It's unanimous. Everyone I talked to who attended the Sport Horse Versatility (SHV) Clinic with Linda Hoover last weekend is pumped.

Our reasons for taking the clinic are about as varied as the colors of our horses, but everyone agrees that better relationships were forged with their horses as a result.

In my case, my mare had not been off the farm since last summer so I was looking for something low-key and fun to expose her to. I didn't want to take her off the trailer and have her under pressure to perform.

We started out with some of the easier obstacles like walking over tree branches laid on the ground. You get points off if your horse munches on the pine branches (which, of course, Kismet did). We walked over a tarp and a bridge to a tire where the horse was asked to place one foot in the tire -- no problem there.

One of the more challenging obstacles was walking under two poles with streamers hanging down from an overhead rail.

Randy Jackson was part of my group, and here is what she had to say about her experience with her horse Eastwood, a 25-year-old Appendix quarterhorse:

"Linda emphasizes the practicality of learning to maneuver diverse obstacles, not just conquering them, but understanding the mechanics of putting different parts of the horse's body where we need it to go, while getting his mind to agree calmly to go there. SHV will definitely make any riding that we do, especially trail riding, safer and more comfortable for both horse and rider."

Mike McBrayer took part in both days of the two-day clinic with his walking horses.

"Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't teach an old dog new tricks," he said. "I have been to all of the workshops with my trail horse and a retired show stallion. Not only has Linda done wonders for the horses, she has taught me how to ride the right way -- the way that both my horses and I enjoy. I see so many people afraid of their horses. Riders could have so much more fun just learning some of the little corrections which help soften the horse and make him more controllable."

Becca Vick had four horses in the clinic.

"Linda is an exceptional teacher, and I think SHV is a great step forward toward making our horses safer, better partners," Vick said. "I see so many people who come into the sport a little later in life, and a lot of times they have had bad experiences and deal with a lot of fear in their riding. Sport Horse Versatility gives riders and horses tools for dealing with real life situations, and it really promotes bonding and communication with the horses.

"I feel much closer to my partners and completely empowered after tackling an obstacle course together and knowing that we came through it safely and softly. It's an incredible confidence builder for the horses and the riders. I hope more people will get involved and take advantage of such a wonderful resource."

Hoover thought the clinic went well, bringing benefit to both horse and rider.

"I see so much good coming out of the clinics and the shows," she said. "Horses are getting more exposure and thus are more relaxed. Riders are thinking more. Everyone wins."

Come on out and join the fun.

Patricia Smith can be reached by e-mail at fotobytocco@vbbi.us.?