Regina Welsh and Richard Valentine provide advice to young riders.
Twelve young riders, including at least two with impressive steeplechase legacies, received a fun short course in race riding at the Springdale Course in Camden, S.C.
Sponsored by the National Steeplechase Foundation (NSF) and conducted by Regina Welsh, the two-hour seminar focused on hands-on horsemanship and safety along with some jumping and a bit of fast uphill work.
Welsh, who regularly conducts young-rider seminars and organizes both the summer rider boot camp and the NSF’s Ireland experience, began with the basics of flat work, worked through body position, and then provided guidance on jumping in a race.
Assisting in the event was Richard Valentine, a leading steeplechase trainer and NSF board member.
Among those participating were Taylor Kingsley, daughter of trainer Arch Kingsley Jr., and Eliza Edwards, daughter of Toby Edwards. Kingsley is a retired leading rider who trained Sue Sensor’s Top Striker to victory in the 2016 Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup (Gr. 1).
Edwards, a former jockey and a trainer, is involved in race-meet management for National Steeplechase Association events.
Also observing the instructional session were owner Sensor and trainer Lilith Boucher.