The Clifton Horse Society held a training clinic with several sessions at Laurel Hill Equestrian Center in Lorton on Sept. 19. Eventing rider, horsemanship trainer and instructor, Michael Alway, co-owner of Viewpoint Equestrian, in Boyce, Va., conducted the clinic at the one of Fairfax County’s few facilities devoted to equestrian exercise.
During a break, Alway shared that for those participating in the sessions, “most are looking to build confidence [of the horse] and connection with the horse; and looking for where their attention should be to improve their shared communication.” This was his first trip to the Lorton ring. He said that driving in, he asked, “Is there really a horse place here?” The south county area has grown from its rural origins to the point that many are surprised to find an equestrian ring tucked amid the housing developments in the suburban park. Now the standing silos are some of the few reminders of the area’s farming past. Alway said he “loves” the arena, which draws area horse owners as a place to exercise, and local trainers for conducting riding lessons.
Clinic participant Miria Salazar who has been with her Percheron-Morgan cross, Darcy, for two years of his seven-year life, says she, “wanted to learn what makes him tick, so we could communicate better to make riding easier and more fun.” Darcy, who Alway chose to work with in demonstrating the exercises in one session, proved a quick learner. Although he was not without his own ideas about the whole process, making his feelings known with a few toothful mouth gestures and bit of frolic bucking.
The Clifton Horse Society periodically holds events at Laurel Hill Equestrian Center and other locations, which can be found listed on their website: cliftonhorsesociety.org. They organize their Clifton Christmas Parade, which this year will be held on Dec. 5.