PRINCETON – Cornerstone Ranch was on a spree of equestrian activities during a three-day riding clinic last month with instruction from Ron McLoughlin of the Classical Stock Seat School in Arizona.
“We love hosting clinics, because in this area it is difficult to find riders who ride classic stock benches or know any of Foreman’s methods, so we love spreading our knowledge and hope to reach more of the equine community over the coming years,” said Julia Connell, who teaches classes in She rides, organizes and leads trail tours, and works on Dodds Lane’s ranch owned by her mother, Susan Connell.
McLoughlin, who travels all the way to Massachusetts from Arizona to attend the annual clinic, has been hosted on the farm for eight years. Susan Connell grew up riding the same styles with Monte Foreman, and knew McLoughlin as a little girl.
“In 2010, we found out that Ron was working in clinics at a facility in New Hampshire, so we went there a few times for rides, and then we started bringing Ron to Princeton for clinics,” Julia Connell said.
This year they had 14 passengers at the clinic, which was held from May 13 to 15. Participants ride about six hours a day, and when they’re not riding, McLoughlin holds classes where they “discuss the importance of good and correct equipment, care and care, the equipment and methods we use and why we use them, what ‘classic riding’ means, and the importance of balance and a correct seat,” said Julia Connell.
Her mother said they hold the annual clinic “as part of our commitment to be good riders and horses.”
“As part of the learning and bonding routine, we usually go out to eat on Friday night, which is the first day at the clinic, and Saturday is dinner available on the farm,” said Susan Connell.
On a Friday night outing, they decided to travel by horse and wagon for dinner and drinks at Lilac Hedge Farm in neighboring Rutland. Three chariots and three teams of horses brought everyone to the famous local brewery and restaurant.
“With gas prices soaring and a celebration of our great land, we can do something very energy conscious,” Susan Connell said of the inspiration behind the mode of transportation.
“It was such a fun time taking everyone to dinner with ice cream in the carts, and the clinic was so good for everyone,” she said. “The involvement of the students and staff over the three days was a complete success, and by Sunday, the last day at the clinic, I felt everywhere the time I spent together brought all the riders closer to each other and to the horses. It was the ultimate team building, and the horses benefited from take off.”
For Julia Connell, being a part of McLaughlin Clinics is no stranger to her, as she has traveled to Arizona by herself several times to study with him.
“She loves clinics,” her mother said. “It’s always a pleasure to see Julia inspired by Ron and his teachings having taken the time to get instructions and guidance.”
Julia Connell said they “always have a line of jockeys” who participate in the farm-hosted clinics.
“Some riders are beginners while others are more advanced,” she said. “Every year we have a lot of consistent students and resisters, but we also welcome newcomers to learn the systems we use and learn how to improve our riding skills to improve the quality of life for our horses.”
She went on to say that this year “they’ve had spectators coming all the way from Connecticut, because they also feel it’s hard to find use of these methods in the New England area.”
“We focus less on competition, and always put the horse first.”
Besides private and group riding lessons for all levels, Cornerstone offers year-round horse-drawn ranch tours, guided trail rides, ice cream during the warmer months, sleigh rides with hot chocolate and s’mores in the winter, workshops, birthday parties and picnics groups and more.
“We look forward to putting everything we learned and discussed in the clinic into practice,” said Julia Connell. “We are very busy with the lessons program and are looking forward to our upcoming summer programs and full day workshops for kids and adults. We will also have live music starting soon on Saturday evenings under our newly built stand. We are looking forward to lots of fun and good memories at Cornerstone this summer” .
For more information, visit cornerstoneranch.org and follow Cornerstone Ranch LLC on Facebook and Instagram.