Clinic Report: Joe Meyer clinic in Pipersville, PA

Helene Gallagher submits this glowing review and photo essay of a clinic with New Zealand eventer and Olympian Joe Meyer. Thanks, Helene!

From Helene:

Recently, Ocala-based eventer Joe Meyer left sunny Florida to travel to the cooler climate of Pennsylvania for an all-day clinic on Saturday, March 24. A wide range of riders, from beginners to advanced, came to the clinic which was held at Shawn Justice’s Groveland Farms in Pipersville, PA.

A few participants were just getting their horses back into work, but the majority of the attendees were focused on getting a professional jump start to their competition prep for the upcoming season. To this end, the energetic 2008 NZ Olympian did not disappoint. Joe spent from early morning to late afternoon schooling what seemed like an endless parade of horses and riders. He spent personal time with each student, asking about their horse’s strengths and shortcomings. He was friendly, patient and engaging, and eager to help if anyone had a particular issue they wanted his advice on. Clearly, Joe is an interpersonal instructor who encourages lots of communication. Not content to sit on the sidelines, Joe was in the ring the majority of the time, up close and personal, and even got on one mount who was being particularly fiesty.

It was plain to see that Joe has a knack for effectively assisting riders of varying skill levels. He made beginners feel at ease and gain confidence while also challenging advanced riders. Joe realizes that not every rider has the free time, flexibility or funds to come to Florida to train in cold winter months, so he solves that problem by coming to them. He said, “It’s exciting when you teach someone something new and it really makes a difference in their riding. They develop their confidence and then build on that. It’s very rewarding to me.”

In addition to enjoying his role as a traveling clinician, Joe is passionate about his new home at Starfinder Farm in Ocala. His main focus for 2012 is to build a new team of horses for competition, as well as develop relationships with new owners and expand his client base. You can read more about this charismatic Kiwi on his website.

Eventer Joe Meyer leading a clinic at Groveland Farms.

Virginia Ahlers & her 20-year-old TB mare Grace handle their course with ease.

Joe stressing the importance of rhythm and balance between horse and rider with Molly Bye.

Jaclyn Grant rode her 4-year-old TB Finch, who was the equine baby of the bunch.

Emily Brooks Monsen's horse Keough was a crowd favorite.

Morgan Collito of Painted Dreams Farm in Wrightstown, PA, enjoyed the clinic with her horse Orion.

Joe focusing on Anna Smith of Huntingdon Valley, PA and her horse Sir August Rush.

Riley Gallagher and her horse Dakota work on their jumping skills.

Joe riding Jill Luken's spirited horse Harbor.