South West		Montana Chapter
PO BOX 10394, Bozeman, MT 59719	(406) 587-4377	lazybow@montanadsl.net

recap - Crossing the Country Clinic, Epona Equine, 07 July 2002, Sunday Twelve riders showed up for this clinic, and Linda Chapman graciously consented to write it up for your edification: This outing with the OPRC, my first, consisted of Connie Sparks and Cyd McClure hosting Jumper Wannabes on the obstacle course at Epona Equine. Several of ‘us’ have done this before, and were here to sharpen our skills under Connie’s generous tutelage. Others of us rode a horse over a jump - intentionally - for the first time on this day. Allegedly, some photos (the ‘before’ shots, which have since mysteriously disappeared) showed me bending my xyphoid process into my diaphragm using only the horn of a Western saddle for leverage. It needs saying that with Connie’s help I improved greatly and really enjoyed the fun.  Alex, the elegant Arabian mare on loan to me, deigned to perform with dignity in spite of my jumping  inexperience. The best part was that nobody laughed until I was genuinely trying to be entertaining. Connie’s course included huge logs, mounds of dirt, creeks to cross, brush to negotiate, and other happy surprises. She gave us individual suggestions for surmounting these obstacles with grace and panache, which every horse and rider ultimately achieved (at least the panache part). I’m new to the area, so I really appreciated the outgoing friendliness and comraderie of the OPRC. I am not much of a ‘joiner’ but the mutual support and acceptance of the women (and man) made this day a treat for me. I’m eager for the next outing, which will be the Cow Clinic.                                                                                                                      ---Linda Chapman

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