Granby, CT – July 2025 – In a sport that can often feel overly complicated, trainer and judge Geoff Case brought a refreshing return to fundamentals during his recent two-day clinic at Metro Stables. Through a thoughtful blend of flatwork and over-fences exercises, Case emphasized power, patience, and purposeful riding, guiding each rider to deliver more intentional rounds by the end.
“I think sometimes we do too much,” Case shared with riders. “It’s not about over-doing lateral work or sitting trot, it’s about doing it for six strides, then letting the horse go forward again. The on-and-off rhythm matters more than training it endlessly.”
The clinic opened with a back-to-basics approach that encouraged riders to look more deeply at their flatwork. Exercises at the walk, a gait Case described as “one of least often to be trained,” asked riders to engage their horse with purpose. Transitions into and out of sitting trot brought attention to engagement from the hind end and building impulsion. Even on day one, Case pushed riders to create a feeling of collected power underneath them.“A proper sitting trot should feel a little uncomfortable,” he said. “That’s how you know you’re generating the kind of energy in the hind end that you’ll need to create before a jump.”
Over fences on day one, Case challenged participants with a figure-8 gymnastic built from three fences, an opportunity to carry those same flatwork concepts into a jumping context. Riders worked to maintain rhythm and balance while addressing deep distances head-on, a hallmark of Case’s philosophy. “Don’t be afraid of the deep distance,” he said. “It’s the best way to teach your horse to jump well.”
The clinic’s impact was evident from the first day. “I rode a pretty young horse today that I haven’t had a ton of experience with,” said Olivia Ferro, assistant trainer and rider at Metro Stables. “Geoff was so awesome setting up these really great patterns that kind of work for everybody and challenge everyone in a different way. He taught me a lot and I had such a blast. I’m excited for tomorrow.”
By day two, riders showed noticeable progress. The flatwork featured repeated transitions from gallop to collection, and more refined execution of sitting trot in short, productive bursts. One group worked specifically on improving straightness through flying changes, while others focused on building connection and feel through subtle transitions of collection and extension.
“Sitting trot, walk work, gallop to collection, these aren’t just tools to check off a list,” Case reminded the group. “They’re building blocks, because a house without a foundation is going to fall down no matter how well you build it.”
To cap off day two of the clinic, riders tackled a parallel S-shaped bending line, demanding both strategic track and accurate pace. As always, Case rooted his instruction in real-world context. “Watch McLain ride,” he said. “He doesn’t run around the ring trying to shave time. He rides the right track, the one that lets him take fewer strides to the jump. That’s how he wins.”
Throughout both days, Case offered wisdom that resonated beyond the ring, emphasizing forward-thinking horses, deliberate aids, and letting go of the tendency to ride front-to-back. His message was clear: good riding starts with clear intention.“A horse that is thinking forward will make you successful in every ring,” Case said.
On riding with Case over the two days of the clinic, participant Jamie Cambi shared, “Geoff is amazing, super kind and helpful, with lots of good insight. The primary message he had for everybody was the work between the jumps. Don’t think so much about the distance. Get your track right, get your canter correct, and everything will come up for itself.”
Metro Stables provided a scenic and welcoming backdrop to the clinic, and Case expressed sincere gratitude for the riders, auditors, and hosts. “Huge thanks to Metro Stables for putting together such a dedicated group,” he said. “It’s been an inspiring weekend.”
