Lessons, Clinics & Biomechanics Assessments with Colleen Kelly

The science of Rider Biomechanists  analyzes, tests and improves balance, co-ordination and timing of the rider, e.g.:

u  assessing what is putting the horse on the forehand

u  testing and improvement for falling in & cutting corners

u  analyzing why the horse slows down for speed sports like eventing and games

u  improve the independent seat so the rider can give light, imperceptible aids

u  assess imbalances between the left and right sides

u  improve specific rider issues such as sitting trot, stiller legs, better hands, and knowledge of correct aids for advanced movements, jumping or vaulting

After receiving a remarkable 100% in her Official Dressage Judge's Exam, Colleen is a "Rule Book Specialist" with her ability to get riders to follow the Official Rules for Rider Seat & Position to maximize the marks riders are able to obtain in the rider mark, achieve that standard of excellence with the 10's we saw at Beijing Olympics, and improve balance, harmony and confidence in dressage, jumping and vaulting.

 Children and Young Riders 

"Hi Colleen, Thanks so much for the wonderful lesson you gave Kirralee on Saturday, she really got a lot out of it. It was just amazing to see what you could get out of her and Ammo, she just loves riding and learning more about the finer points. I hope one day you might see her at a major event, it is what she longs to do... Please come back to Mudgee when you return to Australia. Kindest regards Narelle Martin"

Teaching young riders requires special understanding, skill and loads of experience.  Although Colleen is famous for her work with Olympians, Paralympians and World Champions in dressage, jumping, eventing and vaulting, Colleen has great skill & understanding in the various ways children learn.  Colleen has the ability to get even the most nervous junior to relax and have fun while building young rider's confidence with emphasis on safety principals.

  Can 't come to a clinic?  

   

  Arranging a clinic

Anyone can arrange a clinic, and you are encouraged to email us to see how we can help you, and when we might already be in your area.

 

► First Evening (Normally Fri):  The clinic starts at 7:00pm with a lecture similar to those in the classrooms at Equitana or Equine Affaire.   Suitable for young riders through to teaching professionals, there is a range of topics to chose from.  A great introduction to the clinic.  All welcome.  $20 for outsiders (cost included in full clinic fees for riders).   All you need is:

ü  An indoor hall (club house, scout hall etc) see minimum numbers below

ü  Laptop, powerpoint, screen & projector (and a technical person to initially put it together)

ü  Person at the door to take names and payments

► Day One (Normally Sat):  The clinic proper starts at 9:00am the following morning and lessons go until lunchtime when the lessons stop for a wonderful ridden demonstration.  Lessons then recommence for the remainder of the day according to the lesson timetable.  All  welcome to spectate and/or watch demo $20 for the whole day spectating.  Demo included in full clinic fees for riders.  All you need is:

ü  An indoor arena

ü  Demo rider & horse for lunchtime demo

ü  Person at the door to take names and payments

► Day Two (Normally Sun):  Similar to Day One, except Day two's lunchtime session is an wonderful dismounted workshop ideal for young riders through to coaching professionals.  Again, everyone is welcome, even if unable to attend the rest of the clinic.  $20 for the whole day spectating including workshop.  Workshop included in full clinic fees for riders.  Chairs are the only things needed for spectators/attendees for the workshop.

 What times do lessons start - how long? 

You are requested to arrange lessons according to the lesson timetable

 I'm not that fit!   My horse isn't fit...

There is a big difference between a lesson and a clinic.  Lessons are normally weekly training sessions in which both horse and rider are worked to their maximum fitness level and often perform movements again and again to gain a standard of excellence.

Clinics are all about packing as much theory and learning, into a session and gaining a higher level of understanding of the philosophy behind the movement or rider position.  Therefore at least some of the lesson will be at halt while we discuss theory, or while we test and assess your balance and posture.   So long as you can sit in a saddle for 45 mins, then you're fit enough.   We will totally adjust to your level, and fitness and injury are assessed on your insurance waiver that you print out and bring with you.

 Lessons Fees

Clinic Fees*
Event	Type of Lesson	Cost *	Includes
Full Clinic
	Private Lessons	$570	-  two private lessons per day (4 total). Value $580 -  evening lecture & 2 lunchtime sessions. Value $60 -  video of all your lessons.  Value $100
	Semi Private (2 riders in lesson)	$350 each	-  two semi private lessons/day (4 total).  Value $360 -  evening lecture & 2 lunchtime sessions.  Value $60 -  video of all your lessons.  Value $100
	Shared Lessons (3 riders)	$270 each	-  two shared lessons per day (4 total).  Value $280 -  evening lecture & 2 lunchtime sessions.  Value $60 -  video of all your lessons.   Value $100
Spectators/Auditors		$20 per day	includes lunchtime session that day
Evening Theory Lecture		$20	included in full clinic price for riders
Lunchtime Sessions		$20 each	included in full clinic price for riders
Single Lessons	One single private lesson	$145	Lesson only - lectures, theory and video extra
	One single semi-private lesson	$90 each	Lesson only - lectures, theory and video extra
	One single shared Lesson	$70 each	Lesson only - lectures, theory and video extra

  *Extra Costs - Riders

► Arena fee, parking or booking fee may apply at some venues

► Stabling, camping, canteen fees are not included in lesson prices

   Minimum Numbers - Transport & Accommodation

► You only need 4 riders to fill a clinic if they are all taking private lessons over 2 days, however riders are welcome to select private, semi-private (2 riders) or shared lessons (3 riders) or individual single lessons.

► If you can get a minimum of 30 paying spectators for the weekend (in addition to riders) for example 20 at the evening lecture and 5 spectators each day, then no transport or travel costs will be charged.  Should you not be able to arrange spectators to attend, travel fees may be payable, however please email us as we may be already in your area, or may be able to split travelling costs between two clinics.

► You will need to supply accommodation for 2 people.  We are happy to stay with riders or owners to help save the costs of providing hotels.  Simple meals, tea, coffee and drinks need to be provided by the venue for Colleen and assistant/videographer  throughout the event.

"I just wanted to say thanks again for the fantastic lesson my 11 year old daughter Brooke had with you down at Wynnum. You are just amazing Colleen... Brooke had the most enjoyable lesson and what's even better she remembers everything you said and showed her. It is your magic way of teaching and relating to the individual horse and rider that really makes a difference. I saw this happen as the lady before my daughter was doing some high level dressage and then you had to come back to basics for Brooke but you treated each of us with respect. It was also a great surprise to see you had signed the CD it was a lovely thought. Once again thank you for the great work you do and we are privileged to have had the opportunity to meet you and can't wait till the next time you are close by. " Regards Tracey Pontaks

 Video Filming

No private video filming is permitted

We film all biomechanics assessments on the ground & lessons on the horse so riders can have a record of their riding to refer back to and to compare for years to come.  We film with understanding and sensitivity to personal issues. 

Here is what is available:

► Your riding lesson at your clinic.  Includes your dismounted biomechanics assessment, and ridden lesson.  $25.00 per rider per lesson (lesson videos are free if you are paying for a full clinic).

► The evening theory lecture.  2.5 hours of invaluable theory, techniques and information.  Suitable for younger riders, coaches and judges.   $25.00 for the video.

► Workshop/ridden lunchtime demonstrations.  See how riders affect engagement, on the forehand, crookedness, flexion & bend. How to test jumping position & if riders are in front of the movement, behind, or sideways. Amazing techniques for shoulder in & half pass - even for beginners!  How to stop a bolting dangerous horse (or control the pirouette!).  Teaching emergency dismounts.    Video $25.00 for each session.

 Payment & Cancellations  - Strict conditions apply

Payments must be fully completed a minimum 1 month before the clinic, so if you are unable to collect monies in advance and have to cancel, we still have time to schedule another clinic on those dates.

 

Organisers are asked to collect fees from their riders and forward in one lump sum to avoid confusion.  We also ask that you forward a list of all payments received, and lesson names and times - see  lesson timetable

 

 Insurance Waivers for Riders

All riders must sign a waiver BEFORE MOUNTING and before entering the arena or have their guardian sign if they are under 18 years. 

  Fundraising for your club or barn

Our record is raising $7,000 for a club in ONE EVENING!   Simply ask local businesses to donate auction items and auction them at the evening theory lecture.  Raffles, silent auctions, canteen monies or adding an arena fee on top of lesson fees can all help with fundraising for your club or venue.

 Frequently Asked Questions: 

Indoor Arena    Due to possible inclement weather, or excessive heat, or cold, an indoor arena is requested.

Helmet & safety equipment    Due to insurance reasons, all riders, regardless of the standard, and regardless of the horse sport, must wear an approved safety standard helmet with strap correctly fitted.  Please check with your local Federation or Pony Club to ensure you have the current approval number clearly showing in your helmet.  Proper riding boots (not "running shoes" with thick tread now often sold by Ariat and similar companies) are mandatory.  You are eliminated in Official Competition of you are not wearing gloves due to injury to fingers and hands, and therefore gloves are also mandatory safety equipment.  A back protector, surcingle, breastplate & boots are normal standard jumping equipment on Olympic riders.

Illegal bits and equipment    Illegal bits and equipment are RIFE in this industry.  Colleen was the Head Gear Checker for the National Championships, and therefore has a good knowledge of legal equipment, and is happy to help and advise.  We are happy to work with children and beginners, and understand the confusion in the industry.  However it very easy to check for yourself on the  Official Rules to see what is legal and illegal. 

Dear Colleen, I just wanted to write to you to say a huge thank you!!! The lesson I had with you today has certainly sparked some big light bulbs for me and I can't wait to put it all into practice. The way my horse Eclipse was going was just a dream come true and to think it is all so easy - when you know how. I really appreciated your easy to understand and straight to the point way of teaching. The home work sheet is also really helpful. Its so nice to have a lesson with someone who is able to teach some of the best riders around but can still cater just as well for someone like little old me! I am still tingling to think my little horse (okay she's not so little but she is still so young - rising four) was going so nicely.  I still feel like my back is about three inches taller!  So thanks again for making the trip south, especially as you were so sick recently. It was much appreciated. Can't wait to see you again.  Merry Durkin and "Eclipse"

Should you ride in illegal equipment such as running-reins, draw-reins, chambons and the rider or horse had an accident or caused harm to others such as spectators, the coach who advised or allowed that equipment to be used would absolutely be negligent.

Should evidence of cruel practices (such as tail tendon-cutting, use of leg chains, use of a serata), or any saddlery or equipment that puts a horse in any form of discomfort (such as ill fitting equipment and super tight nosebands), or covers pain or lameness by the use of drugs - you will be refused a lesson.  Please check the Official Rules, and if in any confusion, we are happy to help you chose safe and kind equipment...but please email us in advance for advice.

Green horse -vs- experienced horse?    It is best to bring your quieter more experienced horse so we can focus on you, and you can relax and be at your best.

How many lessons should I have?   We really notice the difference between those who have 1 lesson only and those who have a lesson every day.  Make the most of this remarkable opportunity while you can!

Bring a helper!     If you can bring a helper with you to briefly hold the horse, before you mount, Colleen is then able to do a posture assessment and analysis on the ground using testing methods and video analysis.

Please don't just leave!   Clinics go from 9:00am until approximately 5:00pm.  You should plan to make the most of the rare times when Colleen can visit your venue.  Please plan to stay for the remainder of the day to watch, listen and learn and take notes.   Ideal for coaches and 'parents who help'.

Excessive heat - or ice & snow    Our state government recently brought into law that "all commercial horse activities must cease when the temperature goes over 38C (100 F)".  We support any legislation which promotes health and welfare of the horse, and therefore lessons may be delayed until the temperature drops to a safe level for horses and riders. 

An earlier start or evening lessons are recommended if excessive heat is expected.

A later start is recommended if ice/snow or dangerous driving conditions are forecast.

 Promoting your event

To gain the most from your fundraising, you need to promote the event as much as possible.   See how one remote club raised THOUSANDS of DOLLARS!

Here's some tips.  We can make up an advertisement, or you can make your own for distribution to:

ü Facebook, Twitter, Linked In etc.
ü Saddlery & produce stores
ü Newspaper article (we can provide photos) and sample article
ü Windshield wipers at horse shows
ü Farriers, vets, massage people that travel in the local area
ü Your email list
ü Pony Clubs in the area to promote your fundraiser
ü Dressage Clubs, Eventing & Jumping Clubs, Adult Riding, RDA
ü Internet forums for your area
ü Registered coaches
ü Agistment & riding centers