Column Horse of the Quarter: John By Ally Bitgood
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he Ronald C. Waranch Equestrian Center has been the hub of SCAD’s Equestrian program since 2005. Behind the ivy-wreathed pillars and whitewashed fences nearly 70 horses call the stables home. Wander down the left aisle of the original barn and you’ll meet a tall, bay gelding named John. He’ll probably be standing at the back of his stall, watching the world outside his open window with attentive ears and bright eyes. John is one of the sweetest horses in the barn and he’s been getting lots of attention this quarter. He’s well loved between team members who ride him for lessons and members of the Equestrian Studies program. The love people have for John extends from everyday team lessons to ride classes like Dressage: Self-carriage. John is a naturally nervous horse and while his mentality impeded his performances in the show world he’s been a valuable addition to SCAD. “I’m always extraordinarily happy to come to the arena when I know John will be in class,” says Kelly Theisen, the department chairman of Equestrian Studies.
Equestrian Studies Professor Lauren Klehm adds that John struggled with ground pole exercises when he first arrived, partly because of his conformation. Horses are all built differently, just like humans, and the overall build of each horse is called conformation. John has a long neck that’s set high on his withers, a long back, and a large shoulder. Therefore, it’s difficult for him to use his body correctly. Add this to his anxiety, and most attempts to bring John over poles ended with him rushing and becoming stiff as his riders tried prevent him from leaping over all the poles. John has improved greatly since coming to SCAD, despite his personal challenges. He’s more relaxed now than when he first arrived and has become more trusting of his riders. He’s more at ease while being ridden and more likely to allow his rider to guide him correctly through exercises. This also helps his riders gain confidence and learn from him as much as they learn from the human instructors. John teaches riders to be light in their hands and depend on their seat and leg to ask for proper connection. Now, in Klehm’s ride classes, John is able to do advanced pole work. Some exercises encourage transitions (moving from one gait to another, or between tempos within a gait,) between the poles to help both horse and rider balance.
Above: John stands in the warm up ring at a SCAD home show. Photo Credit Giana Terranova
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