Services - Competition Program

Philosophy – Every rider is an individual at Westar Farms and Jeff McKessock collaborates with each one to define what personal success means for them. It is this level of commitment that contributes to each competitor achieving their goals. It is no wonder that Westar riders have such a reputation for excellence! No Westar rider enters a show ring until they are capable of a safe performance and personal success. Before competing for the first time, riders will have attended shows as grooms and helpers, giving them the opportunity to see and feel the horse show atmosphere and gain the confidence of knowing what to expect.

 

 

Competitive Training Program

Dressage is the foundation of all training at Westar Farms from the beginners through to the national level competitors. This strong flatwork foundation helps build better skills over the jumps with all students progressing based on the principles of balance of horse and rider. Our competitive students today are Hunter, Equitation and Jumper riders. Most either board their horse with us or lease one of the Westar horses. Some students keep their horses at home and ship in for lessons and clinics. More experienced riders get the opportunity to work with the green horses as well as with the competitive horses. This provides a well-rounded ability to progress both their riding and horse training skills. Students will usually take more lessons and/or lease a horse or pony on which to practice and compete as they progress towards their competitive goals.

Year Round Training

During the winter months the Westar competition program focuses on building new skills with flat work and gymnastic exercises. As show season approaches, the focus shifts to pattern rehearsals and fine tuning of skills. Through the busy months of competition, we reinforce the skills already learned and work to maintain top form. At the end of the show season horses and riders enjoy some down time and then return to the flatwork training to start a new cycle.

Riders and horses usually begin their competitive careers at home with our monthly in-house show clinics over the winter. Clinics are geared to specific levels i.e. Short Stirrups/Introduction to Showing; Intermediate/Advanced Hunter and then Jumpers with the clinics being offered on different days. When ready to ‘leave the nest’ the first step is the Bronze (formerly called Primary) level of horse shows. These shows are all local and run classes geared toward novice or intermediate riders and ‘green’ (novice) horses or those in a school program. Riders then progress to the Silver (Provincial ~ formerly called Trillium) level. These shows are still local, but the ability of the riders and horses is little more advanced and competitors at this level may work toward qualifying for the provincial finals. Experienced and accomplished competitors may progress to the Gold level where shows are hosted across Ontario and Quebec and riders have the opportunity to qualify for national finals.

Competitive Lessons

Competitive students participate in the Intermediate and Advanced Group programs where 4-5 students train together. These lessons are organized into packages of four lessons (once per week) and are available at a cost $180/package (plus tax). Lessons and training sessions are discounted for Boarders and Half-Boarders. Semi Private and Private lessons are also available.

Show Services

Planning -- Jeff McKessock works with each rider to select the competitions that will best help that individual meet their competitive and development goals. Annual and seasonal planning allows both the horse and rider to develop the skills and fitness required to get the most enjoyment out of competition and training.

Trailering -- can be booked to horse shows, clinics or other activities and events.

Coaching -- at shows is available to students who train and/or board at Westar as well as those who ship in for lessons. Coaching may be available to students not in a regular lesson program on a case-by-case basis depending on Jeff’s availability and the number of students at the show.