The Jimmy Wofford clinic at Waredaca in Laytonsville, Md., was terrific. Jim occasionally does a beginner novice/training clinic, and this was one of them. His sense of humor is legendary, and this was no exception. Combined with his years of experience teaching and riding, the entire experience was a total package. 

He started off by asking questions about galloping and moved on to the first fence. We were asked to brainstorm about why a fence would be difficult and how to ride it. We were challenged in different ways, all of which gave us insight into what it is like to ride upper-level eventing. Our fences were smaller, and there was less galloping, but, nonetheless, we were made to gallop downhill, jump fences that dropped away and “get an attitude” with our horses when they questioned us. “The riders legs are the horse’s courage” is one of my favorite lines, and I repeat it all the time to myself. 

We were asked to jump a cross rail at the bottom of a mound, land and jump out over another cross rail.  When one of the riders was surprised by her horse landing right in the middle of the mound, she let out a squeal. “Good ride, but what’d you do? Step on a frog?” came the comment from Jim. 

Jim can challenge a rider with an 18-inch fence and make you feel like you just finished Rolex Kentucky, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of happy. When things are not being executed the way they should be, he can let you know we are in a sport that has an edge to it. 

His genuine love of the horse, intuitive teaching style and quirky wit make for a remarkable experience. I would clinic with him again and highly recommend him to anyone who wants to improve their skills cross-country or in the stadium ring. I think any rider, whether you are a hunter/jumper, eventer or just someone looking to improve their riding, can go to a Jim Wofford clinic and come away with valuable skills.