Dressage, Jumping, Sunshine and Fun! Southern Blues Equestrian Center Combined Training Show McKrell and Christian Baier of Southern Blues Equestrian Center hosted a Combined Training Test show on Saturday, July 31. Participants performed a Dressage test, a stadium jumping course, and an optional outside cross country course. The Baiers decided to host a combined training show to help riders gauge their learning and practice their skills for any type of competition. “We decided to host the combined event to underscore the importance of correct training for all of our students! That is, that the dressage work is essential to the jumping. We feel that a correctly ridden horse can be successful in any discipline- dressage, eventing, hunter, jumper, and equitation. Correct training should not be sacrificed to achieve a ‘stylized’ product,” McKrell said. There was a diverse group of riders of all ages and levels. They performed dressage tests of their choice and the jumping course started at two feet and worked its way up for more experienced riders and horses. The riders who chose to ride the cross country course enjoyed a ride through a rolling pasture over about 6 natural jumps. McKrell and Christian are planning to host combined training events quarterly; the next will, hopefully, take place at the beginning of December. “It is a great way to practice in a show environment,” McKrell said. The shows are not just for Southern Blues’ riders either. “We welcome anyone from outside the barn that would like to join the fun,” McKrell explained. Judy Grayson, from Wellington, FL, was the Judge for the combined training show. Grayson received her Master’s in horsemanship from Meredith Manor. She has immense experience in the Hunter/ Jumper show world as well as in the Western and Dressage arenas. After the riders finished competing Grayson met with each rider individually and went over their scores. She discussed ways to improve in the dressage and jumper ring and also praised the riders for the work they put into their horses. For more information about Southern Blues Equestrian Center and upcoming Combined Tests visit their website: http://www.southernbluesequestrian.com/