Jonathan Bradford, Owner and Trainer
RECENT NEWS
Unfortunately, our schedule has had us so busy, updating Recent News has been taken down a few notches on the priority list. We had a fantastic clinic with Holly Hugo Vidal, moved to a new facility, have added new members to our family, and much much more!! We will do our best to update whenever possible.
In the meantime, we did have a great Red White and Blue Classic at Blenheim San Juan Capistrano at the beginning of July! Reserve Champion in the Green Conformation Division, very respectable ribbons in a competitive Amatuer Owner Division, and 8th out of 26 in the Hunter Derby! Looking forward to the next show we attend at Blenheim.
Tami and Classique aka Parker at Red White and Blue July 2011
In the meantime, we did have a great Red White and Blue Classic at Blenheim San Juan Capistrano at the beginning of July! Reserve Champion in the Green Conformation Division, very respectable ribbons in a competitive Amatuer Owner Division, and 8th out of 26 in the Hunter Derby! Looking forward to the next show we attend at Blenheim.
Tami and Classique aka Parker at Red White and Blue July 2011
The late Victor Hugo Vidal had a great influence over my life and how I approach certain aspects of my training and horsemanship. Since Victor's passing, his former wife, Holly Hugo-Vidal and I have become email pen pals of sorts, emailing one another from time to time, exchanging pictures of Victor that we may come across. In speaking to her recently, I have been fortunate enough to arrange a very special event that Granite Hill Farms will host at our home barn, Ranch at the Falls.
Holly Hugo-Vidal will be holding a clinic for us here, May 21st and May 22nd
It has been quite some time since Holly has held a clinic in California, which makes it quite special. That particular weekend is the weekend before we attend the Memorial Day Classic, and the weekend before herself and her own horses attend the Devon Horse Show back east. The timing makes it a perfect schooling for us before such a big show, the weather will definitely be on our side during that time of year, and being one of the only free weekends Holly has especially before she herself heads to Devon truly makes this an honor.
A brief Bio on Holly
Holly Hugo-Vidal is originally from the east coast, growing up in WestchesterCounty, New York, mainly Bedford Village, where she lived for many years. It was during this time when she had the opportunity to train with the legendary horseman (and current USET Chief D'Equipe) George H. Morris, who has remained a strong influence throughout her professional career, as well as writing the forward for her book. Rodney Jenkins, another legendary figure known as one of the most naturally gifted riders (hunters and jumpers) of all time also played an important role in Holly’s life. His influence of always putting the well being of the horse first as well as his tremendous understanding of horses is always with her. Another strong influence was former husband, Victor Hugo-Vidal, with whom she ran the successful show barn, Cedar Lodge Farm in Stamford, Connecticut. Victor's great teaching aptitude along with Rodney's unique riding ability and George Morris' dedication and high standards all contribute to the methods used by Holly today.
Many of Holly's methods and exercises are very evident in one of her many books, "Build Confidence Over Fences''. Holly specializes in hunters and equitation and works with juniors and adults, with the main requirement being a love for horses and learning.
Holding a registered judge's license in the hunter and hunter seat equitation divisions, she has judged many horse shows and given clinics all across this country as well as Panama and New Zealand.
Holly gives clinics, judges and writes for several magazines, including Practical Horseman and a monthly column in the Equine Journal.
From Holly herself:
“I strongly believe in the adage that form follows function.," Holly explains. "Therefore the first thing I discuss in my clinics is basic position. Without a solid base of support a rider will not only be out of balance but also will be unable to influence her or his horse in a positive way and will be giving mixed signals. The rider with a solid base of support will be able to use their aids independently. Therefore I review each rider's position before we even begin. At the same time I check the tack, as well as polo wraps or boots for correctness. My purpose is to give the riders the tools to be more proficient and confident.
On the first day we work on exercises to strengthen or confirm each rider's position on the flat, doing longitudinal work consisting of upward and downward transitions as well as lengthening and shortening. Riders are also coached in lateral work, consisting of bending exercises, based on each rider's level of experience. Riders work on "shoulder-in" and "shoulder-out" during these exercises. Riders will then move through a set of gymnastics, starting with a cross rail 18 feet to a vertical, 21 feet to an oxer. This is followed with a session working with single jumps, concentrating on rhythm, tracking and each rider's position. Instruction on flying changes follows with the use of several exercises that have proven extremely beneficial. (I devote an entire chapter in my book to flying changes.) On the second day I review the riders' positions and then we go on to jump single fences and lines, incorporating the flat work absorbed the day before.
My approach, although honest, is positive. I like to add to a rider's knowledge without making too many changes or being too critical. If a rider goes away feeling that she has learned something and that she had a good time, I feel that my clinic was a success.
And of course, every clinic will always include “Hints from Holly” a soon to be published book that includes helpful hints such as
Tips on the importance of turnout
Tips at the in-gate
Discussion on which comes first - horse or rider?
The rider's build versus talent?
Information - can you have too much?
Help with "the rules of horsemanship
Details will come soon, such as pricing and stall pricing for those of you outside our facility that would like to attend for the weekend, but we will be offering groups of all levels from Beginner to Advanced (answering everyone's first question), so for now, just save the date!!
Congratulations to Alivia and her Small Pony Hunter "You Go Girl" for having a fantastic 2010.
Champion LAHJA Pony Equitation
Champion LAHJA Small Pony Hunter
Champion Region 1 Small Pony Hunter
Champion Region 1 Pony Equitation
Champion PCHA Small Pony Hunter Division A
Champion PCHA Pony Equitation Division A
Champion Zone 10 Small Pony Hunter
We were happy to be a small part of your success, but with 2010 being the year with a lot of changes for you, no one should take any credit except you and your family. Congrats on all the hard work!
Congratulations to Tami Thosath and her 6 year old Holsteiner Classique for a very successful 2010 in the Modified Hunters. Its never easy bringing along a young one from the very beginning, and it can surely test a rider's patience. You have done a great job and we look forward to moving both of you up to the 3'6'' Division in 2011.
Congratulations to Barb White on her two kids getting engaged and set to marry in 2011! We are always thrilled to see our clients celebrate the exciting changes in their lives.
Congratulations to our dear friend Linda Tiano on her engagement. We miss you so much but we are happy knowing that New York is treating you the way you deserve to be treated.
Congratulations to Breanna Smith's family for welcoming a new baby boy into this world. I will start setting aside any extra mens riding clothes and show clothes for when he is ready, just in case :)
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