Well-known competitor conducts clinic at Ash Stables

Cindy Sydnor, a renowned name in the world of dressage, conducted a clinic at Andrea Sirrenberg-Hunt's Ash Stables at White House Farm this weekend.

Sydnor, who has distinguished herself as an international competitor and in a number of different capacities within the sport, imparted her knowledge with the horsemen participating in the clinic and those spectators who came to learn through observation.

"We've had a great response from auditors and people who are interested in coming to watch," said Sirrenberg-Hunt, who said Sydnor brings a wealth of experience as an instructor, trainer, competitor, official and judge. "She places a great deal of emphasis on the training basics of straightness and suppleness. She's able to work with the training horse, the 3- and 4-year-old, the green horse and the Grand Prix horse and is able to refine a movement."

Sirrenberg-Hunt has high praise for Sydnor, who was long-listed for the 1976 U.S. Olympic Dressage Team and by the United States Equestrian Team for several years. Sydnor continues to compete.

"She likes to work with people and has a real connection with the people who she works with," said Sirrenberg-Hunt.

Sydnor was flattered to be asked to conduct the clinic, and she and Sirrenberg-Hunt have a mutual friend in Vermont. She is based at her Braeburn Farm in Snow Camp, N.C.

"I ride, I teach, I compete, I'm an examiner for the USDF Instructor Certification Program," said Sydnor. "We're trying to institute a certification for dressage instructors. In Europe you have to go through a very rigorous training program."

She was an eventer as a teenager prior to directing her energies toward dressage, and competed at the preliminary and intermediate Three Day level. Sydnor is a USDF "R" judge in addition to being an examiner for the USDF Instructor Certification Program.

Sydnor will return for additional clinics in the series on March 14 and 15 and May 2 and 3.

For more information about the clinics, call Ash Stables 643-7006 or (603) 608-7844, or visit www.ashstables.com.