Iris Woltman (WY)
My week at Kirsi Hussa’s with Centaur Sporthorses was an incredible adventure that went well beyond just riding lessons.
Every morning I'd wake up early to help with the daily horse chores – feeding, graining, and cleaning the stalls of the horses in Kirsi's care. It was hard work, but it was also a great way to bond with the horses and learn about their individual personalities. I helped Kirsi tack up and load her training horses in the trailer to haul to the local arena. Kirsi entrusted me to ride a few of them, which was amazing. Each horse had its own unique quirks and challenges, and I loved figuring out how to work with them. It helped me expand my horse toolbox.
Watching Kirsi ride was very beneficial. She'd explain what she was doing and why, and I was constantly amazed by her expertise and patience. Kirsi had trained with some of the best in the industry, and it showed in her teaching style. I'd often leave the barn feeling mentally exhausted but exhilarated – my brain was always absorbing new information.
When it came to my riding lessons, Kirsi focused on dressage, and we started with the basics. But what really made a difference was the groundwork (classical French flexions) we did with Killarney's bridle. Kirsi taught me how to introduce the bit gradually, and it was amazing to see Killarney's jaw soften over time. When we got under saddle, Killarney's whole demeanor changed – she was more relaxed, and her poll was softer. It was incredible to see the connection between the groundwork and our rides.
As the week went on, we dove deeper into dressage. I learned about counter-bend, which was a total game-changer for me. I never realized how much my elbow position and hand placement could affect Killarney's movement.
Kirsi's guidance was invaluable, and I started to feel like Killarney and I were working together seamlessly. Kirsi also helped me adjust my position in the saddle, using resistance bands to improve the proprioception of my heels while riding.
The real test came when we entered a show just a week after finishing our training. I was nervous, but Killarney was calm and confident. I applied what I'd learned with Kirsi, and we placed in the top spots in our classes. It was an incredible feeling to know that all the hard work had paid off.
I'm so grateful to Kirsi for her patience and expertise—she's not just an amazing instructor but also a wonderful person who truly cares about her students and horses. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to return in June and spend another five days with Kirsi and Killarney, further refining our skills and deepening our partnership.
