining each jump in depth as we forged forward. I definitely was pushed out of my comfort zone, yet he gave me confidence in my thinking I could do anything he asked me to do.
I was pleasantly surprised when my husband, Rob, arrived early afternoon to share in my excitement at the Academy.
Lizzie Hoy gave us demonstrations/lessons in braiding as we all gathered in Phillip’s barn during the evening. I found them very informative and will try to implement these new methods at my next event. In addition, The Triple Crown/Southern States gave us lectures regarding feed and nutrition tips for the horses.
Another full day culminated in my journal writings and off to bed for both Fudge and me.
Thursday brought the second day for Cross Country. What can I say or even add to the day before as I was pushed out of my comfort zone. It felt good and I loved it! Fudge accommodated my every move, galloping faster than I thought we could and jumping over everything in our way. Phillip gave me the confidence needed to feel successful.
Our last day arrived too soon! I couldn’t believe all that I have learned in such a short period of time. Today was Derby Day! I was given my team assignment along with the XC course we were to follow. Each phase was timed. The lowest team time would be the winners. My skills and what I had learned all week was now being tested. Phillip personally coached each camper before each phase of the derby events. Everyone cheered each other as we all participated in this great week together. I felt good in how I progressed and advanced each day, as I am sure all the campers felt the same.
What a fantastic week! I am grateful for the new skills I had mastered this time and look forward to adding more next year.
-Tracy Ryan and “Fudge”
