Sports psychologist Tonya Johnston returned to Chestnut Hill for a very successful two-day clinic on July 19 & 20. Trainer Beverly Jovais commented that “the clinic really got riders to improve their ability to focus on what they did right, build on those strengths and establish a mental plan for their next ride - whether that is at home or at a show.”

Over 20 Chestnut Hill riders participated in a fun, challenging and rewarding clinic with veteran trainer and judge, Otis Brown on July 12 and 13.  Divided into four divisions - equitation, ponies, children’s hunters, and adult hunters - each session lasted 90 minutes.  A firm believer that riding is “60% mental, 40% physical” Brown set up courses and exercises designed to keep riders focused on riding the track, the horse’s responsiveness, stride and pace.  Reinforcing his belief that riding is a mental game, Brown left behind a long quote that is now posted in the barn.  The first lines read, “A winner is part of the answer, a loser is part of the problem.  A winner has a program, a loser has an excuse.”  Author, unknown.  

Chestnut Hill trainer Beverly Jovais was profiled in the July issue of Sidelines Magazine, a well-known magazine that is “devoted to the people and personalities that make the horse world exciting.” Each issue, the magazine features prominent trainers in different equestrian sports in a “Five Questions” column. Beverly talks about her move west from the east coast, obtaining her “r” judges license, what to look for when selecting a pony, and her show philosophy. To read the article, copy and paste the url into your browser: http://www.sidelinesnews.com/new/current/5q-horseshow.html