Back at the end of October I got the chance to do a Landsafe clinic. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since Jen (Cob Jockey) and Olivia (DIY Horse Ownership) wrote about their experiences on their blogs. I randomly looked up the clinic schedule in the middle of October and saw an opening at a location a few hours from me and signed up.
The clinic was held at an eventing barn with the most gorgeous indoor I’ve ever been in at a private barn. I was the only hunter/equitation rider of the group, although we did have a polo player and a dressage rider as well. I found it particularly cool that one family did it all together with their two young daughters.
A lot of day one is doing techniques on gym mats that then you put into use on the mechanical pony. Then of course day two builds on day one with a bit of mat work again followed by some more difficult moves on the mechanical horse.
I was quite thankful not to be too sore after day one, really just some stiffness in my neck from a time where I didn’t tuck my chin effectively. When I got up the morning after the second day though, yikes I was sore all over. A lot of the moves really have you using your core and arms to push off your hands and tuck and roll. Full body workout!
I think one of the biggest things I got out of the clinic was from Danny’s talk at the end when he also showed us videos of various eventers (including Danny himself and some other famous names) using the techniques in their falls. It suddenly became very clear to me that my goal is to protect what’s most important (my head/neck) and worrying about your limbs is just not a priority. As someone who has broken an arm in three places and a collarbone in two I tend to focus my fear on those areas of my body, but if you aren’t alive or able to feed yourself what is the point? Danny also said that despite the arms up and braced position, very few people have arm injuries in a fall by using their method. I think that has a lot to do with the shape you take with this method.
Overall, I felt a lot more confident after doing this clinic and would love to go back and do the second level to learn more. Keli and Danny are great people and are doing such awesome work for rider safety. They have created a program that is both fun and educational and I would recommend it to anyone.
I have heard about these clinics and am interested in participating at some point. Sounds like great info to learn and practice. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the clinic.
These clinics are awesome. So glad you got to do one
I want to do one of these so badly! After my fall on my head this summer, it was clear to me that I am not good at landing. There are instances when I know I am coming off, and I just wait to see what hits first. Not a good strategy.
I’m glad to hear you feel more confident after the workshop!
Definitely check out their website, and you can always email Keli. I know they have plans to go back out west at some point. Next year if I remember right. Yeah it’s really helpful to have a plan for how to fall and also to understand what you can do with your body to minimize injuries. Message me if you have any questions, happy to discuss. 🙂
This is very high on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing the experience! They come to NJ every year and I’m always away when they’re here. Boooo!
Hopefully it works out for you to do it next time. I’m really hoping to do level 2 next year. The more practice the better!