Robert Taylor, equestrian coach of national and international mounted games teams, national-level eventing rider and instructor of carriage driving, came to teach in Los Alamos April 13.
 

“It always amazes me that such top-ranked instructors are willing to come and teach us out here in the relative wilds of New Mexico,” said Nancy Ambrosiano, one of the visit coordinators. “But they seem to love the adventure of coming to Northern New Mexico, working with our diverse range of riders, and they get a tour of our historic community, which is always a boost.”

Invited by the adult “Horsemasters” group affiliated with Los Alamos Pony Club (a member club of United States Pony Clubs, Inc.), Taylor worked with both youth and adult riders on both jumping and mounted games techniques, delighting all with his humor and insight.

“It isn’t too often that one gets to ride with a top trainer anywhere, much less in remote NM, so I was extraordinarily grateful to Los Alamos Pony Club and the Horsemasters for bringing Robert to our mesa,” said participant Kirsten Fox. “Having ridden with Taylor before, I’ve watched how he is equally encouraging with young newbies and advanced riders alike. What a wonderful experience!”

Morning jumping sessions were held out at the North Mesa jump arena, but with the midday blast of wind gusts, the program moved to the indoor multipurpose arena so the clinic didn’t have to be cancelled.

Los Alamos County staff had previously worked on retexturing the footing in the arena over the year since its construction, and the overall review was very positive. The combination of shelter from the incoming storm, and the outstanding footing, made the site ideal for an international-level coach’s work.