THE STORY OF THE HOTTEST CLINIC WEEKEND IN RECORDED HISTORY
In the blistering heat of a scorching summer weekend, the Magnificent Seven gathered for a clinic in an arena in Western Australia that felt more like the inside of an oven. For 2 days they were to be led by renowned trainer and showman Neville Jones who is either incredibly brave or slightly insane.
As the sun beat down mercilessly they armed themselves with an abundance of sunscreen and copious bottles of water and jockeyed for prime position under the shade trees as they braved the furnace like Perth February temperatures in pursuit of perfect circles, flawless transitions and trail triumphs.
The relentless heat tested the endurance of both handlers and their beloved horses. Some horses decided that now was the perfect time to showcase their best impression of a bucking bronco, while others opted for a more subtle approach, channeling their inner sloth and moving at a pace that could only be described as glacial.
Yet, amidst the waves of shimmering heat, an unbreakable bond formed between horse and handler. Sweat glistened on their eyelids (who knew you could sweat from your eyelids?) and brows and places they never knew they could sweat from as they navigated through trail obstacles completed perfect circles only fuelled by sheer determination and an unyielding love for their four-legged companions.
Undeterred by the unforgiving temperatures , Neville remained cool (well maybe not cool) and calm as he offered guidance and encouragement to the beleaguered Lungeline warriors. With each nugget of knowledge shared, the participants soaked up the information like parched earth drinking in rain. They pushed past their limits, striving for perfection in every circle, every jog over, every interaction with their equine partners.
In the end, despite the heat-induced delirium the clinic proved to be a resounding success. As the lungeline warriors emerged from the arena victorious after 2 days, exhaustion mingled with a sense of fulfillment. Though the heat had tested their resolve, it had also forged bonds that would endure long after the clinic had ended and fired (yes they literally felt like they were on fire) to put their new found skills to the test in the show areana.
And though they may have been slightly sunburned and thoroughly drained they knew that they had experienced a weekend that they would remember as one of the craziest (and most ridiculously enjoyable) and definitely most rewarding ever.