By Treena Mielke
Despite the chilling temperatures and icy road conditions, horse lovers from around the province travelled to the Double W Riding Academy near Bluffton recently to take part in a clinic instructed by well-known judge and trainer Karen Graham.
Graham, who lives in Arizona, said she came prepared for the cold weather.
“I packed lots of turtlenecks and sweaters, but I haven’t been cold,” she said. “I think it’s very pretty here. I like Canada. The people are so friendly and I think it is beautiful.”
She admitted, however, she did not, nor did she intend to, drive on the icy roads.
Graham has an impressive background in training and judging horses. She has instructed clinics in Germany, Italy and throughout the United States. She is an AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and NSBA (National Snaffle Bit Association) accredited judge and trainer. She serves on the NSBA board of directors and the AQHA Professional Horseman’s show committee.
She specializes in all-round show horses, with many world, reserve world and Congress champions to her credit.
Taking a few minutes to chat during a lunch break Feb. 27, Graham said she is instructing the clinic to provide a fresh insight for the riders.
“Their horses are really nice show horses and the riders are trained and knowledgeable. I am just helping them figure out little problems and helping them to jump start different areas.”
Graham has worked with the riders on events including trail, showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, hunter under saddle and western riding during the two-day clinic.
Tina Walker from Sylvan Lake, who participated in the clinic found the experience to be very helpful. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, there is always something to learn, and this clinic was very informative. I found her (Graham) to be very encouraging. It didn’t matter what level you were at.”
Sixteen-year-old Danielle MacPherson from Sherwood Park, who has been riding since she was four years old and showing horses since she was about seven, also found the clinic helpful.
“She was good at picking out the small details and helping to show you how to make a difference,” she said. “Small details make a big difference.”
Deserie Armstrong, who offers student instruction, horse training and showing for quarter horses and paints, specializing in futurity horses and all around events at the Double W Riding Academy, organized the clinic.
“I wanted a learning experience for the people I teach and for other people from the Quarter Horse and Paint Horse Association,” she said.