This is a letter from Emmeline Francisco thanking WDAFL for awarding her the education grant for January. She rode in a clinic taught by Greta Wrigley at Shady Stables in Brunswick, GA on January 13, 2024. Emmeline is currently 12 years old, and rides a very sassy Dartmoor pony mare that is 30 years old!
At age three, my love for horses unveiled, but my original fascination in Western Dressage occurred when I moved to my current barn, Shady Oaks Stables, at age six. My actual introduction to Western Dressage began at age seven, and now as a twelve-year-old I find that I continue to learn new things that help me achieve harmony with my wonderful pony, Peasy, in every ride. Receiving the WDAFL Education Grant and riding with clinician Greta Wrigley this past Saturday has helped me work towards my goals as a lifelong equestrienne. Greta has been working with me since I was eight and has encouraged me and helped me progress in my riding.
In my clinic with Greta, she taught me how to effectively use my whip and improve my connection with Peasy through the aids, and I learned how to leg yield from the rail to the centerline by using the forehand turn as a foundation for the movement.
We also worked on perfecting our haunch turns, how to create a more forward and marching walk while keeping our frame, and finally I was taught the difference between the working stride and the lengthened stride in both the jog and lope.
I was very pleased with how the clinic improved both my pony and me. Greta Wrigley is an incredible trainer and has put her mark on my riding and has been instrumental toward helping me reach my goals.
Thank you WDAFL for awarding me the Education Grant.
~ Emmeline Francisco
