Special Memories

Mike Plumb - Olympic Gold Medalist
I had brought some bright young students full of try and really sound basics of riding to Mike Plumb because after having previously trained with him myself, I knew he was the at the top of his profession.  He was a character though, and never had a problem telling you what he thought.  When he saw my student Karen, a particularly young rider of thirteen he said to me, “Kay, did you not know this is an ADULT sport?” I informed him that this young lady had what it took because, you see, Mike was a fellow who would turn his back to you and send you home if you were not completely competent.

I am a big believer in prior preparation, and in advance of Mike's arrival to the clinic I asked my students to walk their horses around as well as in and out of the water.  They played and splashed and both horses and riders were plenty comfortable with the area and obstacles by the time Mike arrived.  Looking around at all the splashed water around even the big jumps, Mike commented, “Well, what do you need me for?”  However, the training was incredible and because the horses and riders were prepared in advance and therefore in a comfortable emotional state to receive the instruction, they improved loads day over day.  By the end of the three days, Mike was happy with our training, even calling the young Karen he had initially so objected over, “my little Eagle Eye”!