Riders Anne McFarland, Fairfax; Jeanne Hechmer, Fairfax Station; Kim Cook, Woodbridge; and Sarah McClaflin, Leesburg receive course instructions from Melissa Smith. Photo by Susan Laume/The Connection
The Clifton Horse Society, a 300+ member group, sponsored a full day event at Laurel Hill Equestrian Center in Lorton, on July 24. Participants had an opportunity to practice handling through obstacles under the direction of Melissa Smith, Clinician, for the relatively new sport of Working Equitation. In the sport, first recognized in 1996, riders compete in four trials: dressage, ease of handling, speed and cow (a group event). The Clifton group offered the seminar as one of several opportunities to promote camaraderie among horse enthusiasts.