• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Equestrian Style
      • Riding Style
      • Equestrian Care
    • Books
    • Movies
    • My Life
    • Opinion
  • History
    • Equestrians
    • Breeds
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Travel
    • Trail Rides
    • Trail Rides
    • South America
    • Europe
    • USA
    • International
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Riding
    • Clinic
    • Horse Shows
    • Lessons
    • F#
  • Reviews
    • Books
    • Movies
    • Horse Tack
  • About

An Equestrian Life

Clinic, Horses
/
April 4, 2016

Boyd Martin Clinic at Hunt Club Farms

I am not an eventer at all, but I decided to audit a Boyd Martin clinic because I am actually interested in riding cross country. Not competitively, because I am a still a huge weenie, but it’d be fun to go schooling, or take on some jumps on trails or hunter paces. Why not get my introduction to it from an Olympic rider? Seems like the obvious thing to do! But I was not ready to ride in it yet. I like to put my toe in the pool before I jump in, check out the situation, see what happens at these types of things. I don’t even know what size the jumps are for beginner novice, but I feel like Berry should be consistent at 2’6″ before we do it.

*Note to self – find out heights of jumps as to not sound ignorant.

After a few days of lovely warm weather, the morning of the clinic was bitterly cold and windy. Winter had decided it didn’t make enough of an impact and decided to return. There was even a small bit of snow on the ground. For once, I took this at face value and actually bundled up. But unfortunately, it was still not enough and the cold was a definite deterrent to standing out in a field any longer than the two hours we were there.

The clinic took place at Hunt Club Farms, located in Berryville, Virginia. The facility is gorgeous, and had a lovely lounge where I hung out to get the feeling back in my legs.

Hunt Club Farms

I love that style of wallpaper!

We got goodie bags for auditing. That was a nice perk!

clinic goodie bags

It came with a bunch of products from Effol for both horse and rider, none of which I’ve tried before, so I’m really excited about getting to try these out.

effolproducts

I planned myย day to come see the beginner novice group go, which was the first group. Since I am basically an elderly woman at this point,ย and use mapquest/written directions/my memory of a map, I ended up getting lost on the way there and missed the introduction. But my friend who I convinced to come stand out in the cold with me filled me in. Boyd Martin was introducted, the riders and horses were introduced, and he had them start out in the main arena. They jumped a single, I think for him to get a feel of where they were, and then they moved out to the cross country field.

Hunt Club Farms cross country field is insane. I have never seen so many cross country jumps in the same field. It seemed as though they had at least one of every kind of obstacle, and in some/most cases, had many different sizes, options, and positions of them. It was quite impressive.

Unfortunately, a major downside to the clinic was the wind was so loud, we frequently couldn’t hear Boyd Martin talking. So much of it was watching the gorgeous horses and riders ride wonderfully, and talking with the other auditors. At one point, several of us hid behind a bush to block the wind, and just discussed the pretty horses.

We stayed for the entire beginner novice lesson, and part of the novice lesson. It seemed like Boyd Martin had a general plan he followed for both of the groups.

Clinic Format

Introduction in the riding arena

Riders jumped a few jumps for Boyd Martin to get a feel for their riding.

Introduction to the cross country field

Riders started with a single log, and were then given a course that took them pretty far away from the group over several coops, and then came back around to jump a bench, and a brush jump. I heard him discussing striding with a rider, telling her to get a short 6, but unfortunately I did not understand the context of this.

Banks

We all moved over to a bank complex with a many different options. The group was started by approaching the bank at a walk or a trot and worked on just getting their horse to jump up it. The group did this all in a line, following each other over the jump. Boyd explained that this was the one jump you absolutely cannot be left behind on. It’s extremely important to stay with your horse, and he had them grab mane and hang on for dear life going up. They got one test of trotting up it, and then were told to approach at a slow canter.
bankjump

Then it was time for the down jump. Boyd told everyone the horse is used to upward jumps, and needs to learn to jump downward. Therefore, everyone needed to keep their hands low to emphasize the downward jump.

"I dunno about this... are you sure it's safe?"

“I dunno about this… are you sure it’s safe?”

Once they had done the down jump a few times, Boyd immediately added in other jumps and made a full course. They started with a nearby log, and then an upward bank on the opposite side, the down bank they’d been practicing on, circle back to a different option next to it, and then down the field for some coops/houses. Everyone did well, although a crowd favorite decided the additional jumps were not her thing, but Boyd told the rider to follow another horse and she did fine. Good to know that is an accepted method coming from an Olympic rider.

Ditches

They moved over to a different section to began work on ditches. Everyone did really well on them though, with no visible issues. It was hard to tell though, because this is when we hid behind the bush.

hidingbehindthebush

The ideal stalker style photo.

Again, once the ditch element was introduced, Boyd had everyone add in other jumps to do a course.

Water Complex

Boyd said he likes to start all horses with just walking into the water, so they all went quietly in. Once they were in the water, he wasted no time in telling them to trot out over a small bank.
watercomplex

They all did the trot bank in a line, and then circled back for the return to the water. They all went through it a few times, and then he added in various jumps from the surrounding area. He gave them the option of doing the bigger banks, which several of them took.

After they had all done the course a couple of times, the lesson was over. The hour and a half went by in a flash.

Final Thoughts

Now I want to take one. I was talking to someone from Hunt Club Farms afterward, and I asked her if Boyd Martin would be back next year, because I think I’d be ready then. She told me he’d likely be back later this year, and also he really liked working with green horses, so she was sure I’d still get a great experience from it. I believe the gray was green, and she did great. That is reassuring. Still need to check the heights of BN though….

I really wish I had been able to hear though. It kind of stinks I only heard snippets from the lesson. But the riders all did great, so I think that speaks a lot for the level of instruction.

 

Gallery of pictures below!





Everyone practiced going up the bank in line.

The most stylish possible drop down. That tail is magnificent!








The sassiest of the sassy



Moving on to the ditches.


Boyd Martin demonstrates walking on water.

Trotting up the bank in a line




Such a ladylike drop.



Head on collision!!

They are going for it…

A successful synchronized jump.

This risk taker took on an additional up/down bank during her turn.

and then canters away with dignity.


“My goodness, where did this come from!?”

“We attack from the south.”


Wary of the high option!

“Okay, fine, I’ll go in.”










Share

You May Also Like

September 5, 2017

Barn Plans

December 16, 2015

The Pony’s New Adventure: 90 Days of Training

June 14, 2018

Stubert the Yearling

Previous Post
Fluffy Puppies
Next Post
Flying Lead Changes: The Reckoning
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

Driven by curiosity about everything in the horse world - the history, the breeds, the cultures. Wanting to spend my life seeking adventure with horses. Is this you, too? Let's discover together.

Plan Your Next Riding Adventure

stone bridge with castle in background

All Inclusive Riding Trip in France

horses galloping through an open field in the UK

Valley Trail Riding in England

scenic view of montana from horseback

Ranch Vacation in Montana

horses in a line going through a field in Spain

Dressage Jumping Hacking in Spain

aerial view of polish riding stable for trips

Jumping Training in Poland

Blog Topics

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Travel

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video

Stu is being haunted by the dog he lives with.

Subscribe to My Channel

Equestrian Vlog

Equestrian Vlog Equestrian Vlog

Stu is such a big silly!

Follow Along for equestrian humor

Recent Posts

  • horse sticking its head out of the stall door

    My Trainer Called Me a Weanie

    June 12, 2025
  • horses fighting in a dry lot pasture

    “Should I buy a Horse That Hurt Someone?”

    June 10, 2025
  • stylish equestrian standing next to a chestnut warmblood

    Looking Stylish in the Heat – Summer Riding Shirts

    June 7, 2025

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for clicking them as it helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian ) Don't forget to get photos of yourself! #horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer. #horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates ๐Ÿ˜ญ poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing ๐Ÿ˜‚ 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates ๐Ÿ˜ญ poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing ๐Ÿ˜‚ #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own ๐Ÿ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! ๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿฅน

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own ๐Ÿ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! ๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿฅน

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own ๐Ÿ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! ๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿฅน

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own ๐Ÿ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! ๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿฅน

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own ๐Ÿ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! ๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿฅน

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own ๐Ÿ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! ๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿฅน

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own ๐Ÿ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! ๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿฅน #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
7 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@aneqlife
  • Home
  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.